Paul passed peacefully in his sleep on April 26, 2023. He was predeceased in 2012 by his wife of 60 years June Irene. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Susan, Janna, Ann and Maureen: grandchildren Teresa, James, Harry, Melody and Mary Jessica: great grandchildren Gunnar and Olive. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.
Paul was a true Vancouverite, born and bred. He was raised in Shaughnessy, attended Vancouver College and graduated from UBC with a B.A. in English and Commerce. He was an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity for years and had many lifelong friends from that brotherhood. He joined the family business, Burns Leather Goods, which was started by his father in 1911, after he graduated from UBC. He successfully increased this carriage trade business from one to four locations over the next 40 years.
Always an avid traveller and lover of nature, he spent his retired years between Welcome Beach on the Sunshine Coast, Kaanapali Beach on Maui, and travelling the world with June on many cruises and excursions. The only continent he never experienced, but still wanted to, was Antarctica. The problem was the cruises were all around Christmas, and he wouldn't miss the family holidays!
A funeral Mass will be held for Paul at 11 A.M. on July 11, 2023 at Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church at 5251 Joyce Street, Vancouver, B.C. In Lieu of flowers, donations to Covenant House, 1302 Seymour Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3P3, will be gratefully accepted.