Paul passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side after a recent battle with cancer and a major stroke five years ago.
Paul was born to Raymond and Madeline MacDonald in Vancouver and was the oldest brother to Dennis and Fabian. Paul was an excellent athlete and played both football and track & field and graduated from Vancouver College in 1965. He was one of the 2,500 charter students that attended SFU when it opened in 1965. Paul graduated from SFU in 1969 with a Commerce and Economics degree and was a stockbroker for four years. Desiring a career change, Paul became a teacher and taught for 36 years in Langley, Grades 4 & 5, primarily at Langley Fundamental Elementary. Paul loved teaching children, helping to not only develop their academic and athletic skills, but more importantly their character, work ethic, and self-belief in their ability to rise to any challenge. Paul had a passion for seeing his students succeed and encouraged his students to never be afraid of making mistakes and always try their best at everything.
Paul married Deanna on Nov. 11, 1972, moved to Langley from Vancouver, and they enjoyed 49 years together raising six children. Paul was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, uncle and grandad and always put his family first. Paul exemplified a strong work ethic and was always eager to serve and help others. He was an avid reader who loved to travel and learn about BC history. Paul loved praising his children as they tried new endeavors, giving encouragement to all their diverse abilities and talents.
Paul had a very deep faith and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Langley for 49 years where he developed many close friendships.
The family expresses our deepest thanks to Dr. Peter Methven, Dr. Preeti Bolina, and the wonderful caregivers at Rosemary Heights Seniors Village for their compassion and excellent care. Our heartfelt thanks for the love and support of Paul’s many friends who visited him frequently over the past 5 years during his stay at Rosemary Heights Seniors Village.
Paul will be dearly missed and is survived by his wife Deanna and their six children Christa, Mark, Peter (Hyun Jung), John (Jackie), Matthew (Megan), Angela (Steve), and eight grandchildren Jessica, Alex, Logan, Kamran, Kevin, Zack, Nya, Ben, and his two brothers Dennis and Fr. Fabian as well as extended family and friends.
The Prayer Vigil is 7 pm. on Sept. 13, and the Funeral Mass is 10 am on Sept. 14, both at
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (20676 Fraser Hwy, Langley). The Graveside Service will be at
2:30 pm at Gardens of Gethsemani (15694 32 Ave, Surrey).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Langley ( https://stjosephlangley.com/giving ) or Canadian Food for Children BC (via mail to 3218 224 ST, Langley, BC V2Z 2G8).