DOCTOR FERDINAND DAVID PAULS (FERD)

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DOCTOR FERDINAND DAVID PAULS
October 21, 1934 - March 21, 2021

Ferdinand David Pauls, born October 21, 1934, went to be with his Lord March 21, 2021, at the age of 86.
Ferd is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Ruth, and children, Ferd (Tammy), Joel (Sara) and Merril (Karen). Ferd was blessed with grandchildren, Ferdinand Sean (Jodi), Hannah and Josh, Nathaniel and Melissa, and Alex. Great-grandchildren are Andrew, Sam and Ben. Ferd was predeceased by his sisters, Hilda Sawatzky and Elsa Koop, and brothers, Wally and Ernest. John Sawatzky is Ferd's surviving brother-in-law.
Ferd graduated from the University of Manitoba with his M.D. in 1958, the same year he married Ruth Neufeld. In 1960 they travelled to the Belgian Congo with the Mennonite Brethren Church. Ferd established a nursing school and provided medical services. He delivered many babies - including his own sons, Ferdinand II (1962) and Joel (1964). In 1967 the family travelled back to Canada where Ferd completed studies in Obstetrics and his youngest son Merril was born. In 1970 Ferd was invited back to the country now called Zaire - to become Medical Director for Maternity at the largest hospital in the capital city.
The family returned to Winnipeg in 1974 and Ferd began to work at the Manitoba Clinic. Despite a heavy workload, there was time for family meals, long car trips, and the many activities of three sons. One constant was the Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, where Ferd served in many different capacities.
When Ferd retired from delivering babies, he moved on to medical administration. He was Chief Medical Officer of Seven Oaks Hospital, CMO at Grace Hospital, and worked with Regional Health Authorities throughout the province. He worked with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada on international projects in Haiti, Kosovo and Congo. The Kosovo project was very close to Ferd's heart and he travelled to the area on many occasions. He was awarded the Doctors Manitoba Dr. Jack Armstrong Humanitarian Award in 2007.
Ferd's love of tennis lasted his entire life, and he played into his 70s at the Taylor Tennis Club and Clear Lake. For over 30 years, the end of the summer was marked by a family trip to Clear Lake - watching tennis, swimming outdoors no matter the weather, paddle boating no matter how windy, family suppers at TR McKoy's, and s'mores at the campfire.
Ferd and Ruth moved to Sterling House in 2018. The excellent staff made Ferd's last years comfortable and enjoyable. Ferd made many new friends and enjoyed many meaningful conversations. Family meals and gatherings at Sterling House were a highlight.
Ferd faced his medical challenges with courage and dignity. His faith sustained him, and he was an amazing example to his family and friends. We are grateful to the nurses and doctors at the Health Sciences Centre COVID ward, and Riverview Health Centre who provided him with excellent care.
"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)"
Donations in memory of Dr. Ferd Pauls may be made to the Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission International Central Council (aimmint.org)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 03, 2021