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PAUL HARLAND
1962 - 2023
Paul died on February 5, 2023, in a tragic accident. The words that describe Paul are many. Larger than life, gregarious, kind, a gentleman, fun loving, supportive, a role model, inspiring, a prankster, selfless, joyful, intelligent, friendly, accepting, competitive, loving, encouraging, an amazing father and a great friend. Paul had that special quality that made you want to be around him and he made you feel important and valued. Paul had a love of life and the people he shared it with. He saw the best in everyone, he was always present and could be counted upon unconditionally.
Paul was committed to his family and stayed home to care for his children long before it was fashionable for men to be involved with the care of their family. He gave his children a childhood full of love and adventure and taught them the importance of hard work and kindness. He led them to believe that they could do anything they set their minds to and encouraged them to ignore traditional gender constraints.
When his children were old enough, Paul returned to university to complete a second degree, this time in Education. Paul then had an opportunity to guide and encourage children as a teacher at Bruce and Ness Middle Schools. He enjoyed his students immensely and found joy and fun with them on a daily basis. Paul had an excellent sense of humour and liked to joke and play good-natured pranks. Paul would encourage his students to "commit" to something - anything at all, because he knew that from committing to a task, a team or learning a new concept they would build skill, confidence and ability. Paul lived his own life by commitment - putting his whole heart into whatever he chose to take on.
Paul excelled at sports and every team he was part of was better for having him on it. He also regularly volunteered to coach his children's sports teams. Eric, Claire and Stephanie could count on their father's technically expert, encouraging and fun coaching style to build a community and a winning team. His enthusiasm and love of sports was contagious; he made a positive impact on many young athletes. In addition to coaching his own children's teams, Paul volunteered his time and expertise to many other teams in a variety of sports.
Paul was always willing to help others at a moment's notice and he often helped without being asked - seeing the need and responding. He used his super-human strength to lift others up. He was always there to support his family and anyone that needed him.
Paul had many skills and was equally comfortable renovating a kitchen as he was cooking in one. He loved sharing his cooking and baking with family and friends. When you could not possibly eat any more and declined another helping, he would jokingly ask, "What, you don't like my food"?
Paul also excelled intellectually, he was an avid reader and most recently he began playing online chess and moved up the international chess rankings quickly. He enjoyed canoe trips with his cousins and any member of his immediate family that was brave or crazy enough to join them.
Paul's immediate family includes his wife and best friend of almost 40 years, Elizabeth; daughter Stephanie and her husband Michael and their daughter Abigail; daughter Claire; son Eric and his wife Jamie. His "favourite and most good-looking child" Gus the pug misses him very much as well.
Paul's emails ended with a quote from Mary Oliver which asked, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Paul lived his one wild and precious life to the fullest, leaving behind a wake of joy, positivity, kindness and love. We miss him so much.
Please join us in celebrating Paul's life on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Dr., Winnipeg. The celebration will also be available on ZOOM. Details to be available at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2023
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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This is my personal story about Paul. When Eric was playing Colt Rugby (ask him to do the math) I was coaching and Paul was a just parent that came by from time to time. I did know a bit about Paul as he was involved in youth rugby but I really didn’t know him very well. It came to pass that summer that I got badly hurt (you have one guess how) and I was no longer very mobile. My coaching partner had also gone AWOL. Without being prompted Paul eventually asked if I could use some help. The answer being yes Paul most certainly juggled his busy schedule and started coming out regularly. He also did not take over but legitimately helped. This of course will surprise no one as this was very much in Paul’s character. Many calls and emails went back and forth between us and I got to know Paul better that summer. I had thanked Paul many times but now I am publicly thanking him for being there not only when I needed help but also for the positive impact he had on all of the Colt players. - Posted by: Tim Holmes (Rugby ) on: Mar 13, 2023
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Paul is like no one ever. I can still see that shock of red hair and glowing, ruddy complexion, Paul on his driveway, always stopping whatever he was doing to chat, hearing him chuckle at everything, appreciating his big smile, his great kindness and the helping hand he continuously extended to all of us lucky enough to be his neighbours and friends. I’m so sorry for your saddest of losses, Elizabeth. Deepest sympathy Stephanie, Claire and Eric; Tim, Scott, and all your families. The Rainbow comes and goes, And lovely is the Rose, The Moon doth with delight Look round her when the heavens are bare, Waters on a starry night Are beautiful and fair; The sunshine is a glorious birth; But yet I know, where'er I go, That there hath past away a glory from the earth. ~ William Wordsworth - Posted by: Sara Mosher (Friend & Neighbour) on: Mar 08, 2023
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April and I had the pleasure of knowing Paul and the family back in the early 90's. Solid man with a big heart. We were sad to hear of his passing. Love and prayers to Elizabeth and all the family. Greg Welter - Posted by: Greg Welter (Old neighbor ) on: Mar 04, 2023
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Below is the ZOOM sign in information for the Celebration of Life/Memorial for Paul Harland on Saturday March 11, 2023 at Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive, Winnipeg, MB. Zoom information: Time: Mar 11, 2023 01:30 PM Winnipeg Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82552783244... Meeting ID: 825 5278 3244 Passcode: 571666 For those attending in person, there is limited parking on site at Westwood Community Church. The church is in a residential area so street parking is available, however there are some parking restrictions on the streets. - Posted by: Elizabeth Ptasznik (wife and best friend) on: Mar 04, 2023
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My thoughts and prayers are with your family. - Posted by: Linda Asper (Kay’s friend) on: Mar 01, 2023
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I was so sorry to read this very sad news. The obituary is beautiful, and makes me wish I knew your dad. It's clear he was an amazing person who made quite an impact. In particular, I will take inspiration from his advice to "commit" to something. I can imagine how that was a powerful message for so many students. Stephanie, I'm thinking of you and your family at what must be a terribly hard and sad time. - Posted by: Elizabeth Mitchell (friend of Stephanie from law school) on: Mar 01, 2023
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We thought very hughly of Paul in our Saturday night social curling league. He will fondly be remembered as the man who swept his own rocks :) He was a kind mentor with us newbies, and his gift for educating was evident. We are better curlers because of his advice and patience, and better human beings for having known him. - Posted by: Aleethia Mackay (Fort Rouge Curling Club ) on: Feb 26, 2023
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Paul was an exceptionally good teacher and coach. He intuitively understood the power of humor in guiding pupils toward deeper understanding and knowledge. Paul possessed an extensive repertoire of witty retorts and gentle rebuttals, all of which he skillfully used in the art of educating young people. He was particularly fond of correcting errant students and players with the quip, "my mistake, your fault." Throughout his all-too-short life, Paul the man, made far fewer mistakes than most of us do. As a friend, he was faultless. Raymond Skett - Posted by: Raymond Skett (Friend and Colleague) on: Feb 26, 2023
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I was fortunate to be on staff at Bruce Middle School with Paul from 2001 to 2006. As with so many others, l mourn his passing. What I remember most is Paul's sense of humour and constant smile. He was just one of those people whose company one enjoyed. As the resource teacher at Bruce, I got to visit Paul's classroom on occasion. The respect and admiration of his students was quite evident. The engagement between Paul and his students was simply a given. There was a a constant hive of activity in his classroom. That is how I will remember Paul. It was my honour to have been his colleague. He will be missed. - Posted by: Sheldon Goldberg (Colleague) on: Feb 25, 2023
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Sincere condolences on the tragic passing of Paul. His very eloquent obituary speaks highly of a bigger than life individual who was always willing to lend a hand and share his immense knowledge. Our very best wishes to the entire family as they cope with this very sad circumstance. Paul Batchelor on behalf the CFB Curling League and AMCC Stick League. - Posted by: Paul Batchelor (Family Acquaintance) on: Feb 25, 2023
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So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He was a treasured Board Member of the Retired Teachers' Association of Manitoba (RTAM). We will miss his input into our organization. On behalf of the RTAM Board and Membership, I extend condolences to all family members and friends of Paul. May you all gain comfort in your many good memories of time spent with Paul. - Posted by: Linda Blair (RTAM President) on: Feb 25, 2023
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My deepest condolences to Paul's family. I remember Paul as one of the kindest, funniest, liveliest, and most generous people, and it's hard to believe he is gone. Paul, Betty, Claire, Stephanie, and Eric came to visit our home in Alberta around the later 2000s. I remember Paul, like a coach organizing a team, getting all three of his kids to help me with my paper route, which they helped me complete in record time. He was also the most enthusiastic proponent of something my mom called "freezer frenzy." This is a time each year when the contents of the freezer are cleared out and artfully combined into a variety of meals. To my knowledge, Paul still holds the record as freezer frenzy's biggest fan! He really was larger than life. All the best to his family in this hard time. - Posted by: Emily Haines (daughter of friends to Betty and Paul, Gerry and Lucy Haines) on: Feb 25, 2023
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Trish and I were shaken to hear this news. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Liz and the entire family. Our memories of Paul are all layered with the admiration we felt for his 'living of his life to the fullest with love humour and encouragement for everyone he touched'. Our time spent coaching our kids together is so precious to me. I'm not sure he knew how much I admired him and strived to follow his lead. Truly an honour to have shared that time and learn from him. Still a guiding light. I spent a lifetime playing contact sports. I took many hits but none that compares to the crushing blow he laid on me when we faced off against each other in rugby at Sturgeon Creek. I had the ball...and then I didn't. A Mack truck had snuck on the field and run over me. I laid on the field trying to figure out what had happened. I looked up and there was Paul standing over me...smiling down....chuckling...then helping me up and making sure my body and brain were still functioning...and saying 'I'm sorry Harv but you had your head down!'. Then laughing over it with post game beverages. I remember it like it was yesterday. Still hurts!! We will miss him. He was a gem. One of a kind. We can all learn from his character. We are sad that we are out of town for his service. Again we send our love to the Entire family. Harv & Trish - Posted by: Harvey & Trish Downes (Friends) on: Feb 25, 2023
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The family’s tribute so beautifully describes the Paul we knew too. We always felt so welcome and cared for in all the times we spent at Elizabeth and Paul’s home when our kids were growing up. Paul always had time for us, whatever we each were involved in, and our kids (Emily, Chris, Grace, Lucas) all share those memories, of being seen and valued. he had a special way about him—a kind, generous, sometimes silly, happy, life-loving man. Just a beautiful soul we were privileged to know. From showing us what was growing in the garden out back, to sharing his delicious dinners or his Calvin and Hobbs books with our kids, Paul helped us relax and just be, whenever we visited. Gerry and I were reminiscing about being at Elizabeth and Paul’s wedding, all those decades ago. Even though he’s gone much too soon, I’m grateful for having had Paul and Elizabeth’s warm friendship through the years.. in our hearts, they are family, Paul was our family too, and will be forever missed. His wonderful legacy is in all whose lives he touched, especially Elizabeth, Stephanie, Claire and Eric. - Posted by: Lucy Haines (Friend) on: Feb 25, 2023