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PAUL JAMES (PAVEL KRC)

Date of Passing: Jun 25, 2003

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PAUL JAMES (PAVEL KRC) June 25, 2003 With twenty dollars in his pocket and a pair of skates, Pavel came to this country from Slovakia and forged a dream. First playing professional hockey with the Winnipeg Jets, then moving on to found his own company, Vatra Industries Ltd. in 1994 - all before the age of 30. Pavel used his success in sports and business for the benefit of those around him; making it possible for many of his employees to purchase their first homes by providing downpayments or financial assistance for their families - many of whom were new to this country. His word was his bond; as quick as he was to make a promise, he was equally quick to deliver on it. He was generous with his time - and how long he knew you had nothing to do with how far he would extend himself if you needed him. He loved to give; and did it indiscriminately and with an open heart expecting nothing in return. Simple pleasures made him happiest - like pulling his baby daughter Nadya in her wagon. He was a devoted father to her and often spoke of the powerful bond he felt between them even when they were apart. He was a great friend. His encouragement and his belief inspired his friends to believe in themselves as much as he did. He exemplified kindness and selflessness. With his passing, he leaves us a legacy: that we accept no limit in our capacity to give of ourselves. If we can do this, with both hands open as Pavel did, his life will have taught us well. In our love, your spirit lives.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2003

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

  • You’re sudden departure has left everybody saddened and in grief for you. Paul you were a very generous and compassionate person willing to help out anyone that asked.. may you be soaring with the angels and resting in peace my brother till we meet again … Amen Paul.. - Posted by: Barry Hrabchak (Freind and business colleuge ) on: Jun 02, 2023

  • Hi Paul still thinking of you - Posted by: Peter (friend) on: Dec 15, 2022

  • My little brother Paul, it's been 17 years and I still can't understand, I believe in justice and your departure will be clarified. December is coming, your birthday, you should be a beautiful 55 years old. I need you, I miss you very much every day, in my heart forever - Posted by: Renata Bokorova (sister (nana)FB) on: Oct 23, 2020

  • Paul My Dear Friend...this is the first time I write on you Obituary..You were and are always in My Heart. I miss you my Friend....More than anyone knows. Till We Meet Again...Love You! Tony - Posted by: Tony (Friends) on: Aug 07, 2020

  • Paľo, as we called him, used to come to my place and asked me to help him with English. I did and never wondered what he would need it for. He disappeared and I only learnt later he emigrated to Canada and passed away young. Only today I found this page on the internet. Let me share this story with you: My birthday is in January. Pavel didn't know about it. It must have been my 17th birthday when he came to my house for another of his English lessons. I was having a party and when he found out why, he excused himself and reappeared some 10 minutes later with a bunch of red carnations. It was impossible to get flowers after working hours of flower shops in the 80s in then Czechoslovakia. When, utterly surprised, I asked where did he get them from, he just smiled mysteriously. I realized he must have taken them from somewhere illegally. Well, there was a Lenin statue in a square near the place I lived and Lenin's birthday was in January, too...The apparatchiks would lay flowers to memorials at anniversaries. If he was caught at the deed, he might have ended up in prison for a political delict with unforeseeable consequences. A kind and modest lad he was back then and must have remained one, as I see from the memories here. May he RIP. - Posted by: Gabriela Babulíková (a friend from Soovakis) on: Dec 27, 2019

  • I love you always. Wonderful memories we had.❤ - Posted by: Michelle (Your mikella) on: Sep 27, 2019

  • 16 years now R.I.P PAUL miss you - Posted by: Moe (Friend) on: Jun 25, 2019

  • Still missing you buddy - Posted by: Peter (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2019

  • I loved to watch you skate on the creek. That is the memory of you I choose to remember....you at ease and so graceful on the ice. Dane has your hockey bag and he always took it with him on his hockey journies. You would have loved him. Rest easy my friend. - Posted by: Gail () on: May 06, 2017

  • Today is your day without you, 2015 5.12, your 50, Happy Birthday Paul, I miss you. - Posted by: Renata (sister) on: Dec 05, 2015

  • I miss you every day! - Posted by: Tina Chartrand () on: Oct 18, 2015

  • The worlds has never been the same. Miss you - Posted by: Peter (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • I love you and always will.. until we meet again..xox - Posted by: Michelle Martel (Ex Girlfriend) on: Jun 10, 2014

  • I miss you my friend...I loved you and still do...I remember the times and fun and arguments we had..lol...we were brothers from a different upbringing...but still brothers...I will see you again...promise - Posted by: Dana Tyler (Friend...employee) on: Jun 04, 2014

  • je tazke pre mna zit s pocitom ze som ostala sama Palko, velmi my chybas, kazdy den a coraz viac. Aj nas otec uz odisiel, nezvladal to bez teba.Verim,ze raz sa dozvieme pravdu o tvojom nepochopitelnom odchode. - Posted by: Renata Bokorova (sestra) on: Jan 01, 2014

  • I have found out about Pavel's passing away just 15 minutes ago. Several years, time to time I tried to contact Pavel on his company's phone. Today, 5 Dec. 2013 I opened internet and carefully read all Vatra Industries sites and suddenly rich Paul James Obituary. I met with Pavel 3 or 4 times when I traveled to Winnipeg to Vatra Industries for technical service of his heavy Hydraulic Machinery. We used with him English and some Russian language. Pavel told me his history in Canada. How he played NHL, how he met first time his parents since he left Czechoslovakia, about opening business. Pavel had a dream to open Hockey School in Winnipeg and invite his former Hockey trainer from Czechoslovakia. I will remember Pavel as very nice man, who loved life, earnest, friendly, intelligent, hard working. Yakov Cohen - Posted by: Yakov Cohen (Friend) on: Dec 05, 2013

  • i said it all above, and now, in 2013, mean every word still. i only hope that nadya, when she's ready, will be curious to know us so that we can share with her our love and memories of you. i miss you still. i miss you always. your "Pola" - Posted by: pamela sinha (ex girlfriend of 2 years and author of this obituary) on: Jul 04, 2013

  • kazdy den od rana do vecera pozeram na dvere ked sa otvoria a vidim ta vchadzat,stale cakam ze zakricis to bol zart sestra, je to 10 rokov a neverim ze si odisiel,cakam ta PAUL. Dakujem vsetkym co vspomynate na Paula,Dakujem - Posted by: Renata Bokorova (sestra) on: Jun 29, 2013

  • I will never forget your AMAZING blue eyes. You have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. You truly were an AMAZING WONDERFUL SOUL. You are the most generous and kind person I have ever met. You have my heart forever. - Posted by: Tracey Ehnes () on: Jan 30, 2013

  • Paul I miss you everyday, I can't wait till we are together again. I Love You with all my heart. - Posted by: Tracey Ehnes (Ex Girlfriend) on: Jan 26, 2013

  • My brother who I miss and still do to this day. - Posted by: Dana Tyler (my best friend) on: Dec 28, 2012

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