May 12, 1962 - April 9, 2025
In loving memory ~
The family of Paul Burns is heartbroken to announce his passing at 62 on April 9, 2025, in Salmo BC after a 9-month battle with cancer. A battle he fought with his trademark positivity and courage.
Paul was born on May 12, 1962, in East York Ontario to Betty Roy and Martin Burns. He was a happy child filled with optimism and positive energy, traits he carried throughout his life. His parents separated and when he was 9 his mom moved him and several of his siblings to P.E.I. There his adventurous soul took off and he explored the countryside and beaches. He worked on a neighbouring farm learning to bale hay and credited this experience with his lifelong strong work ethic.
As a young teen he was again on the move this time to the opposite side of the country to White Rock, BC. At 13 he got his first job with Penguin Meat Supply and he spoke of this experience for the rest of his life. Being a thoughtful and generous son, he insisted on giving his mom half his pay to help her make ends meet. While others may have been disgruntled at leaving friends and moving from here to there, Paul never was. He was grateful. He travelled Canada twice by train and was appreciative of everything these childhood experiences taught him.
In his later teens Paul dropped out of school and moved to Alberta to find his riches in the oil patch. He married young and although the relationship didn't last, it gave him 3 beautiful children that meant the world to him. At 29 he met his future wife Elke and after a few years together in Alberta, the family, along with Elke's two sons, moved to Nelson BC. Paul was industrious. He ran his own maintenance company. For a time, he operated a commercial kitchen making and supplying organic foods to various outlets which then turned into owning a small restaurant known for its delicious homemade soups and gourmet sandwiches. He thoroughly enjoyed these experiences and was completely in his element. At various times during his life, he was a professional meat cutter, and he returned to this trade going back to his Penguin Meat Supply roots. Paul became a grandfather at 42 while still raising his youngest child. At the time of his passing that number had increased to 8 beautiful grandchildren all of whom he adored. At 53 he obtained his GED, took a college course to operate heavy equipment and found lucrative employment in Fort McMurray Alberta traveling between there and home. He loved his work and the people he met. Was known as the "candy man" for passing out chocolate bars to provide a lift during long shifts.
Paul was a joy to be around. He exuded positive energy and was full of life, love and optimism. Everyone he met loved his happy outgoing nature. Always a laugh or a joke and a big smile. Kind and generous beyond means. Not one to worry in life and will forever be remembered for his infamous "it'll be fine". He loved music and karaoke and had wicked dance moves. Could sing with the best of them. Taught himself to play bass guitar and practiced diligently. Thoroughly enjoyed golf and cruising in his Mazda Miata. His ability to create gourmet meals on a campfire is unsurpassed along with his boy scout skills in the outdoors where his appreciation of nature excelled. Paul loved to cook and bake, pastry being his specialty. He had a strong bond with dogs and cats and spoiled them relentlessly with continuous pats and treats. He loved cars and could name every make, year and model instantly. He was artistic and loved to paint and draw leaving behind beautiful pieces of art for us to treasure. Really, it seemed there was nothing Paul couldn't do, and he did it all with a big happy smile on his beautiful face. He was a fantastic husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, coworker and friend and his passing has created a void that will never be filled. He was the heart of our family.
Paul leaves behind his loving wife Elke. Children Nigel (Sophia), Jessica and Misha. Stepsons Justin and Ryan (Lyn). Grandchildren Tatum, Jayden, Adeline, Libby, Ymira, Isaac, Ivy and Gage. Brothers Colin (Donna), Bill and Damian. Stepbrother Glen. Twin sister Nancy (Mike) and sisters Cathy (George), Maggi, and Sharon (Barry). Sisters-in-law Sherry, Tina and Carmen. Aunt Mary Lou and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Betty and Martin, father and mother-in-law Al and Henny, brothers Pat, Mike and Mark and brother-in-law Ralph.
The family would like to thank all the homecare staff and home health nurses for their compassionate and excellent care which enabled Paul to remain and pass at home. We would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses, oncologists and various health care professionals that helped and cared for Paul throughout his journey.
A celebration of life will be held and announced at a later time.
For more information and to leave a message of condolence, please see the Thompson Funeral Service website at https://www.thompsonfs.ca