Paul Carl Meger peacefully passed away at the age of 90 on Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 at Simcoe Hospice in Barrie Ontario.
Paul left a lasting positive impression on anyone who had the good fortune to meet him. The world has lost an extremely special soul. He is together again with the love of his life, Betty, who left us in May 2004.
Paul left behind,
Son: Gary (Debra). Grandchildren: James (Amber), Jeremy, Jayemson and Jillian; Heather Gardiner (Stephen); Elizabeth Cawley (Anne); Danielle Hill (Ryan).
Daughter: Debra (Ralph Alexander). Grandchildren: Melanie D’Alessandro (Michael), Nicholas & Elle; Rory Scott (Lee Ann), Alana, Kayla, Isobel & Matthew; Natalie Scott (Adam Radocchia), Wynter; Ashley Zimmers (Eric) Luke & Mark.
Daughter: Sue Weidmark (Vic). Grandchildren Jody Jeremy (Pete Von Zuben) Mariah, Braedon, Jayce & Carter; Paul (Melissa), Ethan, Brianne, Madison, Alexis & Logan.
Paul is survived by his younger brothers Ernie living in Niagara Falls and Walter living in Selkirk, Manitoba.
When Paul entered heaven he was reunited with his loving wife Betty. He was a gentle, humble, hard working honest man, with an incredible positive attitude and sense of humour about life. Some of his last words were “I have had a good life and if I had to do it all over again I would and I wouldn’t change a thing”.
Paul was born in Watrous Saskatchewan to hardworking, farming parents of European decent. Paul grew up in Selkirk Manitoba with his 7 brothers. He learned to skate on ice that formed around the cow trough with skates found in a bag of donated clothes. At 16 he left home for a hockey tryout in Ontario with his mom saying “I am afraid you might turn out to be a bum”. Whenever he came home for a visit he always said “Your bum’s home”.
Paul always said “You don’t have to be good to be lucky" and boy was he lucky. He played hockey for the Barrie Flyers for 3 years and won the provincial championships in 1949. He went on to win “Rookie of the Year” in the American hockey league with the Buffalo Bisons and then played with the likes of Rocket Richard, Boom Boom Geoffrion, Jacques Plante, Doug Harvey and Jean Beliveau of the Montreal Canadiens. The highlight of his career was winning a Stanley cup in 1952- 53. Sadly, his career was cut short by an unfortunate on ice accident which resulted in a years stay in hospital in Montreal. Paul’s faith strengthened during this time.
Paul returned to Barrie and worked for Hap Emms, his junior hockey coach, as an electrician and in later years he had a wonderful career with Sears Canada as an appliance repairman.
He received the Ontario Citizenship Award, was inducted into the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for over 65 years and a founding member of the Barrie Minor Hockey Association.
The last 10 years he lived at Whispering Pines Retirement Home and loved it. Paul left a lasting impression with residents and staff. His smiling, positive way of living life was an inspiration to all.
Paul just loved people and never had a bad word to say about anyone or life!
Guests will be received at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Wednesday, September 4th, 2019 from 1 – 3 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. and again on Thursday, September 5th, 2019 from 10 a.m. until the time we celebrate Paul’s life in the Chapel at 11 a.m. Reception to follow at the Vespra Hills, 2694 Wilson Dr., Minesing. Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to Hospice Simcoe or to the MS Society and are greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com
Montreal Canadiens jerseys and T-shirt’s welcome or casual attire.