Paul’s Obituary
Paul March passed away suddenly at home, surrounded by family, in Peace River, AB, on July 08, 2019. Paul was born at home on his family’s farm in Gronlid, SK, on January 04, 1942, to William and Mary March. Paul was the third born of six children. After his father’s tragic death in 1956, Paul obtained his first paying job, at the local high school. He worked after school hours to supplement his mother’s income. He was exceptionally inquisitive, and spent his free time creating and developing a vast array of inventions (a life-long practice).
Paul graduated from Melfort Composite Collegiate Institute in 1960, and earned a pilot’s license. He then attended the University of Calgary, and studied Aeronautical Engineering. Funds were low, so he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. While stationed in London, ON, he met fellow officer, Gloria Biggs. By 1963 they were married and had a son, Len, while Paul was stationed in Summerside, PEI. Paul decided to leave the R.C.A.F., and moved the family to Winnipeg, MB, for a position at Nuclear Enterprises.
A few years later, Paul obtained a job with General Electric and moved the family to Toronto, ON. He quickly mastered every task he was given, and was promoted to a management position. Paul and Gloria’s second son Ed, and daughter, Sandra, were born. Paul made time to coach the boys’ sports teams. In 1974, he requested a job transfer to Calgary, AB. One of his goals was to own and operate a farm, as his maternal grandfather continued to do. He researched various communities and assessed their farming potential. A year later, Paul left General Electric and moved the family to Peace River, to operate Radio Shack on Main Street. By 1977, he purchased 640 acres located over 20 miles north of Peace River. The family spent many hours traveling back and forth from town over the next year, preparing the land where their house was to be constructed. Paul sold Radio Shack and the family moved into their partially-built home by the Fall of 1978. He began working the land, purchasing scrap metal, old tractors, and various pieces of farm equipment that he would restore to working condition. To support the farm operation, Paul worked for a brief time at the Peace River Correctional Institute as an Electronics Technician, before settling on a position with the Peace River School Division (retiring in 2001).
Paul and Gloria sold their farm in 1998, and purchased an acreage just outside of Peace River. Paul hand-planted over 900 trees and numerous plant species. He grew a large garden every year, always including several rows of cucumbers to ensure he could make enough open crock pickles. Once Paul retired from P.R.S.D., he was eager to pursue his diverse interests. Most recently, Paul built a 1901 Oldsmobile, and a 1977 MG. He was currently working on a 1965 MG, and his next project was to restore his dream car, an Austin-Healey 3000. Paul created all of the vehicle parts he required on his metal lathe (personally modified to a higher standard).
Dad was an avid hockey fan, and he was involved in many aspects of his son’s and his grandson’s hockey teams. We all enjoyed lively debates with him while viewing every hockey game ever broadcast. He was instrumental in reviving and then managing the Peace River Stampeders hockey team (from 1989-1991). Dad was a very proud grandfather and enjoyed his grandchildren’s curiosity and perspectives of the world. He was happy to imagine and then create gifts for the kids, everything from old-fashioned baby toys and tractors with working harrows, to crystal figurine display cases, rotating photo frames, sleighs and furniture for his granddaughters’ dolls. He played sports, games, (held) barbies, and ate E-Z Bake cakes with a smile. He was always pleased to hear his daughter play the classical guitar, and possessed his own accordion repertoire. His devotion to Mom and to our family never once wavered. We knew he would answer the phone…eventually. A few years ago, Dad adopted a cat that wandered into the yard, and he fed feral cats every day of the year without fail. There is nothing we can imagine that he could not fix or discover a solution for. We will always remember our father’s unique sense of humor and outlook on life. He led by example, and his encouragement and work ethic are the driving force in our lives. Dad’s impression upon us all will be ever-lasting.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; his sons, Len (Cheryl) of Peace River, Ed (Sue) of Grande Prairie and daughter, Sandra of Calgary, as well as his brother, Eugene of Kamloops, B.C. He also leaves behind to mourn, his grandchildren, Brandyn (Shayel), Cam (Brittany), Steven (Samantha), Olivia, Carly, and Emma, and great-grandson , Phoenix. He further leaves to mourn, his aunt, Doreen Syniuk; nephews, David and Travis March; niece, Kamma March; brothers- and sisters- in law, cousins and friends. Paull was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary; infant sister, Pearl; brothers, Harry, Michael, and Ernest; his grandparents, Fred and Katie March, and Sam and Pearl Syniuk.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Paul March January 4 1942 July 8 2019..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Peace River, Province: Alberta