On Dec 10, 2020 I had to say goodbye to my Dad for the last time. It was difficult. My Dad was a drama free kind of guy. He led a simple uncomplicated life and was accepting of others. He was genuinely a nice person, and that is why people liked him. Dad was satisfied with not needing to be the one in charge, he was happy to do what made everyone else happy. Being born in 1935 when the years that followed were tough and challenging, he went through life a happy and contented person. It was always easy to get my dad to chuckle. Despite his lung disease, Dad lived a long life, (85years), so I get to have lots of memories. I will remember the times spent working out in the woodshop with him, all of his gardening tips and trudging through the woods in search of that year’s Christmas tree. He was not one to shy away from hard physical work and could outwork others many years his junior. Dad was a Dr. Doolittle of sorts. His patience and gentle manner earned him many 4-legged friends whether it be horses, dogs or cats. Day after day for weeks he would spend time on the outside deck working to gain the trust of birds and squirrels to where they would take morsels from his hand. He just had a way with animals it seemed.
Dad had advanced lung disease and made the choice to exercise his right to leave this earth with dignity and at a time of his choosing through the Medical Assistance in Dying Program. All who have lost a parent know the sadness it brings, but I am also comforted by his being at peace and not afraid of death. In the days leading up, I gave my dad his last haircut. On that day I asked what thoughts were going through his head. He said “It sounds bad, but I’m actually looking forward to it. I just can’t do this anymore”. Knowing that he was OK, helps me be OK. His fear was not for himself it was how his leaving would impact the rest of his family. I admired his strength, courage and honesty. I will try to follow his example of embracing death as part of life as I think more about my own mortality.
He will be remembered fondly by his wife and best friend of 60 years-Marie, son-Mark, son-in-law Shane and his grandchildren-Shayna, Karlynn, Cody, Hailey, Donte and myself, his daughter Dianne. Gone before him was his son Greg.
I would like to acknowledge and extend my gratitude to the Board and Staff of Mayfair Manor for making allowances for our family during this time of COVID-19.
Thank you, Dr Barnard, for being someone who recognizes the importance of the MAiD program and for helping my Dad carry out his wishes so that he did not have to suffer. Also, thank you to my husband Shane. Over the years you’ve helped tremendously by providing support, knowledge, humor and your time. You were a huge part in helping Dad arrive at his decision with confidence by helping him be informed. Dad will be missed by his family and friends and we will think of him often.
A service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be sent to:
Kamloops Hospice Association, 72 Whiteshield Crescent, Kamloops B.C. V2E 2S9
Offer Condolence for the family of Paul Clarence Wolovetz 1935 – 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Paul Clarence Wolovetz 1935 –..
Décès pour la Ville: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique