Dr. Donald James Paul MD, FRCPC, born March 5, 1933, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Friday, December 6, 2024 at the age of 91. Predeceased by his beloved wife Joan (2019), he is lovingly remembered by his children Margo, Gordon (Anne) and Douglas (Lesley). Dad was also a wonderful grandpa to Katie (Kyle), the late Alex (Mitch), Lizzy (Rob), Andrew and Jonathan (Lauren), and great grandpa to Max and Rosie Paige, Charlie Islam and Henry Paul. Dad was raised in Northern Ontario in the hamlet of Pamour Mines, outside of South Porcupine. He attended Porcupine Public School and South Porcupine High School. After a childhood filled with family, hockey and the development of lifelong friendships, Dad moved to Toronto for Grade 13 at Upper Canada College, followed by medical school at The University of Toronto. While in medical school, he was set up on a blind date by a classmate with Joan McMillen, a nursing student at Toronto General. Joan and Don were married in 1958.
After graduation, Mum and Dad moved to Collingwood and Dad joined Dr. Donald McKay and Dr. Robert Storey to start his family practice. Together, they established our family home on Maple Street in 1963, staying there for the rest of their lives. Dad distinguished himself not only as a physician but as someone who dearly loved his community. He was recently quoted as saying that one of the first things he did upon moving to Collingwood was to drop by the local arena to meet people. He quickly got involved, serving as president of the Shipbuilders Senior A team in the early 60s. He continued to stand at his spot on the rail watching the Collingwood Blues up to his last days. Dad was a founding member of the Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club, serving as president in 1968. He was also a proud member of the Rotary Club of Collingwood and a five time Paul Harris Fellow. His contributions to the town through fundraising, steering committees and other volunteer efforts led to him being awarded the Order of Collingwood in 1991 and a Companion of the Order of Collingwood in 2004. Dad was also a founder of the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted as a builder in 1992.
Dad went back to Toronto in the early 70s to complete his residency in Radiology, returning to the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital in 1975. In 2002, he retired after a tremendous career spanning 42 years. Retirement brought travel, golf, skiing and curling as well as family time. Mum and Dad relished time with their children and grandchildren. After Joan’s passing in 2019, Dad’s friends filled his time with dinners out, coffee time with the boys and scotch get-togethers to discuss the issues of the day. Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to Lindi Milhausen for her affection, companionship and special time with Dad over the past few years.
Thank you to Dr. Amardip Singh for his years of friendship and support, especially during Dad’s final days. His professionalism and kind manner are truly appreciated by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation or Hospice Georgian Triangle would be appreciated. Friends are invited to join the family on Saturday, January 4, 2025 to celebrate Dad’s life at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63 490 Ontario St Collingwood from 2 PM To 6 PM.