Here it is, 0730 hrs. October 21, 2024. I've just woken up to the sad news that Paul is gone and has been since exactly two months ago. I'm staggered. Nearly speechless. I was pretty much a life long friend of "Tunnel King" Wally Floody and wife Betty of Toronto and at age 12 I became an avid historian, fan and collector of "all things Stalag Luft 3". Growing up, I often heard OF Paul and his mother and father Pawel through Wally and Betty. When the movie, "The Great Escape" premiered in Toronto in 1962, Paul made his way to Toronto from Camp Borden. That night of the big Premiere was a restricted event, hosted by the RCAF ex-POW Assn. It was restricted to former POWs and family and greeting all at the theatre door was Wally Floody whom met Paul for the first time and who had known Pawel Tobolski in Stalag Luft 3. I learned a bit about Paul over my lifetime through Wally and Betty but was not able to establish contact with him until perhaps 1990 by letter. He immediately replied and I learned that we had a mutual friend beyond Wally and Betty..........another Betty, Betty Gillies. During the war, she was Betty McGill, wife of RCAF POW George McGill. Like Paul's mother, Betty too became a widow with a tiny son when George was murdered by the Gestapo after escaping from Stalag Luft 3 in March, 1944. I learned from Paul that the primary reason why he and his mother immigrated to Canada and moved to Toronto from Scotland was due to Betty McGill with a little influence added by Betty Floody. It was not long after I established contact with Paul that he flew to Toronto in the very early 1990's to attend some business conference in Toronto. While here, he visited me in my home in Toronto, spending an afternoon and evening with me. We looked over my large collection of long gathered Stalag Luft 3 artifacts. Over the years since, we kept in touch from time to time somewhat regularly by letter and telephone until 2010 when we happily met again at a Stalag Luft 3 reunion in Dayton, Ohio. In 2015, a Dutch friend of mine (who had met Paul too at that same reunion) started up the "Stalag Luft 3 - The Great Escape" Facebook group, now consisting of more than 1,800 members worldwide. I was one of the "Admins" from day one and Paul was one of the very first members and was active. Over the years of our friendship, I heard through Paul about his and his daughter's involvement in memorials etc. at the site of Stalag Luft 3, reunions there and visits. Paul was there a few times as was I (3 times) but our paths never crossed in Zagan because we were there for different reasons. He went there mostly to honour his father at memorial ceremonies which I avoided. I was there at different times for historical research. Paul was always very good to me and even though he was never a "chatty" type, we got along exceptionally well and I will very much miss his company and conversations. My condolences to Joyce, Carrie and Barry.

Dear Joyce, Carrie, Barrie and families,

I would like to extend my sympathy on Paul's passing. He was an important member of the Banff Community in the years you spent here. He will be missed by many.

Mary Buckingham

Paul was such a special friend to so many of us. He was one of our devoted and enthusiastic model railway compatriots, but for me so much more. For many years he, Joyce and I were regulars at Sir Winston Churchill Pool for our regular aqua-size classes and coffee sessions. He was my Weight Watchers buddy, despite the fact he didn't need to lose much weight. He was there to be supportive! Paul was in many ways like an older brother. His knowledge of home design and maintenance was incredible. His home inspection skills were manifested in his regular contributions to his association's newsletters and were a wealth of great advice to his home inspection peers and homeowners in general. His advice on which improvements provided the best value for home sale enhancement were accurate and reasoned. Their own home improvements reflected this knowledge. He knew his business and willing shared his ideas. During his years working in Banff with the National Park Service he developed an interest in geology and history. He spoke often and accurately about the geological and human history of the Park. Paul had an altruistic nature and volunteered at the airport with the White Hatters and the Calgary Military Museum. This was just an extension of his proud involvement with the Canadian Army Reserves.

Rest in Peace my friend!

Greg and Judy

What a joy and honour to know Paul and his passion for our hobby of model trains. All the very best to Joyce and family during these sad days.

Deepest sympathies to all the family. Had many fun visits with Paul and Joyce. We used to visit back and forth nearly every Friday night for many years. Helped him couple times on home inspections. He loved showing his .Odell train set up. So sorry for the loss of a good friend of 50ish years.

Dear Joyce and family,

It was an honour to know Paul in his role as a White Hat Volunteer. We always enjoyed talking with Paul about his history but as we see from his obituary there was a whole lot more that we didn't know. He was a wonderful volunteer and great support for me in my role as manager.

May all the wonderful memories you shared together continue to warm your hearts in the days and years to come.

Hugs from Brian and Debbie Stahl