DONALD RALPH D.R. PAUL

January 8, 1935 – May 11, 2013 Donald Ralph Paul, beloved husband of Barbara, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the age of seventy-eight.

Don is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Barbara Joan Paul (nee White); son, Geoffrey and daughter, Sasha (Ian Aman) and their children Chase, Hunter and Noah. Don also leaves behind his siblings, Louis Paul (Jan), Jack Paul (Myrna), Cecile Painchaud, Gary Paul, Monty Paul (Mary), Edward Paul (Valerie), Joanne Paul and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was also fondly cherished and will be remembered by Barbara’s numerous brothers and sisters and their families in the east. Don was predeceased by his father, Joseph Paul in 1981; sister, Diane Paul in 1999; brother-in-law, Bob Painchaud; dear friend, Stanley Roguski; sister, Beverley Paul in 2004; mother, Josephine Paul in 2008; and sister, Inez Paul in 2012. Don was born on January 8, 1935 in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. Don set out on his own in the early 1950’s and after a couple of short and eventful jobs with the Town of Fort MacLeod in Alberta and the Canadian Pacific Railway in Weyburn, Saskatchewan; he found his life-long career in the oilfields of Western Canada. In 1954, Don went to work for Gold Star Drilling in southeast Saskatchewan before working for Mackenzie Transport moving rigs. In February 1957 he started working for Dowell Incorporated in Estevan, Saskatchewan. He remained with Dowell/DS for the next twenty-eight years and was stationed in Kindersley, Saskatchewan from 1964 to 1976 and Medicine Hat until 1985. He then worked for Canadian Firemaster Oilfield Fire Protection until 1992 and after a short stint with Showerstar; finished his career with Mobile Safety Service Ltd. in June 2002. “D.R.” (as he was known by many) had met and made many friends during his career in the oil patch. It was while stationed with Dowell in Kindersley that he met his wife Barbara. In July 1966 Don was introduced to Barbara by mutual friends at the Calgary Stampede while she was on vacation from Ontario and he was playing music at the King Edward Hotel. The following year Barbara came out west and they were married in Kindersley, Saskatchewan on November 18, 1967. Upon retirement Don and Barbara remained in Medicine Hat where he would spend hours working in and around the house helping her out and occasionally taking trips here and there to visit family and friends. He was especially proud to visit his grandchildren whom he loved and cherished immensely. One of Don’s other favourite pastimes was singing and playing his Martin guitars as he loved and was involved in music most of his life. Don’s family would like to express thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the numerous physicians and medical staff that were involved in his care over the years. Special thanks are extended to the staff of Six West and the Intensive Care Unit of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital as they helped Don in his final days before his passing. Don’s family would like to invite those who wish to pay their respects to a viewing on Friday, May 17, 2013 at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. with Pastor Ken Roset officiating. Interment will follow at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Guests are also invited to the Royal Canadian Legion afterwards for refreshments. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Don’s memory to any one of the following organizations: Canadian Diabetes Association, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Don Paul. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Friday around 12:35 p.m. on Praise 93.7 fm. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599