Paul Lees View Condolences - Burlington, Ontario | Smith's Funeral Home
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This Book of Memories memorial website is designed to be a permanent tribute paying tribute to the life and memory of Paul Lees. It allows family and friends a place to re-visit, interact with each other, share and enhance this tribute for future generations. We are both pleased and proud to provide the Book of Memories to the families of our community.

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Condolences

Condolence From: Dave White
Condolence: I was saddened to hear the news of Paul's passing somewhat late. We had many light hearted conversations from travel,sailing,life as a comedy to business and on. Paul enjoyed life and was a man of frienship and honesty. Sail on Paul.....
Tuesday February 13, 2018
Condolence From: Keiron Spence
Condolence: Im so sad that Paul is gone. He was always so kind and generous to me. All the times he invited us over for his delicious Roast Pork dinners, to his boat and to his Condo in Florida. I have plenty of good memories to hold on to. I can only remember a couple times where he ever got upset with me. One was when I attempted to plant vegetables at the front of his house on AppleValley Lane - he quickly let me know of his distaste for my crazy idea. You can't put flowers in the front garden! (Even though it had all the sun). I wish we could have had more good times together Paul, Your Son-In-Law Keiron. You will be greatly missed.
Monday January 08, 2018
Condolence From: Fiona Spence
Condolence: I will always cherish when grandad brought the best banana bread to our house, that he made himself!
😁

Monday January 08, 2018
Condolence From: Steve Swanson
Condolence: My buddy Paul was truly one of a kind. He probably should have been a performer/actor with his undeniable presence. No one could tell a story or joke quite like Paul. He was a straight shooter with a wicked sense of humour and a gentle nature, but at the same time don't ruffle his feathers as he was as tough as nails when warranted, but mostly he was thick skinned like a gator, always cool, calm and collected, like he would say, "water off a duck's back"

Paul always had a few books on the go, often involving naval history, but the Economist was his Bible. He was always looking for the next issue in the mail. After reading it cover to cover, he would drop it off at the Pub for another mate like Tommy.

He loved the Marina lifestyle and sailboats in particular. I never did convert him to power boating and he never managed to convert me into a Coronation Street fan.

He had a thing for gold rings and necklaces(as I called them to rib him). Of course, he would promptly correct me as they were chains not necklaces.

I often jokingly called him cheap regarding his purchasing habits knowing he would immediately say "frugal not cheap". We agreed to disagree, but when it came to friends or strangers, Paul was extremely generous. Yes, he loved Goodwill, especially once a month when they had 50% off everything in the store. He would scout the store a few days in advance.

He enjoyed the flea markets as well. I would often leave him at St. Lawrence Market in Toronto to snoop around. He bought various sterling silver pieces and one time got a deal for a clarinet for one of the grand kids.

He loved company and instantaneously made friends wherever he went, but he was content on his own as well, especially when relaxing with a book in his yard while the rabbits were hopping around and feeding on his grass.

He fondly recalled Oldham. He bragged how back in the day Oldham had more cotton mills than any other city in the world. He often talked of his 100 mile bicycle trips he and some buddies would take with a few stops along the way for refreshments at the local establishments. He loved the coal fireplace growing up and would often remind me he was an altar boy when he thought the timing was right. He certainly was proud of his roots.

Mostly, I will never forget how Paul and I could talk for hours and hours without a lull and never be bored. It was a lot of nonstop laughter, but Paul greatly enjoyed a verbal joust, a robust debate which I did as well. But, since we agreed on most subjects, sometimes we might have to resort to hurling a few insults at one another to spice up our conversation. We both enjoyed that and it would lead to more laughter. We had a special bond

You will be missed Paul, a big loss for all of us

Monday January 08, 2018
Condolence From: Glenn O'Malley
Condolence: I was fortunate enough to have gotten to know Paul the last couple of years. We both lived in Downtown Burlington and often met at one of the local pubs for a pint or two. He loved talking about sailing, real estate and especially his family! He was a truly down to earth good guy and really well liked by everyone. I saw him just before Christmas-he was really happy and upbeat. I was supposed to drive Paul to Oakville right after Christmas so he could buy a new leather sofa - unfortunately that drive never happened. Rest in Peace my friend! My sincerest condolences to his family.
Saturday January 06, 2018
Condolence From: Rita (Paul's sister)
Condolence: This is very hard for me to do as, growing up together, Paul and myself had such great times and I've loved him non stop from across the World since then. Although there wasn't a lot of money around during our growing up years I actually think we both appreciated and took advantage of any beneficial little outlets that would make us a few pennies - such as taking jam jars and potato peelings down to Freddie Fishers yard where we would be given 6p each and that allowed us cash for the local cinema. When ration books were essential after the war we would have a book each (one from grandad & one from auntie San) and we were always on red alert to dash to the nearest shop which had sweets or bubble gum. Yes we always spent all the coupons! Our house was always full of laughter and fun. I may be wrong but I feel Paul had inherited the same kind, calm, laid back approach to life as dad had. Oh boy what a great growing up era we had. The Christmas's, the house filled with Paul's mates (the late night clubbing)) and so on. I will never forget any of it. However Paul made a wonderful future working hard and always realising how short life is. When we spoke Paul constantly talked proudly about Caroline, Fiona and James and also of Keiron. Caroline was loved dearly always. I had better stop now. I am so sorry to go on it's just that Paul was exceptional and very special. In my heart always. My deep condolences to Caroline and family. Paul will be always be a hard act to follow.
Wednesday January 03, 2018
Condolence From: Laurie (niece)
Condolence: Living in the UK and now Australia I havent had the pleasure of spending too much time with my uncle over the years. However, the times we did catch up I was always struck by his calmness and fun loving attitude. My mum Rita (sister to Paul) has told me so many funny stories about their growing up years in Oldham. I was hoping that one day i could have welcomed him into my home in Australia and repay him for the amazing time I had when I came to Canada 30 years ago for a holiday.. particularly special times as I got to spend lots of time with his gorgeous daughter Caroline. You loved and you were loved so very much. Lots of hugs to you and all the family. Xxxxx
Wednesday January 03, 2018
Condolence From: Cheryl Hancock
Condolence: I'm very sad to hear of Paul's passing.
I just recently saw Paul just a few days ago this past boxing day as a few of us girls shared a Christmas dinner with him.
I used to live at the Waterfront right across the street from the Marina where he use to keep his boat and so used to visit with him frequently. I liked Paul's quick wit and how he used to just sing cheerful songs and I would join in.
Once I had the adventurous opportunity of driving him down to Florida one year. I've known him for about 20 years and recall bringing many friends including my friend's little daughter over to Paul's boat and just have a laugh. He had more people visiting with him than anyone else at the marina. He was always happy to meet new people.
Paul was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
Wednesday January 03, 2018
Condolence From: Robert & Edith Cerovich
Condolence: Our heart felt condolences to the Family from Cape Breton! A very kind and generous man!
Wednesday January 03, 2018
Condolence From: Scott Somerville
Condolence: I’m so shocked and saddened by Paul’s sudden passing. I had called him on Christmas Day and he seemed fine. I will always remember his sense of humour, plus his wonderful stories he told me. I’m thinking of his family and friends at this difficult time.
Wednesday January 03, 2018
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