Paul Gareau

GAREAU, Joseph Paul

Passed away peacefully at the North Bay Regional Health Center after a brief illness on the first Sunday of Advent November 28, 2021 at the age of 83 years.

Paul was the devoted husband of 35 years to Ghislaine (née Larocque).  He was the loving father of Alanna Norman (Don), Amy Ayotte (Dale) and Jo-Anne Dowdall (Blaine) and a cherished grandfather to Meghan, Liam, Quest, Ocean, Malakai and Kayley. 

Paul is survived by the mother of his two daughters Sophia, his sisters Yvette Merkley (Al) and Mary Palmer and brothers Jacques Gareau (Lynn) and Rocky Palmer (Ardeth).  He was predeceased by his loving parents Roméo and Andrée (nee Deguire) and step-parents Lou and Virginia Palmer.

Paul worked for many years in the Social Work department at the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital and continued his passion for social work by implementing and coordinating the Social Work Diploma Program at Canadore College, retiring in the year 2000.  He remained active into his 70’s playing ball hockey, ice hockey, golf and participated in a number of marathons and triathlons into his 60’s.  He was very fit and continued doing his daily floor exercises, stretches and long walks right up until the day he was hospitalized.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the exceptional staff on ward C1 and emergency dept, for the caring compassionate attention to Paul and the family during this very difficult time.  This group went above and beyond to care for our beloved husband, father and grandfather.

The family will receive visitors at Hillside Funeral Services (North Bay) on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Paroisse St-Vincent-de-Paul on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:30 am.  A graveside burial service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 1:00 pm. At the family’s request anyone attending the visitation at the funeral home will be required to wear a mask or face covering, provide proof of double vaccination and photo ID. At the church masks or face coverings are required and social distancing requirements must be respected.

Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation (cancer research),  or the Paroisse St-Vincent-de-Paul building restoration fund.