Paul Slade

Obituary

Paul Slade, of Port Elgin, passed away peacefully at  home, surrounded by his  loving family, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the age of 72.

Paul will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend for 52 years, Carol Ann Slade (nee Scott), his daughter, Jenna Lee O’Keefe, and his son, Jordan Slade. He was a dear brother to Doug (Lynn) Slade and was a close brother-in-law to Terri and Tony Sims and Barb and Damian Gorman. He will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, and his seven great-nieces and great-nephews.

Paul was also a proud Fur Papa to his beloved Ralph.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Glenn and Glynne Slade, Father and Mother-in-Law, Harold and Bonnie Scott, and his son, Derrick Slade.

Born in London, Ontario, Paul was a gifted athlete with a competitive spirit and a love of sports that stayed with him throughout his life. He excelled in soccer, golf, hockey, ball hockey, and played on his high school team for each sport. As a member of the golf team, he proudly carried a remarkable handicap of 3. His love of sports brought him many friendships over the years, particularly through hockey and golf. Paul also enjoyed giving back to the community by coaching minor hockey and soccer, sharing his knowledge, and enthusiasm with younger generations.

In 1985, Paul and his family made Port Elgin their home. As a proud business owner, he opened Beaver Lumber at the South of end town.  When Home Hardware purchased the Beaver Lumber chain, Paul continued his career as manager of the Home Hardware Building Centre. Later, at the new location at the North end of Town, he took on the role of Manager at the Lumber Desk. This became a familiar and welcome place for countless local contractors and customers, many of whom came to know and appreciate Paul’s knowledge, experience, and friendly manner.

Over the years, Paul became much more than a familiar face in the community. Through his work, sports, and friendships, he built connections that made Port Elgin home in every sense of the word.

Paul had a way of bouncing back from everything life threw at him. From helicopter rides to the big city to ambulance rides to Owen Sound, he always seemed to find the strength to fight through each ailment and recover. We became so accustomed to seeing him pull through that we fully expected him to do it every time. We often joked that Paul was like a cat with nine lives, but at last count, we figured he must have had at least eleven. His resilience never ceased to amaze us.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sandhu for his exceptional intelligence, compassion and care, as well as to the wonderful caring nurses in the Oncology Department for their kindness and support throughout Paul’s illness (one of his many ailments).

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather to honour and celebrate Paul’s life at the Lakeshore Recreation on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Those wishing to share a favourite memory or story about Paul are warmly invited to do so at 3:00 p.m. The family would love to hear memories that made Paul who he was.  Paul will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for sports, his dedication to his work, and the many friendships he made along the way. His competitive spirit, familiar presence and the memories shared with those who knew and loved him will live on.

If desired, memorial donations in would be greatly appreciated to either:

• C.O.A.S.T. in Bruce County, through Bruce Grey Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).            Please click the following link  https://greybruce.cmha.ca/   memo COAST
• Living Hope Christian Centre Food Basket, by cheque or cash.

Paul will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.