Paul Maurice Bentz died peacefully on Monday, July 13 at St. Joseph’s Hospice after a lengthy illness. His family was at his side. Paul’s wife, Valerie, and his family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital and TBRHSC for their care, and, specifically, Dr. H. Naqi and Dr. V. Luks for their support over the last few years.
Paul was born August 1, 1934 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Port Arthur to Albert and Claire. He was the second son and one of four children who grew up in a large, close, extended family full of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Throughout his childhood, the whole family spent their summers together in Rossport.
Paul attended Port Arthur Collegiate Institute and King’s Business College. His first career was as a stockbroker where he eventually became manager of Midland Doherty. He went on to become an award-winning pharmaceutical sales representative for Wyeth, travelling throughout Northern Ontario.
Paul was a fabulous artist who won many People's Choice awards. He was a painter, sculptor, and writer. He was our Renaissance Man. He seemed to know everything interesting about history, always reading, self-educating, travelling, and stretching his artistic and intellectual abilities to the limit without fear. He also loved to just sit in his beautiful backyard and create in his cluttered workshop.
Paul and Valerie (née Timko) were married for 56 years. They loved travelling the world together. They had four children and gave them a home filled with love, music, books, humour, and lively conversation.
He was a family man who took great joy in his immediate and extended family, but especially in his grandchildren whom he adored. And it is with great sorrow that we announce the death of this incredible man.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered especially by his wife Valerie, daughters Lori and husband Rob Sim, Paula and husband Denis Barriault, and son Mark and his partner Shannon Frizzell. Grandchildren Charlie and Lucy, Natalie and Valérie, Daniel, Erik and Julia. Brother Peter and sister Lois. Great grandchildren Kain, Sophie, Breanna, Cloé and Lucas. And all of his cousins and in-laws.
Paul was pre-deceased by his parents Claire and Albert, his brother Chuck, his daughter-in-law Laura, and his infant daughter, Mary Claire.
Cremation has taken place. Join us at a party to celebrate his life on Thursday, July 16, 2015 anytime between 2-4 pm at Blake Funeral Chapel. According to Paul’s wishes, there will be no funeral, and the family will have a private celebration of Paul’s life later at a special location.
If desired, donations can be made to Shelter House Thunder Bay or St. Joseph's Hospital in lieu of flowers.
Paul Bentz will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove Annual dedication service Sunday, June 12, 2016.
