Francis "Paul" McFadden

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Paul McFadden passed away peacefully in Nanaimo, BC with family by his side.  Beloved husband, dad, papa, son, brother, uncle and friend.

He is survived by his wife and love of his life Dot, sons Jim (Sheila) and Colin (Claudia), daughter Pauline (Rusty) and grandchildren Kieren, Kayla, Liam, Amelie and Ethan.  On January 9th he was reunited with his granddaughter Alyssa who was waiting at the gates of heaven for him.  He also leaves behind brothers Brian (June) and Dean (Eva). 

Paul lived an extraordinary life and impacted the lives of those around him beyond measure.  He took great pride in having a strong work ethic, could fix absolutely anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  He began his career in 1960 at the historic Harland and Wolff shipyard.  He immigrated to Canada in 1980 where he continued working in the shipbuilding industry at both Vancouver and Burrard Shipyards.  He retired in 2002 from Weldwood/Interfor in Squamish.  Paul believed that supporting causes and contributing your time was a way to find purpose and to meet people.  For nearly two decades, he was an active member of the Royal Engineers and provided combat engineering and operational support to the British Army.   For several years he was a crew member with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (RCMSAR Station 27) where he provided marine emergency response on over twenty missions.  Many weekends were spent at work “parties” at Squamish Yacht Club and Thunderbird Yacht Club.

He was an uncomplicated man and appreciated the simple things in life.  He showed unwavering strength, was genuine and kind.  He would often say the best decision he ever made was moving to Canada, only second to marrying Dot.  He enjoyed spending time navigating the open water in his Bayliner and travelling the open road on his Goldwing. Fun fact about Paul:  his enthusiasm for motorbikes began at a young age and eventually led him to become involved in Ireland’s competitive sidecar racing scene.

A Guiness a day kept the doctor away, if only for a short time.  His family would like to thank the many physicians and medical support workers who showed such care and compassion during this last phase of his life. 

A classic Irish celebration of Paul’s life, where stories will flow and we will raise our glasses to toast him, will be held in the Spring.  

In lieu of flowers online condolences and memories can be shared on his Tribute Wall.

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die – Thomas Campbell 

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