Obituary of Paul Victor Sabourin
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Paul Victor Sabourin was born in 1932, on a wintry Christmas Eve in the cold northern city of Fort William, Ontario. This is a fitting start for a man who shared qualities of both Santa and an elf. With a twinkle in his eye, and a mischievous wit, Paul was generous, kind and full of good cheer. Like St Nick, Paul’s energy seemed ageless, and he happily practiced the art of living well, laughing a lot and spreading positivity to others until he died at the age of 92 years. Paul said goodnight to all on Nov 25, 2025, leaving his family to join his beloved wife Louise, who passed away in Oct 2024.
Paul will be deeply missed by his children, Tom (Jane) of Oakville, Paula (Robert Edwards) of Oakville/London and John (Pam) of London. Paul was a friend and fan of his nine grandchildren: Paul Sabourin, Anne (Joel) Quaranto, Luke (Stephanie) Sabourin, Kathleen Edwards (Sam Pelletier), Stephanie Edwards (Angus McKay), Jack Edwards (Sydney Hussey), Patrick Sabourin, Megan Sabourin (Kale Bilger), and Joseph Sabourin. Paul’s final year was blessed and bolstered by the arrival of two great grandchildren: Sullivan Quaranto and Louisa Sabourin.
Paul is also survived by his sisters-in-law Margaret Sabourin and Stephanie Gasparini, and his brother-in-law John “Gino” Gasparini. He was a popular uncle to nieces, nephews and cousins across Canada and the U.S.A. Paul truly appreciated the visits, cards, and phone calls from family and friends, especially over the past year.
Paul was the third son of Kathleen and Eucher, and he was a charmer from the start. The youngest of many cousins, Paul stated that he never felt alone, and never felt as if his life was lacking, even though he grew up during the Great Depression and the Second World War. When others had very little, Paul had a bicycle and knew he was fortunate.
Paul was an optimist and always found the good in life. He often referred to “tough times” as “just something you got on with”. Even after the unexpected death of his father while Paul was in his teens, he remained resolute and determined. With two older brothers and a father who loved sports, Paul grew into a multi-talented athlete at a young age. He played baseball, rugby, hockey, football, fished, and as an adult he enjoyed curling, squash, skiing, and golf (which he enjoyed into his 80’s). As a member at Sunningdale Golf Club, Paul achieved at least 2 hole-in-ones; though it was still short of Louise’s accomplishments it was good enough for him. He was famous for once hitting a powerful but wild drive that hit a tree, and ricocheted back to the tee box; Paul put up his arm, caught the ball easily, and happily teed up again.
Until the day he died, football was Paul’s favourite sport. As a young man he played almost every position, from noseguard, to quarterback, to offensive end. His small stature was never an impediment and he was named team captain many times. Paul played semi-professional football with the Fort William Redskins Football Club and it became his second home. Paul enjoyed describing how his team travelled across the country by train to win the 1958 Dominion of Canada Championships. Playing on a national level team did much for Paul’s confidence and leadership, and he made lifelong friends and memories.
While playing football, Paul was introduced to a bevy of nursing students at Port Arthur General Hospital and was thrilled when one lady agreed to a date. They married in 1960, and were still laughing together at their 63rd anniversary. Paul credited Louise with being the best thing in his life, and the reason for his success. Their marriage was an enduring example of unconditional love, cooperation and fun. They were a great team.
After joining the Monarch Life Assurance in 1955, Paul crisscrossed the highways of Northern Ontario and Manitoba and became a Chartered Life Underwriter. His continued success promoted him to Branch Manager in Winnipeg and Toronto, then to London Ontario in 1967. Soon after, he ventured into ownership of an insurance brokerage (Banks Payne and Ley) culminating in partnerships with Stevenson & Hunt and finally, Selectpath in 1998 alongside his son John. Paul was dedicated to his clients and staff, creating enduring relationships and leaving a legacy that exists today.
While his business and family flourished, Paul and Louise were able to travel. They visited six continents, enjoying good food, great friends, and new cultures. Relishing their love of golf and family, they bought a condo in Vero Beach Florida, and later built a cottage in Grand Bend, Ontario. Paul, delighted in his role as “Poppa” to his nine grandchildren, and he always ensured that his family gathered for every occasion (especially his birthday!). Paul encouraged his family to participate in team sports, and he made efforts to attend in person, even if it was a dance competition. Paul managed, coached and fundraised for the Oakridge Optimist Club, as well as supporting amateur sports and local sports charities throughout his life. Engaging in the community was something Paul practiced. He and Louise were parishioners at Holy Family Parish since it opened, and attended many dances and events.
As Paul and Louise grew older they went on trips with family, attended graduations, showers, weddings and sporting events. They were supportive and interested in their children and grandchildren’s endeavours; and Paul reliably provided advice, right up to his last day. His family respected his advice, such as “Don't take life too seriously”, and they smiled at many unique Poppa proverbs such as: "Never stir with a knife as it will cut your luck in half”.
After the loss of his best friend Louise, Paul took on the daunting challenge of leaving their home of three decades and moving into The Villages of Glendale, a retirement home in London Ont. He recognized that he had to “carry on”, learn new skills and rely upon the kindness of strangers. We are so proud of what he accomplished over his 90 years and we are grateful; but perhaps his last year was his most inspiring. Broken hearted and with a failing body, Paul moved into Glendale and met the challenge of living alone with guts, grace and humor.Paul made new friends, began painting, kept playing cards, and took up a new “sport”: bingo. He gave advice, listened to a lot of advice, and made a lot of people laugh. His door was always open and he invited everyone to sit, visit, chat and laugh. Each person left with a smile and a story.
Paul missed Louise immensely, and we take comfort in the belief that he has joined her. We imagine them together again: Paul is jubilant, his arm around Louise, raising his glass in a toast saying Merry Christmas to all.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Glendale Crossing, and at Medical Priorities. The compassionate care provided by these teams is impressive and much appreciated.
Visitation will take place at Donohue Funeral Home ( 362 Waterloo St London Ont.) on Thursday Dec 11 from 7-8:30 pm and on Friday Dec12 from 10-11 am. A service of prayers and remembrance will occur on Friday Dec12 from 11 am - 12 noon. Family and friends are invited to gather afterwards at the London Club from 1-4 pm. (177 Queens Ave, London On.N6A 1J1)
Please consider making a donation to The London Health Sciences Foundation in support of the Patient Assistance Fund at The Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre. Although Paul did not die of cancer, he was greatly aware of the need for family support while living with cancer. Please use the foundation website: lhsf.ca/in_memory
