Obituary of Paul Statia
Paul Blake Statia of Wroxeter, passed away at home, after a brief illness, surrounded by the love and support of family, and on his own terms, on Wednesday, April 13th, 2022, in his 80th year.
Loving husband, travel companion, gardening partner, fellow animal-lover and best friend of Joyce Statia (née Heimpel).
Proud dad, mentor and life-coach of Kim Statia (Bob Bennett), Michelle Villeneuve, Kevin Statia (Kathy), Kendra Tiffin (Steve) and “bonus daughter” Debbie Miller (Shawn).
Admired grandpa of Cory (Breanna), Tegan (Chris), Mitchell (Sylvia), Ally (Thomas), Ayden and Rhys and great-grandpa of Bentley and Brinley.
Cherishing the memories of their brother are Elaine Bower and Gail Wild (Jim)
Fondly remembered by brother-in-law Harvey Heimpel (Sandra), many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbours and fellow educators.
Predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Leneita (née Blake) Statia, father and mother-in-law Wes and Eva (née Musgrove) Heimpel, brothers-in-law Duncan Moffat and George Bower and several furry friends.
Born in Orangeville on August 11th, 1942, Paul moved to Wroxeter as a youngster, where his father worked as a pharmacist. Paul and Joyce were childhood sweethearts, married in 1966 and started their family.
Paul’s teaching career began in Wellesley in 1964 in a one room schoolhouse. On the odd occasion he was even one of the bus drivers! In the fall of 1968 Paul moved from the classroom to the role of Principal with the former Huron County Board of Education, beginning that stage of his career at Turnberry Central School (1968-1985), then to Howick Central School (1985-1991), and “finally graduating” retiring from Grey Central School (1991-1997) in December 1997, after a 33 year career as an educator. The Outdoor Learning Grounds at Northwoods Elementary School (formerly Grey Central) were spearheaded by Paul along with a dedicated group of fellow educators, students and volunteers. Paul spent many summers when his children where young, at Ottawa University obtaining his Masters of Education Degree.
Following his retirement Paul drove school bus for 15 years. Safely transporting students from Howick and Turnberry townships to schools in Wingham. For years, Paul was proud to be “the driver” for the F. E. Madill Boys Rugby Team, and saw the team win an OFSAA Championship one season. He thoroughly enjoyed being with all students.
Paul had many passions and hobbies, the greatest being a “couch coach” for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. He was also a charter member of the Howick Optimists Club, part of the building and finance committees for the Howick Community Centre and Arena, a member of the Upper Canada Two Cylinder Club, Oldsmobile Club of Ontario and a local camera club. Paul was a Master Gardener for 25 years and enjoyed curling, woodworking and spending winters in Brownsville, Texas.
Paul’s “dedication to education” continues even in death. It was his wish to be part of the body bequeathal program at Western University. This selfless act will ensure students will have unique learning opportunities through a number of semesters.
A private memorial service to honour Paul’s life will be held at the Tiffin Funeral Home, Teeswater on Saturday, April 16th, 2022.
The family wishes to invite family, friends, neighbours, former students, staff and co-workers to a Celebration of Life at the Wroxeter Community Hall on Friday, May 20th, 2022 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., with remembrances shared at 6:00 p.m.
Final resting place Wroxeter Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Rob Annis, Dr. Jeffrey Dietrich, staff at Listowel Hospital, the amazing Home Care Team, the Fabulous 5 and the numerous family and friends who visited over the last number of weeks. Your care, love and support will always be remembered.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Wroxeter Community Hall (cheques payable to Township of Howick) or the Howick Optimists Club would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
