We Remember
CLELAND, Paul
—
1937 – 2021
A Celebration of Life to honour Paul will be held SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Paul loved life and colours, and in his honour we encourage guests to wear bright colours. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
Paul passed peacefully into the Great Unknown on March 30, 2021, at age 83, as a result of lengthy heart issues. He was born in Mimico (Toronto), Ontario on November 11, 1937, the seventh of eight children to Thelma and Frank Cleland. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Meena; his children: Brian (Betty), Beverly (Fred), John (Jocelyn), Parool Joshi (Neil McAlpine), and Ameesha Joshi; his grandchildren: Brandon (Bettina) and Breanne (Nader); Anthony (Sherry), Danny (Jaelynn), and Samantha (Matt); and Gaby, Ethan, Keon, Haley, and Rachel; his great-grandchildren: Alina, Matteo, Zoe, Troy, Avery, Addyson, Brantley, Peyton, Hannah, Mackenzie, Dalton, and Mariah; his great-great-grandchild Aiden; brother Bob; and sisters Phoebe, Thelma, and Elizabeth. He was predeceased by his father (1952), mother (1975), brother Granville (1980), brother Ken (1997), and sister Mary (2018).
Following graduation from Mimico High School in 1955, his first job was as a bookkeeper for Burns Plumbing & Heating, then in 1961 he joined the accounting department at IBM Canada in Don Mills. This position was followed by various administrative management roles and sales and marketing appointments with IBM in Toronto and Vancouver, and Lexmark in Toronto for a successful 30-year career.
Upon his retirement in 1992, he and Meena moved to Westbank, BC. Not satisfied to sit on the front porch, he involved himself in a wide variety of entrepreneurial pursuits and community activities. In 1995, he purchased a bus and was the first to offer local bus tours to wineries and other sites in Kelowna. He was the founder, with his business partner Doug Harpold, of the Kelowna Dragon Boat Festival in 1999. He established Cleland Business Services, which offered contract marketing consulting services to many businesses in the Okanagan and Shuswap. He was a Tourism Marketing instructor at Okanagan University College for four years and President of the Glenrosa Residents Association in the mid ‘90s. He was a charter member (1993) of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo, an enthusiastic Rotarian and President of the club (1997-98). He and Meena were associated with Spearhead Winery in East Kelowna for four years.
Following their 2000 move to Blind Bay and return to West Kelowna in 2007, he and Meena established Meena’s Indian Kitchen, offering Indian cooking classes and spice sales. They self-published Meena’s cookbook “Indian Inspired Cuisine” in 2013; Paul’s memoir “I Peed on the Roof” in 2017; Meena’s “The Story of My Life on Three Continent” and their “Indian Odyssey” (3 month tour of India in 2011-12) in 2019.
The family thanks all the wonderful medical care providers, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff that attended to Paul over the years – Dr. K. Kolkind, Dr. F. Halperin, Dr. E. Solano, and Nurse Practitioner Candace Dowhaniuk.
Contributions to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ca, would be greatly appreciated by that very worthy organization.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022, at 1:00 PM (PDT)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
Share with Others:
Heart & Stroke Foundation Link: www.heartandstroke.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for CLELAND, Paul is scheduled for SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022, at 1:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Dear Meena & family. I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. We had some fun times in Blind Bay. Maybe Paul & Al are having a glass of wine and sharing stories in the “Great Unknown”. Take care & keep well. Love, Diane
Dear Meena….. my heart is heavy for your loss. My brother enjoyed his life to the fullest – he was a unique personality and gathered people around him like a magnet. I will miss him terribly. I pray for your peace in the days ahead. Love Elizabeth
We were so blessed to meet you both during your visit to Bermuda to see Parool and Neil. We have fond memories of that time. Sending love and condolences to the whole family.
I first met Paul in 1971 when I was hired by IBM/IRD in Vancouver. What followed was several years of mentorship and a lifelong friendship. He lived life at its’ fullest and on his passing left many a saddened heart. Rest easy old friend. You are missed.
Dear Meena,
What a lovely obituary. Paul’s life was so full, it is hard to condense it down to a few paragraphs. My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Paul’s passing will leave a huge hole in all your lives. He was always so much bigger than life. His humour and joie de vivre will be missed by us all. I am sending you lots of love and big virtual hugs until I can safely hug you in person. Mandy and Lee Hicks
I met Paul in November of 1977 and I was instantly drawn to this larger that life individual. Over the past 40 plus years Paul has left us all many memories that we will treasure. Paul filled any room he entered and made that room better for being there. While we will sorely miss him we will be comforted by those memories. Diane and I send our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family and we will think of you both with love and affection often.
Paul’s passing was a tremendous shock to me and my family. Paul was a gift to the world with an unmatched sense of humour coupled with a compassion for other people that was unequaled. I loved to tell stories with Paul and was thrilled to be included in a small way in his book. Paul lit up rooms and was clearly put on this earth to invigorate all of us. You will be sorely missed, my friend.
Meena and family: We are saddened to hear of Paul’s Passing and our thoughts are with you. Always the life of the party…we will miss his wonderful sense of humour, his kindness, gentle laugh and his positive outlook on life’s challenges. So grateful for all the times we shared together.
George and Tracy Meikle, Qualicum Beach
Dear Meena and family –
Thoughts and prayers are sent you all at this time. It is hard to believe that such an amazing man has moved to the Great Unknown, but knowing that he is at peace and having beautiful memories of him enables me to put a smile on my face and appreciate the time I got to spend with him and Meena.
Sending you and your family our deepest sympathy for your loss. Paul will be missed by all.He had a magnetic personality and everybody loved him. At Rotary meetings he could liven up a dull meeting with his wit and charm. On his inaugural Wine Tour trip we had an outrageous hilarious time that we will never forget. We were fortunate to have known him.
Love from Lorrie & Ken Brown
My deep sympathies go out to Paul’s children, grandchildren, and all their spouses, and all their offspring…… may the God of all comfort bless and keep you in His peace…… love Aunt Elizabeth
I worked with and for Paul at IBM for many years. During that time, Paul was a mentor to me and became a close friend. In the early years Paul worked hard to convert me to a Baptist; I tried to get Paul to enjoy the odd drink or two – I won.
In 1970 Paul travelled to Europe with myself and 2 friends and with his amazing sense of humour and easy going nature; he fitted in like he had known them for years.
Paul was the master of ceremonies at our wedding and with his gift of the gab, had the crowd fully engaged.
We shared many long lasting good times with Meena and Paul, visiting back and forth sharing lots of stories and good wine.
Heather and I will certainly miss our very good friend. He is gone far too soon.
I was shocked and so saddened to receive this news. I have not seen Paul for many years but when I think of him it’s as if it was last week. Such was his huge presence. We all have experienced so many hilarious moments with this friend who was truly gifted in so many ways. My thoughts are with you and your family in the days ahead.
Meena and Family – Our very deepest condolences on Paul’s passing. He was a wonderful, long term friend dating back to the IBM days. He affected many lives in a positive way and we have many happy memories of times that we shared with the two of you.
Meena, (Ameesha & Parool): you know some of my fondest memories involve you all and Paul. He had such a big personality and will be missed. The countless ways he could get us laughing! I am honored to have known him, to share your wedding anniversary and wish you peace and love in this difficult time. <3 xo
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
This is a note we sent to Meena.
We have spent a lot of time thinking about Paul and the over fifty years we socialized and worked together.
Paul was one of the most intelligent persons that I had the pleasure to work with. He was very talented and could do anything he put his mind to. He was smart financially, had great command of the English language, and a personality that was mixed with knowledge and an excellent sense of humor.
We always admired Paul and will remember him fondly.
We are sorry for your loss Meena and sincerely pass on our sincere condolences and our prayers to you and your family
while you are going through these very difficult times.
Al and Sandy
Dear Meena & Family: Paulette and I would like to express our sincere condolences on Paul’s passing. I have very fond memories of our “infamous” trip to Europe in 1970 (including a few days at the Oktoberfest!) along with Peter Simpson and Gary Halpenny. Paul was certainly one of the funniest and wittiest people I have ever met. It was a pleasure to have known him.
Dearest Meena…
I’m so sorry to hear about Paul’s departure from this world. Apart from all of his accomplishments in his lifetime (WOW!) the one that I remember about him was his love of life and family and the permanent smile on his face! This is a person that exemplified integrity, compassion and putting others ahead of himself. One of the most admirable people I’ve ever met. This world is truly a better place because he passed through it…can’t imagine what he’s up to in the world beyond but am sure it will be in true “Paul” fashion! My deepest sympathy to you and your family ….
Heart breaking news. It is heartening to hear so many of us appreciated this incredible man. So many, many happy memories here in the lower mainland and Toronto.. His joy with regard to family was always front and centre.. He adoredhis Meena and she is a treasure.
Meena, Liz and I just learned of Paul’s passing and send our sincere condolences. I will never forget his scrambled eggs – the best ever! We’re in Salmon Arm now, if you’re ever in this neck of the woods, look us up!
Sincerely,
I didn’t realize that this was an high lite on and about Uncle Paul’s.
I know I will miss him & his laugh and that he bought to the floor, he made the world laugh & cry with laughter.
I pray for Meean she a strong amazing woman.
My hope … Is their mercy & grace for all whom believe … 💕✝️
The world has lost a unique individual. As a young manufacturing grunt, Paul offered me many helpful tips over the years with everything from career advice to dealing with disgruntled customers. His great sense of humour always kept everyone around him in good spirits. I still laugh when I recall him telling me about his response to a rejected expense statement that came back with an “insufficient detail” comment. In typical Paul fashion he resubmitted with a HUGE amount of trivial detail that must’ve taken Accounts Payable half a day to read. Always a gentleman, always honorable and always a friend. Meena, you have a huge hole in your life. I hope this quote from Joe Biden when speaking to someone grieving helps in the days ahead, “There will come a day when thinking of him will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eyes.”
Often think of Paul. We have many memories which will be with us always even if he is not. Our sincere condolences to the family. R&C
Dear Meena and family. So sorry to hear of Paul passing. Geoff and I loved Paul and you , and he always had a smile on his face , and kept us all laughing. He spent many years with Geoff working at IBM and they still remained friends with Paul living in Vancouver.. There was always a special connection the IRD group had at IBM. My heart and prayers go out to you Meena. I know the pain you must feel with Paul’s passing..❤
A boyhood friend growing up with Paul in Mimico, sad to hear of Paul’s passing, but happy to see what a full lifetime he has had.
Meena & family, we were so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing last year. We miss him tremendously.
Meena, we met you and Paul in 1993, shortly after we moved to Kelowna. And our lives changed immediately for the better!! Paul was one of a kind. A wonderful man with a big heart, a never-ending mischievousness for practical jokery, and an endless catalogue of hilarious stories. His personality was larger than life. There was never an empty moment with Paul around and we cherished our time together, most often at Shuswap Lake.
Jeanne & I are so thankful for having Paul in our life. His legacy is one of thoughtfulness and consideration for others, a deep humility that was often portrayed as a false pomposity, joyous laughter at pretty much anything, and the ability to be totally present for the person he was listening to. Truly a life well and fully lived.
Our thoughts go out to the entire family for this huge loss. We feel it as well.
Farewell to Paul…
“Death changes everything. They say to give it time, but time changes Nothing. We miss the sound of your voice, the stories you told, the ring of your laugh and your presence that glowed. So yes, time changes nothing because we miss you as much today as the day you left. Your memories will stay in our heart forever.”
Yvonne and I just watched the live feed of the “Celebration of Life” for Paul. I’ve been to a few of these but have to say this is my favourite. Very well done, as it should be since Paul pre-produced the event himself. We were there from the beginning of Paul and Meena’s journey and celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in Tofino on Vancouver Island. Paul was certainly unique and will be missed by many. Love ~ John & Yvonne Kerns. ❤️