We Remember

GRUNBAUM, Paul
March 28, 1960 — March 10, 2022
With devastating heartache and sadness, we announce the passing of Paul, after his long, tragic, and unfair fight for life. With each obstacle, he continued to come back stronger and with a determination to live life to the fullest. Sadly, his fight ended on March 10, 2022, in Kelowna, BC, in the arms of his family.
Paul was born in Woolwich, London, England in 1960. He spent his childhood and adolescence there, until April 1982 when he met his soulmate, Selena, and followed her back to Vancouver, BC, Canada. They lived there for 3 years before moving to Kelowna, BC to start a family.
Paul worked extremely hard as a mortgage broker for many years while he and Selena raised their four beautiful children. Paul was a lifelong learner and a geographer and historian at heart. He was also an avid sailor, regularly volunteering and racing with the Kelowna Yacht Club. He loved a good cup of tea, a fine pint of ale, and deep conversation; and he will be remembered for his animated and lively storytelling.
Paul’s spirit is carried on by his loving family: his wife of 40 years, Selena; children Alexandria (Jesse), Rebecca (Gabriel), Cameron (Analivia) and Natasha (Louis); grandchildren Jackson, Sebastian, Benjamin, Anthony, and Primrose; as well as his father David. He goes to join those who went before, including his mother Jean and sisters Gillian and Judith. He was a devoted husband, loving father, the BEST Grandad, an amazing friend, and an incredibly kind-hearted human being. He will be missed immensely.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the ICU nurses & Dr Ben of the Kelowna General Hospital for their exceptional kindness and care in his final weeks of life.
A Memorial Service will be held on THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022, AT 1:00 PM (PDT). 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. As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome (send to: 1740 Highland Drive North, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4L1).
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
As children there were always 5 of us, bikes were given a respray and passed down to the next in line, holidays were spent on the Welsh or Norfolk coasts, Christmases were spent in the Grunbaum family home so that three generations could spend quality time together, they were very happy times with memories we will never forget.
I recall the 5 of us being doused with calamine lotion after enjoying the Welsh sunshine a little too much!
Our Grandad buying ‘Budgie’ shirts as a Christmas present so Paul could look like Adam Faith.
The Study in Glebe Lane where Paul, Gill and Judy practiced their musical instruments (or were supposed to).
Paul frightening the life out of Judy, Alison, and I by shining a torch behind one of Judy’s Dolls house figures across the landing when we should have all been asleep.
Paul being chased along Glebe Lane by a young Alison when walking home from school with his friends and trying to be a ‘cool teenager’.
Staying at the family cottage at St. Leonards’ in Sussex and exploring the rocks for crabs when the tide was out.
Enjoying fun on any water! but in the early days in both Stafford and Yalding.
Our cousin was a fighter who was brave and courageous, he had a kind sprit and loved his family immensely.
So, Paul you have taken your final voyage and sailed over the horizon off into the sunset to join family members who have passed before. Rest in peace my love, knowing you will always have a place deep in our hearts and your memory will continue to live on through your beautiful children and grandchildren. We love you loads!
Sorry for your loss. I met Paul shortly after he moved here & we both worked together. He was a great caring person – and a good friend who will be missed. Carl & Hilde Franzen
My brother, my friend, and Mentor, You and the beautiful family you have given us for life, will be loved and cared for deeply, for all eternity, with every breath our family takes. Your spirit and memories will always love us, be with us and come with us all when we meet you on your Sailing Yacht in Heaven. Keep watching over us, as the Angel you are. We love you,and always know you are a Beautiful,Strong, loving, caring, Man, Brother, Husband, Father, Parent, Grandparent and friend to all who knew you! God Bless you for your strength, compassion , commitment, and love! Til we meet again, Thank you so so much! Gordon , Carolyn, Sarah n Brandon , Adam , Christine, and Maximus , William n Zoe , Lucas n Skye , and our 3 cats, Misty, Minnie Boo Boo and Pistachio!
We had the privilege of getting to know Paul over the past several years. We enjoyed all the events and trips together with him. Paul was a great person to have known and to have had the opportunity to sit and talk with. He was wise beyond his years and he will sure be missed. He leaves behind such a beautiful family that meant the world to him. Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. With love, Kyle and Anna Crosland
Paul and I had known each other since we were born and were always so close, he was my best friend with never a cross word. The adventures we had when we were young and continued every time we got together will never be forgotten. I miss you my brother, bless you for making my life better and for the love we shared. My love and support go to the family.
Sincerest condolences on the passing of Paul. He and I were best friends at King Edwards 6th school together, from 1971 to ’76, while we both lived in Gnosall. We also enjoyed a few years as drinking partners after we left school. Paul moved to London for a while, then I heard he had moved over to Canada. It was over 20 years until we crossed paths again, at a reunion back in England.
Farewell my old friend.
So sorry to hear the very sad news about Paul. I also remember our days together at King Eddies and our journey through 4B and Remove B together ! Even then Paul was funny, kind and considerate with never a bad word to say about anyone. He also had a great laugh, which amused many of us at the time! I also remember a few beers ( and a few more ) in The Chains and the reunion many years later. Sadly this was the last time I saw Paul but will always remember him fondly. Deepest condolences to Pauls family and friends in Canada
Brian and Paul met and became friends in 1971, when they started at King Edward’s Grammar School in Stafford, at 11 years of age.
Paul and l met, aged 16, when we started our A’ level studies at Stafford College of Further Education in 1976
Both meetings resulted in enduring friendships.
The three of us were 17 years old when Paul conspired to set Brian and me up on a date. One of his finest moments, he liked to think.
We have been devastated by the sudden loss of our great and constant friend, who played a pivotal role in our lives.
It is very hard to lose one’s friends too soon, and especially someone so beloved as Paul. He was a true and trusted friend and I, as an only child, have always thought of him as the brother I never had. He was a wonderful friend; caring, intelligent, funny, interesting and interested, and self-effacing.
He had a will to live his life to the full. We shared some riotous and joyous times, and he set the course of Brian’s and my life together.
We are extremely fortunate to have so many happy memories of our times together, both with Paul in England, and in his life with Selena and children in Canada.
We are sending our condolences to Selena, Alexandria, Cameron, Rebecca, Natasha and their families. We hope that you may find comfort in the knowledge that Paul was a good and special man. We hope too that you may be sustained by the many happy memories you created together.
All our love at this saddest of times,
Adrienne and Brian
Such a sad loss to us all, and of course particularly to Selena and all the family. Paul was a lovely fellow always quick to laugh even tempered and just an all round good guy. I too spent time with Paul at King Edward’s, we were put into the class which basically had the reputation of where all the no hopers were put. Paul even back then was a decent fellow I can’t recall any time when he was unpleasant to anyone, he was always good humoured and great fun. Despite the education he had inflicted upon him Paul made a really enviable success of his life, marrying Selena, having such a beautiful family and being a real success in his work. So here’s to you Paul, one of the highest achieving “Dossers” and all round great guy!
As a big cousin, my earliest memories of Paul are of an incredibly sweetnatured, kind little boy. We had endless summer days of freedom with his sisters Gill and Judy and my brother Chris at Newgale Beach, with their cousins Susan and Alison and extended family and friends. So many memories.
The man he grew into was just the best. Gentle, brave, strong, kind, most generous person with a brilliant sense of humour. But then anyone who ever met him knows all of this.
When his uncle Colin (my dad) died, someone said to me and it SO applies to Paul. “I can honestly say this is the first time he has ever made me sad, ever made me cry.” I will miss you always Paul, be at peace. Love you.Terry xxx
I just want to say that Paul was one of the kindest men I have ever met. I loved having deep conversations with him and valued his opinion, even when we disagreed. Paul was a great example of what a Father should be. I am so glad that I was able to get to know him.
I love you Selena and the kids and our prayers are with you.
A fine tribute to a true gentleman. Nothing but good memories. RIP Paul
So sorry for your loss. Paul was such a lovely man. My mum (Ali) & aunt (Sue) had such found memories of their childhood with Paul. He will be sorely missed but his memory will live on in you all.
Sending you all love and strength xx
I was browsing Facebook tonight and all of a sudden I thought of Paul and wondered if I could find him. I am so sad to find this. I knew Paul from schooldays, he and I attended Kind Edward VI Grammar school in Stafford together and he was one of my best buddies, we hung out a lot and got into lots of trouble together. It’s ironic that he lived in Kelowna, really not too far from me here in Seattle. Anyway, I would like to convey my thoughts and prayers to his family.
So sorry to hear about Paul. Hope Selena and family are doing ok – thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sorry I couldn’t make it over, hopefully we can catch up again soon in Canada. Xx