Paul Egon Sorensen
June 06, 1925 ~ March 13, 2014
Paul passed away quickly, after a short battle with cancer, in the caring hands of the people of Woodgrove Manor. He had a good, long life and will be remembered for his love of family and friends, particularly his grandchildren. Paul was a strong willed man, with firm life goals and a dry sense of humour. While he was not an overly emotional man, children and pets somehow adored him. He had a soft side too, along with a spirit of adventure that brought him to Canada in 1952.
Paul was born in Fredericia, Denmark where he lived with his parents and five brothers and sisters. With the advent of WWII, at fourteen years old he left school and took a job at a fish plant, packing and cleaning fish to help support his family. In 1945, he transported fish to Germany and the Netherlands. Paul was then conscripted into the army and became a corporal and driving instructor for two years. In 1949, the young, handsome corporal swept Johanne off her feet and married her in 1951. Upon leaving the army, he drove taxi in order to raise enough funds to migrate to Canada in 1952. Six months later he sent for his wife. Paul and his younger brother, Gunnar, managed to find their way from Halifax to Port Alberni and their older brother Kay, with only $50 in their wallets. A little gambling may have helped along the way. Upon departing the train, it was either fight forest fires or begin work at the Somass Sawmill. Paul worked very hard, studied English for ten years and slowly worked his way up the ladder. He eventually retired as the superintendant, in 1985, and had over 500 men under his supervision. He felt it was a meaningful accomplishment for an immigrant with a grade eight education. He was proud of his work with McMillan and Bloedel, and the family he had built in Canada. He was fiercely protective of them both. Paul also enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening and walking. Few could keep up to him on his 10k walks, until he was 80 years old.
He is survived by his sons and their wives: Roy and Kathy, Benny and Pauline; and grandchildren: William, Eric and Chris. He also has seven nieces and nephews in Canada.
Paul’s life has ended in peace and dignity. He went quickly, the way he wanted it, and he will be remembered in so many ways. He was a good father, father in-law, grandfather and friend. He is now where he wants to be, with his wife Hanne. Goodbye Far Far. We love you.
An afternoon tea will be held to celebrate Paul’s life at Roy and Kathy’s on Saturday, March 29, from 1:00 to 4:00PM.