Obituary for Paul Lawrence Fourchalk
Fourchalk – Paul Lawrence died peacefully on January 25, 2009 in Victoria, BC. He was born on January 22, 1930 in Vancouver, BC. He is survived by his brother in law George Ferdinands, his nephews Paul and Steve Ferdinands and his nieces Dolores Shortman and Anne Ferdinands.
He was raised in Vancouver and after graduating high school, he joined the seminary and moved to Ontario to study philosophy and theology. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1959 and worked to serve God as Pastor and Superior in Alberta and Saskatchewan until 1980. He then moved on to begin a career in family counselling in Wainwright, Alberta where he helped many individuals, couples and families to find new meaning in life.
Paul retired to Victoria in 1996 and was a very active parishioner with St. Andrew’s Cathedral, participating in a number of church activities and with other volunteer groups in Victoria. He was known for his great spirit of kindness, his wonderful sense of humour, and his generosity, enthusiasm and patience. Paul was an open, sensitive and caring man, always willing to offer a friendly hand to his many friends and family.
A celebration of his life will be held with a funeral mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Victoria on Friday, January 30, 2009 at 12 noon. A reception will follow in the cathedral hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
17 Responses
Gosh today I thought of Paul. I remember me as a 8 year old girl, feeling alone in this world and walking by his office window. He had a turtle in his window and I was taken by it. He somehow knew I was there and looked outside and stared to talk to me. He knew I needed him. It was a relationship we kept until he left Wainwright. I am 42 years old now and I will never forget him. He saved me.
Once in a while I make a Google search looking for a person who at one time touched my life and made an impact! That was Father Fourchalk and I was saddened to read of his Graduation from this life. I met him when I was attending Holy Cross High School in Calgary. What an incredible human being. I treasured so very much his letters from Rome many years ago when 100 miles was a long way away AND FATHER FOURCHALK wrote to me from ROME!!!!!!!! He was specially created and NEVER WILL HE BE DUPLICATED.
Teddy Huculak
It is eight months later and we miss Paul, his humour, and giggles, phone calls of support and Sunday breakfasts.
Paul was a dear friend, gentle soul and kind man. We will always remember his jokes and laughter. He was such a generous person and always had stories and advice to share. Our thoughts are with his family…when you remember Paul it will be with a smile on your lips and laughter in your heart. Will will truly miss our friend.
Pauls peaceful, gentle and loving way has been a great inspiration and comfort to me. I will miss him.
I was saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. I’ll always remember his sense of humour and positive attitude – he was a truly special person.
my fondest memories of paul are from my childhood in wainwright, alberta. he would affectionately call me ‘petunia’ (which i loved, since i rarely had a nickname) and i remember him as being engaging and funny. i had the pleasure of knowing him in adulthood, as well, and i will always remember his kindness, generosity, and wittiness.
my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
paul – you will truly be missed
xoxoxo
with love
anita