The Gawthrop and Beaubien families are saddened to announce the passing of the man affectionately known to many as “Dr. Paul” on June 30, 2018 in Victoria, B.C. Predeceased by brother Arnold (“Gus”), daughter Lise, and first wife Jeannine, Paul is survived by sons John, Marc, Robert, Philipp, and Daniel, daughter Suzanne, seven granddaughters, two great grandchildren, wife Margaret Beaubien, nephews David and Kevin, niece Colleen, and extended family.

Born in Vancouver and raised in Victoria, Paul completed his M.D. at the University of Ottawa, Class of 1955. Following a residency in obstetrics and gynaecology in Wichita, Kansas, he returned to Vancouver Island where he began a family practice in Nanaimo. Over the next half century, he distinguished himself for his personal touch as a compassionate physician who never stopped learning. One of the earliest recipients of certification by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, he spent many years as a medical consultant in psychiatric outpatient care for the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, where he also served briefly as Chief of Staff, serving also at the Nanaimo Chemical Dependency Centre, the Provincial Alcohol and Drug Program, and as a consultant to NRGH’s Substance Abuse Program. In 1989, he earned certification from the American Society of Addiction Medicine and in 1997, was named a Senior Member of the Canadian Medical Association, honoured for Lifetime Services to Medicine. After moving to Victoria following the turn of the millennium, he continued practice on a locum basis until well into his eighties.

Paul’s community service included directorship in the Nanaimo Family Life Association, the Association for Intervention and Development (a crisis centre), and the local Hospice Society. He was also a member of the Bishop’s Council of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria. Paul’s deeply spiritual values were reflected in his passion for music and travel, his commitment to community, his journey from traditional religion to wholistic faith, and his unquenchable thirst for life.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders/Medecins San Frontieres.

The family offers sincere gratitude to the nurses, medical staff and care aides of Royal Jubilee Hospital and Beacon Community Services for their kindness and caring during Paul’s final days.

Condolences and memories may be sent to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Anne Peel

    Dearest Margaret and Gawthrop Cousins,

    We were so very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. The intuitive Gawthrop gene has been making me think of him this week and I have just ‘Googled’ and found his obituary. Sincerest condolences to you all, and sympathy for your loss.

    I felt the words, ‘zest for life’ summed him up superbly: we will always remember Paul as a bouncing enthusiast, full of ideas, compassionate insights and fresh perspectives on the world. He loved re-connecting with his English cousins and treasured the heritage of his Cresswell, Pearson and Trevelyan antecedents.

    We wish you peace, and hope you will be sustained by happy memories of a loving patriarch, of whom to be proud.

    Second cousin Anne, on behalf of the English ‘Gawthrops’

  • Lynne Rochon

    Our deepest sympathy to Margaret,John, Marc, Robert, Philipp, Daniel, Suzanne and all of Paul’s family. We know that he will be deeply missed as he was a very precious human being! Even though we were at the other end of the country, we always had a special bond with Paul & Jeannine, Jean’s twin. We knew that we were missing out at not being closer to these two very special people. We are now all orphans but are very blessed that we had them as long as we did. Much love to all of you.

    Jean & Barbara’s family, Marc & Lynne, Laura, Joanne and Rich.

  • Norma Selwood

    Sending my love and warm hugs to you, dear Margaret. Your wonderful Paul will always be with us through his music…and whenever I hear “DannyBoy”, he will be with me and with those who have heard his rich singing voice.

  • Dorothy & Fred Jordan

    Dear Margaret,

    Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved Paul. I worked with Paul for years in Emergency. I know what a caring, kind and compassionate doctor he was. His patients loved him. We are sorry we will be unable to attend Paul’s Celebration of Life. We will be thinking of all of you. Margaret, take good care of yourself. Hopefully we will meet again. God bless. Dorothy and Fred.

  • sylvia frederiksen

    We were so fortunate to have Dr. Gawthrop as our family doctor through our children’s formative years. Christine 1, Alene 4 and our son Aren 5 years old from 1963 until 1980. He was such a kind and caring man who took the time to listen to all our problems, big or small.
    With fondest regards to his family from Carl and Sylvia Frederiksen

  • David Thomas

    I remember Dr. Gawthrop and family from early childhood.The day he phoned my mom to let her know they had found what was slowly draining the life out of me.Coming to our house to check on me when I had a very high fever as a young child. Then when I was a teen we {Paul,Father Leo,Kent Stewart}took a group of young teens on a hiking/camping trip to San Jose Bay N.Van.Is. in the early 1970’s. Many more.A legacy to remember,continue and be proud of. R.I.P. Dr. Gawthrop

  • Trish Madaski( Jarvie. ). Trish madaski

    Paul,How do you say our farewells to the epitome of the medical field.Our hearts and prayers are with your family and we know God has welcomed you into his arms.Rest in peace our favorite doctor for decades

  • cal pelletier

    my condolences to you all….the Gawthrop family was a huge part of growing up for me. your dad was always generous and made me feel welcome in your home.

  • Bernie Rochon

    Paul Rochon and Simone’s family would like to pass on to all of you our sincere sympathy. Paul and Janine were always the loving long distance relatives. We all are somewhat living the same heritage. Paul and Janine remain an important part of it. Sincerely yours, from all of us.

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