Obituaries

I met Paul when we shared Political Science classes at Brandon College in 1962-3 and he was a fascinating character, the likes of which I had ever known before. He was an intellectual who had a strong command of language and an intensity in discussion that stood him apart on many issues. One of the things that he and I could revel in was a difference of viewpoint that would have us both talking at the same time and yet be listening to what the other was saying. It was a practice that upset my mother very much because she feared that we were “fighting”, so to speak. In fact, it was an attraction of intellectual opposites, and it motivated me to suggest that we should share an apartment for our last year at college. I did not know that he was gay, and he, many years later, told me that he understood that there was no sexual intent in my suggestion. We had many discussions that year, and later, after graduation, and into our different career paths, we shared a warm friendship until his death.He never forgot to send me birthday greetings and celebration cards and photos and so, when there was no Christmas card this year, my wife and I sensed that something was wrong but it was only when a mutual friend told me of his death that we learned that we had lost a unique part of our lives. I read the tributes from his other friends and I am happy to know that he affected many others as he had influenced me. He is missed.

Oh Paul, so sorry we did not know of your passing. You and my father communicated for many years, and although we met your father, we always promised one day to visit you. When my father died (October 2011) I promised to keep our friendship alive. We will miss your emails and those beautiful pictures you so generously sent us. The world has lost a warm and generous spirit. Michael and Rowena

Paul and I were classmates in the Class of '64 at Brandon College (now Brandon University). He was one of a group of friends who argued philosophy and literature and politics ... and art, of course. He was the first practising artist I'd ever met. After I left Manitoba, we'd manage a visit whenever I passed through Winnipeg and in 1983 Michael and I hosted an Ottawa show of his work in our renovated but then largely unfurnished house. Paul wrote wonderful and often provocative letters and I've a binder full of his evocative cards and calendars, powerful reminders of the prairie landscape in which I grew up. In 2008 Paul visited Ottawa on the occasion of a show of recent works by his teacher, Joe Plaskett, at the Wallack Gallery. Joe was present and he and Paul had a wonderful visit before Paul toured Michael and I through the show explaining the genius of Plaskett's canvases. I was so happy to be able to share with Paul my delight at stumbling on a show of Plaskett's work in Fredericton this summer. Our last in-person visit was just over a year ago as Paul was preparing to move from the apartment he had occupied for so many years. I brought away from that visit two examples of his most recent artistic experiments, the computer generated 'paintings', one featuring Paul's iconic signature tree, which now hang in our kitchen, joining our collection of Panton watercolours, pastels, drawings and photographs. I looked foward to his amazing electronic photo albums. The Canola Album of this August is spectacular -- my favourite of all.

I have not been able to be in touch lately, due to my own illness, so was shocked to learn this evening that Paul has passed in to the sphere of nature that encompassed his life.First a friend at Brandon College, and ever after a correspondent and even a visitor to Norma Walmsley's and my home in Wakefield, QC.Three of Paul's works of art dominate my living room and I, like his other friends, have marvelled as he took up one medium after the other to share his unique view of all that is beautiful.Rest in peace, Paul. Your life was more than well-lived and will always be part of those who carry on. Joan (Garnett)

My Uncle Paul has been a famous Artist, an accomplished and gifted writer and photographer for all of his lifetime. Uncle Paul accomplished so much in his life; and I was most impressed when he joined technology and got his first computer, then his digital camera, then learned to navigate all the technology and send emails, upload pictures and his art and send them to friends and family. His website was a place I have always been able to go to and see his latest greatest artwork. Uncle Paul also liked to make pottery, bake many kinds of breads and pastries. Uncle Paul liked to sew, make soups, stews, well…the list of his capabilities and talents is endless. He was multi-talented and I will always remember these things about him. I would like to thank his many friends across the country and his Manitoba Family who were always there over his lifetime while his 'Panton' family lived in BC and California. Many thanks to Erika Bennedik; Jerry Ameis and Fran Gropp; Greg McCullough and Cathy Macdonald; Steve Jorgenson; David Loftson and Louise Waldman; Marshall Ballard; Gary Essar; and Bill Neville. A special Thank You to Cathy for being with Uncle Paul when he passed away. It is comforting to know that he was not alone.Uncle Paul I miss you, but am glad you are no longer suffering. Your life lives on in all the cards, paintings and letters I have always treasured since you started sending them to me when I was a little girl. Love you and miss you always, your niece Sandra

I met Paul in the 70s when there was a vibrant market every Saturday at Old Market Square. Paul was exhibiting his art work and I was helping my sister with a booth from her store, Amanda Crafts. We were often right across or right beside each other and we would chat during lulls in the shopping action. Shortly after that I moved into an apartment right across the street from his. Paul was always willing to stop for a chat or invite me in to see his paintings. I traded services with Paul for one of his paintings and I still have it. Paul was an understated man but a true artist. Go in peace Paul.

I knew Paul for a short time in Melita when I was going to high school and my mom worked at the town office. She thought very highly of Paul. Then we reconnected again recently in Winnipeg and saw each other at the Wayne Arthur Gallery in St. Boniface and in the downtown neighborhood of West Broadway. I have always admired and enjoyed Paul's paintings and photographs and appreciated very much when he emailed me a new piece of work through the technology of the internet- thank you so much Paul. You are missed.