Paul David Mason-Ward

Paul was raised on a small farm in Norwood, Ontario. He enjoyed cycling the hills of Peterborough, where he attended school, and where the family eventually moved. Queen’s University followed high school, and Paul graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. The years spent at Queen’s were special. Paul tried out new adventures, like hosting a late-night jazz university radio program, he met lifelong friends, and his soon-to-be lifelong companion, his wife Lesley Panton.

After graduation, Paul articled as a Chartered Accountant. Lesley and Paul logged many miles on the road, courting between Peterborough, Prescott, and Ottawa until they married in 1962 and set up life in Ottawa. Three baby girls soon followed, and the family of five moved into Westboro. Their home became a revolving door of neighbourhood kids and friends dropping by for games and snacks. Years of wonderful summer weekends were spent at the cottage in Prescott, where Paul enjoyed going for long walks, bike rides, swims and sailing.

Paul first worked as a Hospital Administrator, before joining the Office of the Auditor General where, over the course of 18 years, he became Assistant Auditor General in Audit Operations. Upon retirement, Paul applied his financial knowledge and skills in the service of many local hospital boards and Rotary Ottawa.

Paul was extremely bright and had a lifelong thirst for knowledge. He was known for his shrewd bargaining and getting a good deal. He loved the research and purchasing process. This led to many collections, such as model railway equipment, music CDs, cameras, pens, stuffed toy bears, jackknives, and coin holders. He was also known for buying in bulk – be it for candies, bicycles, or small appliances – and earned the family moniker “bulk-man”. Even at 90 years old, he enjoyed researching and trading stocks and took careful notes based on the news of the day.

Dad loved his family, food, wine, a good laugh, and music. He listened to a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, blues, folk, classical, rock, and country.

Dad also had a lifelong passion for travel. He loved visiting far and wide. His work trips usually resulted in at least one adventure, including the time he found himself penniless and shoeless in a rail car in Sweden. He particularly enjoyed his many trips to the Canadian North. Once retired, he and Mom made wonderful memories on vacations across Canada and across the Globe. These experiences allowed Dad to indulge in great food and drinks – a tradition that he shared with friends and family back home.

Dad was a force of nature - with a strong heart for our family, a genuine appreciation for those who helped him, an open curiosity towards others and a wonderful, witty sense of humour.

It is with great sadness, some humour, and much love that we will all remember Dad, as a dear husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his wife Lesley, his daughters Sarah (John DeKay), Martha (Roberto Fatoric), and Tarra (Bruce McGuire), and grandchildren Mason, Carling, Milan, Josh, Dawson, and Rebecca.

There will be no formal service, at Dad’s request.

 In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to The Ottawa Mission, dedicated to Dad’s memory.