Paul Joseph Kouri
February 3, 1929 – June 2, 2016

 

Paul was born to Eli Kouri and Genevieve (nee: Aboud) on February 3, 1929, in Tweed, ON. He was the eldest of four boys. His father and mother separated when he was twelve and Paul worked hard to help support his mother and his younger brothers. He maintained a healthy relationship with his father throughout his life. He both respected the man and was proud of his family heritage of seven generations of priests in the Orthodox Church. They continued to exchange letters with Eli writing in Lebanese and Paul replying in English. Paul graduated from the Belleville Collegiate Institute and Vocational School in Belleville, ON. After high school he worked for James Text – a stationary shop. On January 1, 1952, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and upon graduation, was posted to Depot Division before being sent to Hudson Bay, SK where he met his future life partner: Irene Crawley. He asked her to share his life on September 9, 1955, and they were married in Hudson Bay on January 2, 1957. During the early years of their marriage they were stationed in Cumberland House, Shellbrook and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where they made life time friendships – many that were enjoyed until one or the other passed away. His two children were born when Paul was once again posted at Depot in Regina. His later postings, as a result of promotions, led him to live in Manitoba: Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, Stonewall and The Pas. Paul’s last posting was as the Staff Sergeant of the Selkirk Municipal Detachment from which he retired in April 1987 with 35+ years of service. Paul and Irene settled on a small acreage on River Road, where they made many more friends, and where he lived until six weeks prior to his death. He passed away peacefully on June 2, 2016, in the Humboldt and District General Hospital with his daughter and grandson at his side. Paul and Irene settled on a small acreage on River Road, where they made many more friends, and where he lived until six weeks prior to his death. He passed away peacefully on June 2, 2016 in the Humboldt and District General Hospital with his daughter and grandson at his side. Paul was truly devoted to his wife and family, and was never one to remain idle. He took his young family camping, canoeing, fishing and duck hunting. While some passions came and went: breeding fish in his basement, his lapidary work, his motorcycle, teaching gymnastics to high school groups, while gardening remained a passion throughout his life Paul was an extremely artistic person and demonstrated this in his lapidary, candle making, and in his story-telling. He earned the title of Master Chandler in 1993 and was one of six in North America. He was a certified First Aid Instructor for St. John Ambulance and a member, and president, of the Selkirk Rotary Club and Chandler’s International. He was also an active member of The International Candle Guild, the Masons and the RCMP Veterans Association. In his life time, he received numerous awards and recognition: Knighthood in the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England, the Paul Harris Fellow award from the Selkirk Rotary Club, long service medal from the RCMP and upon his retirement, Paul was made an Honorary Citizen of Selkirk. Paul was generous, tactful and fair in his dealings with the public, his colleagues and his family. He had a huge heart and everyone who met him was touched in a positive way. Outpourings of sympathy have been received from Selkirk’s business community, the RCMP, members of the Selkirk Anglican parish and ‘Saint McDonalds,’ as well as his numerous friends. Paul will always be lovingly remembered by his two daughters: Bonita (Shuow) Ting of Australia; and Alaina Elias of Humboldt, SK; grandchildren: David, Shantel, Mark and Aaron Ting and Paul Elias; his brother, Peter (Doris) Kouri of Ottawa; sister-in-law Louise Kouri of Belleville; and brother-in-law Robert (Diana) Crawley of Hudson Bay, SK and numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his wife, Irene (nee: Crawley) Kouri; parents Eli and Genevieve (nee: Aboud) Kouri; son-in-law, Joe Elias; brothers, Winston and David Kouri; sister-in-law, Judy Kouri; and nephew, Daniel Kouri. Paul will remain alive in each and every one of us through our wonderful memories of his courage, his grace, his kindness, his advice, his faith and his love. An Anglican Funeral Service was held at the RCMP Depot Chapel, Regina, SK, on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Godfrey Mawejje. Scripture readers were Elizabeth Shortland and Janet Nunn, and the eulogy was delivered by Bonita Ting and Alaina Elias. An honor guard was formed by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Pallbearers were David Ting, Pail Elias and RCMP veterans. Interment followed at the RCMP Depot Cemetery, Regina. A Memorial Service was held at St. Clements Anglican Church, St. Andrews, MB, on Monday, June 27, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Godrey Mawejje. Scripture readers were Alice Inniss and Rev. Ken Pawluk, and the eulogy was delivered by Bonita Ting and Alaina Elias. Memorial donations may be directed to either the St. John Ambulance or the Arthritis Society.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)