Paul David Pitkin

With sadness but also gratitude for a life well lived, we announce Paul’s death on April 14, 2023 in Victoria, BC, at the age of 75.  Beloved husband of Kathryn Ann Pitkin (nee Tanswell), father of Colin David (1978) and Erin Elise (1980), father-in-law of Joanna Pitkin (nee Martens) and Andy Spurling.  Grandpa to Isaac (Spurling), Elise (Pitkin), Theo (Pitkin), Levi (Spurling) and Arlo (Spurling).  Beloved brother of Dale Henderson Pitkin and his wife Janet and uncle to their children Stephanie and Kelly.  Brother-in-law to Caroline Tanswell and Rick MacNeil and uncle to Nicola and Katrina.  Loving nephew of Gerry Henderson and George Henderson (2011).  Also missed by his extended family the Oswalds: Steve, Gene, Doug and their families.  Predeceased by father, David Oakley Pitkin, mother, Leone Edna Pitkin (nee Henderson) and infant sister Linda.

Paul grew up in Fonthill, Ontario, where he lived until moving to London to attend the University of Western Ontario.  He graduated with an Honours Bachelor degree in Physical Education.  He was a proud alumnus of Althouse College of Education, fulfilling his lifelong ambition to become a high school teacher.   He worked tirelessly while teaching to complete his Master’s degree in Physical Education.  While in London, he met his future wife, Kathy, and they married on May 3, 1969.

Paul began his teaching career in 1971 teaching Physical Education and coaching basketball and football at KingsvilleDistrict High School.  With a sense of adventure, Paul applied to the Department of National Defense to teach Canadian students whose parents were stationed overseas.  He went on loan to the Canadian Airforce Base in Baden, Sollingen, West Germany.  Kathy and Paul enjoyed three years abroad working, exploring and making friends with other teachers from across Canada.  It was the experience of a lifetime.  In August 1979, the family of Paul, Kathy and Colin returned to Kingsville and Paul was hired to teach at Sandwich Secondary School.  Two years and one child (Erin) later, Paul was hired as the Head of Physical Education at Leamington District Secondary School.

Around the same time, Paul was diagnosed with lupus with kidney involvement.  Luckily, he was referred to Dr. William Clark in London, Ontario who managed his health with skill and compassion.  When Paul’s kidneys failed in 1987, he went on hemodialysis at Windsor Grace Hospital.  He continued to work full time and led a close to normal life with his family, which even included dialysis camp near Huntsville, Ontario.   This was provided by the Kidney Foundation.  Although his brother Dale selflessly offered a kidney, he was not a match.  On November 11, 1989, a kidney was generously provided to Paul by a grieving family through Transplant Canada’s anonymous program.  He received the transplant on November 12, 1989.  The kidney was still working for Paul when he died 34 years later – what a gift!

Paul continued to work at Leamington DSS for the remainder of his career.  He mentored students and teachers alike until he retired in 2002.  In retirement, he took a job with W.E.C.C.A. organizing sports for Windsor and Essex County Public and Separate Boards.  He enjoyed that for five more years.

In 2014, Paul and Kathy purchased a home at Cypress Lakes Community in Lakeland, Florida where Paul’s brother and Aunt Gerry also owned retirement homes.  For the next five years, Paul played golf and enjoyed being close to family for the first time in his adult years.

Paul and Kathy relocated from Kingsville to Victoria, BC in 2019.  Paul underwent heart surgery and began to experience declining kidney function.  However, he handled it well with grace and tenacity.  He died trying to maintain his health on his bike.  Despite his health challenges, Paul lived life to the fullest.  He loved his family and friends unconditionally.  He remained present in our lives until the very end.  He is loved and will be dearly missed.

If you so wish, please consider a donation in Paul’s name to the Kidney Foundation of Canada https://kidney.ca/

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com