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Paul COTÉ Obituary
COTÉ, Paul Thomas II
July 19, 2013
Paul T Coté passed away peacefully on July 19, 2013. He was born January 28, 1944 in Vancouver, Canada. Paul is survived by his loving wife Christine Lundgren Coté, his mother Elizabeth Coté, and his children with his first wife, Colleen Badger: Christine Haun, Elise Rollinson and Paul Coté III, his grandchildren Nicole and JT Rollinson and Faith Haun and his six siblings, Catherine Lundgren-Coté, Bill Coté, Matthew Coté, Odessa Bromley, Nancy Yorke and Jackie Leong. Paul is predeceased by his father, Paul Coté and his sister, Annabeth Black.
Paul attended Vancouver College and obtained a law degree at the UBC where he was affiliated with Alpha Delta Phi. Paul, hardworking and a visionary, whose goals were infectious, was co-founder of Greenpeace. He spearheaded many successful business ventures in Canada and the United States including Genstar and Newland Group. His devotion to excellence and passion for sailing won Canada a bronze medal in the 1972 Olympics with team-mates, David Miller and John Ekels. They were inducted into the BC Sports Hall Fame in 1989.
Paul, a multi-talented, generous, fun-loving man, known for his integrity, intelligence and warm heart will be missed by his family and many friends. Those fortunate to know him often commented that Paul was larger than life. His Olympic flame will never be extinguished from our hearts and minds.
For details about the Celebration of Life please email [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
23 Entries
Jay Eggers
January 4, 2014
Chris,
Thinking I'd give you and Paul a call for mutual updates, I Googled his name today and got the appalling news of his passing. I was reckless-fun- challenged when we met. He was a terrific mentor!
How well I recall my son Christian and I sailing the Strait of Georgia on Jeunesse II, his rewarding my legal help by taking me to lunch -- at Chez Panisse [from San Diego], your Point Loma parties. His generosity and fun-loving spirit were legend.
My heartfelt condolences, dear Chris. I know how much you loved him and he you. I will miss him a lot, too.
Warm regards, Jay
John Simonett
September 6, 2013
Like so many others, I became acquainted with Paul through sailing, in my case, soon after I moved to Vancouver in the mid sixties. Since then, I have known Paul as a competitor, shipmate, fellow biker, occasional legal advisor and business associate, but most of all as a treasured family friend. His personality, combining great integrity with a strong sense of fun, made him a delight to associate with in each of these roles.
Chris and the entire family can be assured that your sense of loss is shared by many of us. While Paul may be gone, he will never be forgotten.
September 6, 2013
Querida,
I will always remember with fondness the bigger than life presence of "Uncle" Paul in our lives. He was such a kind, witty, beautiful man with so much exuberance for life! I was glad I was able to see him on NY 2012 at your home in Vancouver; alas, it was my last glimpse of his beautiful and knowing smile with twinkle in his eyes. I was able to witness how much you both loved each other specially when you pulled out his official invite to take you out...precious. He was a dear friend and will be missed. Sending you peace and love...Lil Sis
Brian Lewis
September 4, 2013
50 years ago, as students, we did everything with humour and enthusiasm. I'm very glad I had the chance to know you. You were a good man. Blessings.
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James Nichols
August 23, 2013
Chris, I'm so very sorry. I'd lost track of how to contact Paul. He was one of a kind - they really broke the mold.
Love,
Jim Nichols
aka, Wiggly
Chris Pack
August 12, 2013
Paul is a beautiful soul who loved and lived life passionately in everything that he did. It was an honor and a privilege to have been his friend....for that I am very grateful. We all are better from having known him. We love you! The Packs
August 5, 2013
Chris, Betty and family. Paul was a great guy. Deepest sympathy.
Bob Ward
LaDonna Monsees
August 5, 2013
Chris,
I just learned of Paul's passing. Although we have not stayed in touch, I am really saddened by your loss. Paul was a unique individual, never for a loss of new ideas and the ability to get know everyone he came in contact with. If you are ever in San Diego, please give me a call.
Lauren Bingham
August 3, 2013
I didn't have the chance to know Farfar that well but I knew him the most of all my cousins and sisters. i remember how much I always tried to talk to him when I was little and how i would annoy him:) I know he made my grandma very happy though and was a great man. I'm happy he is out of his misery and I pray that he has found peace
Henry Mizgala
August 3, 2013
Dear Christine, Betty and family.
I offer you my most sincere condolences as well as my prayers at this difficult time. My only regret is that I did not really get to know Paul as he really was but only later in his life when the ravages of his dreadful illness had manifested themselves. May he now rest in peace.
August 2, 2013
What fun we had as young children in a flotilla of boats full of uncles and aunties and cousins every summer. The laughter and hospitality of Uncle Paul's boat always drew a crowd. You will be missed in this world. Much love to all whose hearts are heavy. - Morgan Weathington, niece.
Luis Felipe del Solar
August 2, 2013
Dear Christine, You do not imagine the sour that this news has given me and Verónica.
We will never forget your visit wit Paul to Peru and the SPIRIT he put in everything he wanted to do.
You were married to something unique and I have been lucky to be friend of you.
John Altman
August 2, 2013
Chris,
While many others on Londonderry Court also mourn Paul's passing with me, I shall remember him for his wit, humor, and his friendship!
We who knew him were privileged to have both of you in our lives!
July 31, 2013
Uncle Paul, You will always be in our thoughts. I will never forget your gentleness and patience with Liam as he climbed all over you in the Staulo Crescent house, and seeing the joy your family's photos, calls, and visits brought you. Love, Tricia
Don Panchuk
July 31, 2013
I met Paul after Genstar moved their office from Montreal back in 1981 and I joined the Treasury team. Paul led the legal group which was very capable and professional. They put together the best Christmas party skits which Paul enthusiastically participated in. He liked to have fun and he always had a friendly smile.
Dawn Purdy Karkut
July 30, 2013
What a person in our midst! We at Fair Haven were honoured to have such an amazing individual in our care. He contributed so much to the world and is an inspiration to us all.
Paul Louie
July 29, 2013
We will miss you Paul!
For those of us lucky enough to have received your friendship, what an extraordinary privilege. Your generosity and willingness to help anyone in need no doubt has touched the hearts of many.
In my case the time and effort you took to mentor me throughout my sailing, racing life was invaluable. Loaning me boats, cars, putting together a sponsorship for an Olympic racing campaign were typical of the overwhelming friendship and generosity you offered your friends. In my case it will never be forgotten.
As part of a small group of sailors who helped me along the way, I can say I would never have achieved any sailing success without your support and guidance. You're teaching me how to achieve excellence by example with the humility of good sportsmanship I hope to maintain and pass on to others. Hopefully with the same spirit of fun and adventure you always instilled.
Fair winds old friend……..
Chris and family, my deepest sympathy.
Elise Rollinson
July 29, 2013
I will miss you Dad.
Klaus Priebe
July 29, 2013
When I moved to Vancouver in 1974 and didn't know anyone, I had two skills, I had just graduated from law school and I knew how to race sailboats. Paul was a lawyer and raced sailboats so he took me on for both "jobs". In the letter he wrote when he hired me he said, I don't know how this is going to work out with each of us leaving the office everytime a start flag goes up, but it did work out and Paul became a valuable mentor and a friend, who was there to support me as one of my Groomsmen at my wedding. Mary and I will miss him.
Paul's joie de vivre transmitted whatever we did and wherever we went!
Chris Cote
July 27, 2013
Paul was the MOST WONDERFUL husband in the world!!! Paul not only made my dreams come true(and I'm a BIG DREAMER) but he went beyond what I could even fathom to dream! I was so very fortunate to know and be married to such an inimitable, brilliant, talented, exuberant, witty, fun, ethical, compassionate, warm-hearted person!
Cote Bill
July 26, 2013
Good bye to my best friend. We missed sharing fun in our retirement and senior years.
Bill Cote
Randy an Kathy Robinson
July 26, 2013
Remember seeing Paul out on the race course in Kiel when Paul, Dave and John crossed the finish line of the races that won the bronze. Remember meeting him in the athletes village and on the docks before the races before the venues where locked down after the Munich tragedy. Remember him around RVYC docks and outstations. Remember him professionally. Tops in every respect.
Rod MacKinnon
July 26, 2013
So long to a great friend and long time ago boss. We shall always remember your booming laugh and "take on the world" approach to life.Thanks for the memories.
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