DONALD PAUL STAGER

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of ---wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, nor even eagle flew- And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space Put out my hand and touched the face of God. "High Flight" by Pilot Officer John G. Magee Jr. It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Donald Paul Stager on December 29, 2025. Paul is survived by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Mary (nee Gassard); his daughters, Christine (Adam) and Gillian; and his cherished grandchildren, Charlie and Heather. He was predeceased by his brother, David; and is survived by his sister-in-law, Bev; his nieces, Andrea and Martha, and their families. The son of Oscar and Norma Stager, Paul was born in Preston, Ontario, on July 14, 1940. After completing his undergraduate studies at Western University, Paul embraced the opportunity to pursue a PhD at Princeton University. He later returned to Canada, where he was a Professor of Psychology and Human Factors at York University for many years. From his time representing Canada as a Queen's Scout, to learning how to fly (and taking Mary flying on their first date), to playing hockey far into the night – whether in Canada, Russia, or Finland, Paul engaged with life to the fullest. His wide-ranging interests included consulting work with the Canadian Coast Guard and their Search and Rescue teams, the FAA, and the Canadian Automated Air Traffic System, as well as studying World War II RCAF aviation art and airfields, alongside friends and colleagues in Canada and England. Paul's insatiable curiosity and love of learning ensured that every pursuit was met with joy and boundless enthusiasm. Paul was an incredibly gifted artist and his creative talents found expression in many forms, including watercolours, pen and ink, photography, clay, and soapstone carving, among countless other media he delighted in creating for others to enjoy. Paul's kindness and respect for others was evident in the care he showed to family, friends, colleagues, and strangers alike. His gentle and sensitive nature was often expressed through private acts of thoughtfulness and generosity. His greatest pleasures came from travelling Europe and hiking the Canadian Rockies out of Lake O'Hara with Mary, and from spending time with Charlie and Heather, sharing hobbies and interests they loved together. His family is deeply grateful to the wonderful team at Arbor Trace Memory Care Centre, whose compassion and dedication meant so much to "Papa Paul" and to his family. In keeping with Paul's wishes, there will be no formal celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, his family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer Society or to a charity of your choice.