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Paul T. HELLYER

1923 - 2021

Paul T. HELLYER obituary, 1923-2021, Toronto, ON

BORN

1923

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Turner & Porter Funeral Directors

2357 Bloor Street West

Toronto, Ontario

Paul HELLYER Obituary

THE HONOURABLE PAUL T. HELLYER 1923 - 2021 Former Minister of National Defence and Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, died on August 8, 2021, succumbing to injuries sustained from a fall on June 19th. He had celebrated his 98th birthday surrounded by his children and family two days before his passing. Paul is survived by his second wife, Sandra Hellyer; his three children, Mary Elizabeth, Peter (Sass) and David (Kathy); and his five grandchildren, Jordan (Isabel), Kaitlin, Joshua, Michael (Harriette) and Emily (Charles). He will be missed by his six great-grandchildren, Aiden, Evelyn, Jacob, Augustus, Wyatt and Alice. He was deeply loved by his stepdaughters, Linda (Brian), Lori (Gene) and Wanda (Lusiana), as well as their children and grandchildren. Always surrounded with large swaths of family and friends, Paul will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and extended family. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Ellen Jean Hellyer, who died June 29, 2004. Originally from Waterford, Ontario, Paul was first elected to Parliament in 1949 and was, at the time, the youngest person ever voted to serve as an MP. Through successive elections, he would rise through the ranks of the Liberal party before choosing to sit as an Independent in the House of Commons in 1971. He was the Queen's longest serving Privy Councillor at the time of his death. An opera singer, television host, engineer, author, economist, resort owner, UFOlogist and noted philanthropist, Paul's roles in life were as varied and diverse as the cultural shifts he experienced during his ten decades. Technology savvy until the end, he stayed in close touch with family and friends through email and Zoom. A deeply religious man, Paul was a long-time parishioner of Metropolitan United Church in Toronto. Although he will be remembered by the public for his political accomplishments, those closest to him will forever recall him as the proprietor and 'captain' of Arundel Lodge, a rustic cottage resort on Lake Muskoka which the Hellyer family opened to guests every summer for seventy years. It was through this beautiful piece of land that Paul touched and impacted so many lives, sowing friendships and family relationships that have lasted lifetimes and created a unique bond between successive generations. An avid swimmer his entire life, Paul's favourite view was to look out over the lake as the late afternoon sun created the illusion of 'diamonds' sparkling on the ripples and waves of the water. With our captain hats on and a well-mixed Manhattan in our hands, we raise a toast to a life well lived, a life well loved, and a life that will not soon be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Help Lesotho (helplesotho.org) or the Community Meal Program at Metropolitan United Church (metunited.org/donate). A Celebration of Life will be held at the Metropolitan United Church at 56 Queen St. East, Toronto on Saturday, August 14th at 11:00 a.m. Attendance is limited and registration is required. The service will be livestreamed as well. Celebration of Life registration details may be found at https://turnerporter.ca/memorials where online condolences may be made as well.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Aug. 11 to Aug. 15, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul HELLYER

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37 Entries

Ryan Jayawardene

April 25, 2025

I worked with Paul on helping Syrian refugees settle here in Canada. He and his wife Sandra were warm and cared about the world. They had a warm welcoming home. He was a strong man too! Had to be in his early 90s or late 80s, helping me fix up a house for newcomers. I'm not a believer in the other stuff, but I didn't really matter, his focus was on giving back and helping humanity. I did ask him, once, you know - you've had such a storied career, why come out about this stuff. He recognized that some people thought of him as not being a serious person, but he pulled a picture from his inside his coat pocket - his grand-daughter. He showed to me, and told me this is why he does it, because the public has a right to know, if future generations are going to solve the problems we have left for them, they have a right to know. In getting to know him over a few months, I believe he was genuine in his intent, he wasn't in it for the money or fame. His life had a great deal of service and left an in-deniable mark on me - build a slice of your life as service to others. Your a Canadian Hero. God Bless Paul and Sandra.

Geo Polo

May 11, 2024

A strong,eloquent and precise writer, who influenced readers (lucky enough to discover his thoughts) long after his passing. May he test in peace after a life well lived. A selfless individual who made a huge contribution to this planet.

A Citizen

March 16, 2024

Simply thank you. May you rest in peace.

Ron Patterson

August 3, 2023

A great man he will be missed by many. He tried to make Canada a better Country but he never seen it come to pass. If all his plans for Canada had worked out we would have the strongest economy in the world.

Jacqueline Rogers

November 19, 2022

Joaquim Marzo

March 28, 2022

My sincerest condolences to the Hellyer family!
God bless you

Eddie Beato

October 20, 2021

My sincerest condolences to the Hellyer family! I did not know Mr. Hellyer has passed on to the spirit realm. What a great man, what a great legacy!

Eddie Beato

October 20, 2021

My sincerest condolences to the Hellyer family! I did not know Mr. Hellyer has passed on to the spirit realm. What a great man, what a great legacy!

Angie Bugeja

October 14, 2021

Paul is the most remarkable person to live on this earth. He had devoted his life for the truth. God bless you

Joe Furlong

September 17, 2021

One of Canada's Finest Humans!

Linda MacDonald

August 29, 2021

We knew you and your family at Southminster and from Old Ottawa South, where we also lived. My father was an Officer in the Military, serving in Ottawa, during your term as Minister of National Defence and he admired you greatly. We knew you to be a kind and warm person, a dedicated family man. On behalf of my late parents and sister, I offer sincere condolences. Take comfort in this quote attributed to Buddah: "Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death, can erase our good deeds.".

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Peggy Race Barone

Planted Trees

Peggy Race Barone

August 27, 2021

My deepest condolences to all the Hellyer Family. Uncle Paul was always such a loving, giving person and will be missed deeply. I hope all your wonderful memories get you through the tough day ahead. Lots of love.

Peggy Race Barone

August 27, 2021

My deepest condolences to all the Hellyer Family. Uncle Paul was always such a loving, giving person and will be missed deeply. I hope all your wonderful memories get you through the tough day ahead. Lots of love.

Valerie Flynn

August 21, 2021

So sorry for your loss Sandra. Thinking of you. Val

Lady B

August 20, 2021

Thank you for introducing UFO ideology to The World. And opening up My curiosity. I am still Learning. Enjoy the show from the Other demension. You have done your part. Gaia is changing.

Jennifer Smith

August 15, 2021

Sorry to hear of your loss. We will miss him and wish you comfort in your grief. Jennifer Smith

Matthew Lok

August 14, 2021

Honourable Paul Hellyer was a dear friend and mentor who has always been a symbol of hope, honour and truth.

We will miss him dearly and will continue to speak his words of inspiration and carry his integrity throughout the generations to come.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Matthew Lok

Planted Trees

Jason Pearson

August 14, 2021

I want to share my condolences with the Hellyer family on the passing of Paul

I have fond memories of Paul. I recall reading a draft of a book he gave me in the late 80's when he had offices on the Esplanade. I had many conversations with Paul in the late 80's and early 90's. Sadly I haven't spoke or seen Paul since the late 90's.

I have fond memories of visiting the family Ginseng farm during the late 80's and 90's and speaking with his Son Peter during those trips.

I would always have fond memories of Paul and trips to his family's farm

With the passing of Paul Hellyer we lost a unique Canadian whose contributions very few know of, and even fewer understand the impact he made.

Rick Crammond

August 13, 2021

I have only met Paul through email, where I helped him with a couple of minor internet issues. However, his spirit has been with me for decades. I was inspired to write to Paul in December of 2018, and I would like to share the contents of that email:

"To Paul Hellyer,

I want to express my gratitude for your Presence and for your efforts over the years. Your work has has helped to lay the groundwork for the amazing changes which are now occurring on Planet Earth.

People are warming up to communications with other-world entities, and are interested to travel within our solar system and beyond. We begin to recognize that chaos and injustice on this planet needs to be addressed before we venture into deep space.

Thank-you for attempting to remedy the ills of the Earth, and for awakening those who need to hear the message of the Universal Community.

You have been an inspiration for me and many others, to carry on with the message that we are not alone in the Universe, and that we are preparing to go to Space. Some with a spaceship, and some without!

I look forward to 2019 as the year of greatest change for humanity as we come together to leap forward!

Cheers, Rick"

Of course, Paul was cordial enough to reply. It turns out that I communicated to him December 28th, a couple of days before he "resigned from the e-mail circuit December 31, 2018 to save the 2 or 3 hours for other projects. The most important of these is a series of 5-minute YouTubes covering the 10 or 12 most important issues facing humankind at the moment."

Thank-you Paul.
May your spirit live on forever in our hearts.

Bob Kavanaugh

August 13, 2021

I am a friend of Paul's over the past 15 years. We shared a common interest and common friends. Paul was always so kind to me and others. He certainly represents a passing generation that will never be replaced. From a simple gesture of giving me a blue tie to wear in Washington, D.C., to hand writing me a letter to my home in New York, I will always remember him for his generosity of spirit, goodwill, and tremendous courage! Paul made me feel as if I mattered on a personal and professional level. God bless you, Paul, my friend. You are deeply missed.

Pierre Allard

August 12, 2021

A tree will be planted by Just.Equipping in Goma, DR Congo in memory of Paul, a man of great stature, keen spirit, solid faith and tremendous generosity.
May Paul rest in peace and may God's comfort be extended to all who mourn such a dear friend!
Pierre Allard, President
on behalf of The Board of Directors

Pierre Allard

August 12, 2021

A tree will be planted by Just.Equipping in Goma, DR Congo in memory of Paul, a man of great stature, keen spirit, solid faith and of great generosity.
May Paul rest in peace and may God's comfort be extended to all those who grieve such a great man!

Pierre Allard, President
on behalf of The Board of Directors

Lucy Arnold

August 12, 2021

Meeting you throughout the years is a memory I will cherish.. Your light will always shine bright because of your kindness to me. Canada has another angel watching over us....

Sherry Whestenberg

August 12, 2021

Thank you
For helping me to reach the stars when looking up
Into the night sky you will always be remembered

Maryanne Anderson

August 12, 2021

To Hellyer Family,
We are very deeply condolences of your lost a great Honourable Paul Hellyer and we met him at the UFO Expo in two years ago also the couple of years ago so we have the wonderful chats. We are deaf couple so l can speak well, okay. In few words that my late father was work with P.M. Elliott Trudeau’s team in years ago in Ottawa. Maryanne Anderson and James Poniatowski, Grimsby, Ontario.

V Hauser

August 12, 2021

Thank you Paul for your great service to Canada and your humanitarian efforts over the globe. You truly were a giant to many communities and in government. Such a bravely spoken man to the seeking of the truth in all your accomplishments, and to the truth humanity is waking up to at this most important juncture in time in this most depserate hour. You will be so missed by so many, may your work be carried through in your spirit life to see what you strived to show all on this planet. Peace be with you and your family.

Karen Von Engelbrechten

August 11, 2021

Sandra ,
My deepest condolences of the passing of Paul
Such a giant gentle sole
And so well respected by many .
I always enjoyed listening to his stories of past times
Such an incredible human being .
Grow strength from your many memories as you shared a
Special Love❤
Sending my Love
Karen von Engelbrechten

Leah Hemmer

August 11, 2021

He was one of bravest and greatest for always being willing to continue the fight for the truth. Paul will be missed!

Pamela Jarrett nee Howden

August 11, 2021

Some of my earliest memories are of “Uncle” Paul and “Aunt” Ellie visiting our home on their way home from visiting family in Waterford particularly a couple of days after Christmas each year. Ellie and my mother, Enid Mary Elizabeth Skinner Howden, were best friends, serving as maid/matron of honour at each other’s weddings, and the choice of the name Mary Elizabeth for their firstborn shows Ellie and Paul‘s regard for my mother.
Uncle Paul delivered the toast to the bride at my wedding, and years later approached me about running for Parliament under the Action Canada banner.
The clearest illustration I know of Paul’s thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity of spirit was that he cared enough to drive to Hamilton to tell my mother in person of Ellie’s death, even though she was by this time in a nursing home and suffering from dementia as well as physical limitations.
May the multitudes of happy memories you have created as a family, and the recollections recorded here or told to you in other ways, comfort and enrich you for the rest of your lives.

Scott Elliott

August 11, 2021

I have Mr. Hellyer to thank for providing me with many of the fondest memories in my life, both as a guest and as an employee of Arundel Lodge, and then later on as a father. As those who have visited Arundel know it is a truly unique place, which in my view no other part of the world comes close to. When applying for my first full time job as an articling student, Mr. Hellyer graciously provided me with a glowing and extensive reference, nothwithstanding my admittedly limited skills as a waiter at the lodge. I still remember the surprise on the faces of the attorneys interviewing me that day when they discovered I had a recommendation from such a well known politician ! I enjoyed several of Mr. Hellyer’s books, in particular those that deal with his early challenges and experiences in politics and business. It was an honour and a privilege to know him. Truly a Canadian icon !

Andrea Donnan

August 11, 2021

Thank you, Mr. Minister of Defense for all the courageous work you did in the truth movement. You are a global hero.

Paul Park

August 11, 2021

I was in the Press Gallery with Paul and was fortunate enough to appear in several Gallery revues with him. His warm humour and good insight made him a cherished mentor. My sympathies to the family.

Don Lee

August 11, 2021

Paul was an honest and gentle soul to all he met.Arundel misses you.Goodbye our Captain fair winds and following season on your journey home

Leeson Laing

August 11, 2021

Paul would have made a tremendous Prime Minister, it's too bad it never happened.

Elisa Pino

August 10, 2021

Thank you for your bravery and integrity. Elisa.

Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results

Memorial Events
for Paul HELLYER

Aug

14

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Metropolitan United Church

56 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON

Funeral services provided by:

Turner & Porter Funeral Directors

2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M6S 1P4