PAUL STOCK

February 7, 1966 - August 7, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Stephen Stock, 59, who died suddenly on August 7th at his beloved cottage, Avalon, Paul's favourite place on earth. Turns out Paul's heart really was too big.

Paul will be forever cherished by Louise Stevenson, his loving wife of 23 years and his two beloved Stockettes Lindsay (22) and Katie (20). He was predeceased by his father George, mother Patricia and brother George. He leaves behind his brothers Peter (Julie Markham), Ian (Joan Evans) and David (Diana Wright), nieces Jeannette Stock (Joanna Lyons), Jaime, Julia and nephew Michael. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Sarah (David Schorr), brother-in-law John (Sher Bovay) and nephews Ryan and Fraser (Autumn Wallis). Paul was the adored cousin and cousin-in-law of both his family and Louise's and "Funkle Paul" (uncle by adoption) to many of our friends' children.

Born and raised on Lawrence Crescent in Toronto, the unexpected fifth of five boys, he was the beloved little brother to many, often being dragged along to adult parties, and teenage shenanigans. This gave him plenty of room to get into his own trouble, including the neighbourhood-wide, tag-like adventure known locally as 'The Game'. As a result, it's difficult to find a picture of Paul as a child without a big smile on his face, in a hand-me-down sweater, having the time of his life.

Paul was the perfect blend of his parents' best traits; kind, hardworking, fun-loving and principled. Easy-going, quick with an infectious smile and kind word, Paul once said he collected friends, not things. Generous to a fault, genuine and always a true gentleman, he was never covetous, always expressing joy in the accomplishments and successes of others.

Paul attended local Toronto schools; Bedford Park, Glenview and Lawrence Park, making lifelong friends along the way. Paul then headed to engineering at Queen's University. Paul's time at Queen's held a very special place in his heart. He played on as many intramural teams as possible, spending a disproportionate amount of time with a celebratory beer in hand, dyed a bright shade of purple, in Clark Hall Pub. He made and spent many hours with 100's of friends, with whom most he was still in touch; yet, he still managed to graduate on the Dean's List of Science '89.

From there, Paul launched a successful career in the Consumer-Packaged Goods and Pharmaceutical industries. Paul developed a global network of colleagues with whom he regularly connected. Throughout his career, Paul developed a reputation for being a results-oriented leader, but his favourite part of any role was being part of a team and developing talent. Mentor to many, Paul never took the easy path of replacing someone, opting instead to work with them to develop their potential.

Paul adored his wife Louise, and he showed her that every day. Together they shared a marriage filled with mutual respect, deep affection, and love of family and friends. It took Paul a while to convince Louise, but marrying Paul was the best, and certainly the smartest decision of her life! Their years were filled with many ski days, golf games, canoe trips and travel, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of the outdoors that they shared with family, friends and their girls. Together they raised two very smart, resilient and lovely daughters. Paul leaned in completely as a parent and partner, supporting his three girls at every step of the way. To say Paul was a proud parent is an understatement. The best "girl-Dad, Paul loved being a father. He adored his girls. They knew it and so did everyone.

As a family, the Stocks created amazing communities at home in Toronto, at the cottage, at Windermere Golf and Country Club and Osler Bluff Ski Club, meeting friends who have become more like family.

Since Paul only collected and never lost a friend, his network was extensive but tight as he managed to stay in touch with everyone, reaching out with a quick text, funny story or photo. From annual canoe trips with childhood friends, to golf weekends with engineering pals, to concerts, pinball tournaments, Cloud 9 1/2, adult house league and random races down the hill, Paul loved to do things while connecting and laughing with the people that he loved.

Paul loved nothing more than sharing Avalon, the 102-year-old beloved Stock family cottage on Tobin Island, Lake Rosseau, with friends and family. Like at most cottages, board games, dips in the lake and sports were a big part, but what Paul really loved to do was to tinker on multiple projects. It was such a special way for Paul to spend time with his father and eventually with his daughters who he was teaching how to use blow torches, soldering irons, chain saws, and electric sockets. Life skills really. He would often use these as an excuse to wander to beloved neighbours to share in the antics and perhaps a beer as Paul recounted his struggles and triumphs. If there was something going on in our bay, Paul was inevitably a part of the fun.

Paul's larger than life personality will be missed by so many. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, camaraderie, laughter, generosity and a magical infectious smile. Taken far, far too soon - Paul, Louise, Lindsay, and Katie had so many more adventures in store.

To honour Paul, please raise a glass and toast a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, the family have established the Paul Stock Memorial Fund to enable the family to support the many, many charities and organizations which meant so much to Paul including sending kids to camp, heart health support, local community sports, Queen's Engineering and the Canadian wilderness. Donations can be made to www.easydonate.com/paulstock. Charitable receipts will be issued.

The family also encourages friends and loved ones to share a short video recounting their favourite Paul Stock story, so these memories can be revisited and cherished in the weeks, months, and years to come. Videos can be recorded and sent in here: https://videobooth.app/paulstockmemorial

A visitation will take place at Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue, (south of Davisville), Toronto on September 10th from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Paul's life will be held at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, 230 St. Clair Avenue West, on September 11th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the Concert Hall, 888 Yonge Street. The celebration of life will be livestreamed, the link for which will be available on the funeral home website closer to the date of the service.

Paul will forever be remembered with love by many, but especially his girls, Louise, Lindsay and Katie and his "wonder dog" Archie.