Paul Herman Dirksen

1939 - 2023

November 16, 1939 - April 8, 2023

After a life well lived, Paul Herman Dirksen passed away at his dearly loved home surrounded by family on Saturday April 8, 2023, at the age of 83.

Paul leaves to mourn his best friend and wife of 58 years Sandra. He will be profoundly missed by his children David, James, and Heidi (Chris) and grandchildren Nathan and Mackenzie Gravel. As well as his brother Eric and family. He loved and was loved by his family.

Paul was born in Saskatoon, the oldest son of German Mennonite immigrants Paul and Agnes Dirksen but the family moved to Waterloo while Paul was young. He was raised in a loving, active home with a strong work ethic and a genuine respect of mankind and nature.

He went to high school at Kitchener Collegiate Institute (KCI) and graduated University of Waterloo in 1963 with a B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics. He then completed a M.Sc. in 1964 with an emphasis on Computer Science.

Persuaded by his professors and mentors Ralph Stanton and Wes Graham, Paul decided to pursue a career teaching Computer Science at University of Waterloo, while also co-leading the team with Paul Cress that developed the WATFOR compiler for the IBM 360 computer. This software was distributed worldwide and helped establish the University of Waterloo as a force in the new field of Computer Science. Paul also co-wrote two bestselling programming books. These two developments earned Paul international recognition and he and Paul Cress received the Grace Murray Hopper Award from the Association for Computing Machinery. In 1974 he co-founded the Waterloo Foundation for the Advancement of Computing (WATFAC). The WATFAC staff produced several software systems to support education in computing. WATFAC also provided opportunities for both Canadian high school teachers and students to build capacity in the new field of Computer Science. Paul was a vital part of UW computing history serving as the Director of the Computing Centre for many years as well as enhancing the University's reputation by teaching in the Far East and Brazil.

For relaxation, Paul loved being outside in the garden and on the family farm helping with numerous projects including planting, and harvesting corn, tomatoes, potatoes and more. Paul and Sandra loved classical music and became patrons of the Waterloo Symphony Orchestra for many years. Paul and Sandra were avid travellers exploring New Zealand, Antarctica and later Hawaii, Dominican Republic, and Nova Scotia with family.

Paul also enjoyed jogging with his buddies soon to switch gears to a love of cycling taking yearly trips to Europe. Family camping trips and road trips to Florida were yearly opportunities to relax. Summer traditions spent with friends and families in Muskoka at Scarcliffe lodge were filled with so many fabulous memories. Poker night was a monthly tradition for over 40 years with colleagues getting together well into retirement. Becoming a grandfather known as Papa was a privilege he took with joy, love and undivided attention. Through it all, he remained a down-to-earth, kind, warm-hearted generous man with a zest for life and a willingness to mentor staff and students.


Paul will be fondly remembered for his sense of humour and love of food and wine. "What's for dinner?" was a favourite question.


Cremation has taken place. Paul was attired in his biking gear. A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Saturday June 3, 2023, at 3:00p.m. at the Dirksen family home. Please confirm attendance with Sandra Dirksen at sandrajdirksen@icloud.com


In lieu of flowers donations to KW Symphony Orchestra, Humane Society or Grand River Hospital may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street St. Waterloo or through www.erbgood.com


Note of Thanks


A sincere thanks to the medical personnel who made Paul Dirksen's final journey more tolerable, Dr. Malckovsky and Dr. Rachakonda, Dr. Lana Tan and the team of RNs and the PSWs who cared for him and listened to his jokes.