PAUL JAMES STOTT

STOTT, PAUL JAMES Paul James Stott, born February 12, 1949, passed away in the gentle embrace of his loving family, at Toronto General Hospital on January 27, 2023, at the age of 73. Paul lived and died as a warrior, and there are many people who carry his spirit close. Most notably, Paul's beloved wife, Kelly Baldwin; and his children, Shayna Stott (Zoltan Czetner), Reuven Stott (Sacha Lewis), Rachel Stott (Vlad Pinkhasov), Michelle Funston, Rachel Funston (Evan Norton), David Funston, and Joe Stott (Hannah Fleming). Paul was famous for his tractor rides at the cottage, piling all the grandchildren into the trailer for a thrilling ride. His dearly loved grandchildren include: Mikayla, Stella, Penelope, Ben, Saul, Cole, Delilah and Ruby. As the oldest sibling, Paul grew up with his loving sisters, Teresa, Anne Marie and Julie; as well as his beloved younger brother, Daniel Stott. Those who remain here carry a light that Paul has given us. They illuminate an image of Paul, of his beauty and his legacy. Those that have already passed on, embrace Paul on the next stage of his journey: his parents, Rita Mae Riordan and Harold Ross Stott; father-in-law, Kay Baldwin, Irving and Adele Handelman; as well as his first wife and dear friend, Cheryl Handelman-Stott. Paul was born at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. In Paul's youth, the family would move several times throughout Ontario, and, notably to Port Cartier, Quebec. There, Paul's father, Harold, was stationed as an engineer, tasked with building the port. Paul often talked about the river flowing through Port Cartier; as Paul and his siblings walked its banks day to day, it imprinted on his heart. The family would eventually return and settle in Toronto. However, Paul's heart was always with the family land on the shores of Lake Simcoe. There he learned to ride horses through dirt roads and forested trails. Until recently, Paul would sit in the Dance hall with a fire crackling, or on the dock watching the sunset with his dog, Spike, at his side. Even as a child, Paul was always pushing the limits, and fear was not part of his vocabulary. With the unique ability to extract life lessons from his childhood adventures, Paul became aware of the struggles of people around him, and grew into a kind and generous young man. Paul excelled in school with a keen eye for detail, sharp wit and high intelligence. Paul went to De La Salle for high school, subject to the strict Catholic governance of the time. He graduated from high school emboldened and shortly after, Paul would jump on a freight train out west for work and adventure. Paul would later attend York University, where he first studied Anthropology. He would break up his education to embark on a journey across the Atlantic. Paul was intrepid in nature. Via sail, horseback, and motorcycle, he travelled through northern and southern Europe to the rock of Gibraltar, and then down into Morocco. His journey culminated in a motorcycle journey through the Sahara Desert from Morocco through Algeria to Niger. Paul carried incredible stories, as if he had lived many lives over, and would take great joy in describing these stories with elements of suspense, danger and victory. At one time, he was held at scimitar point by nomadic raiders in the Sahara Desert, after his motorcycle became stuck in the sand. Using his wit, he escaped, just barely able to start his motorcycle in the nick of time to ride into the sunset. Paul adventured unencumbered, fearlessly and with passion. Paul would return to Toronto with zeal and new found eccentricity, rejoining his colleagues at York University and exploring the inner workings of the 1960s. During this time, Paul actualized his strong sense of fairness and social justice when he entered studies at Osgoode Law School. He would begin his practice in Parkdale Community Legal Services, helping underserved populations, and go on to form a law practice with some of his close colleagues and friends, starting the successful law firm of Abraham, Duggan, Hoppe, Niman and Stott. After a successful law career, Paul would take over the poultry business from his father-in-law and mentor, Irving Handelman. Paul was a strong leader with the ability to think outside of the box, and take smart, calculated risks. He was known in the industry as a trail maker, solving problems in a unique fashion, opening up new avenues with an entrepreneurial spirit. Paul expanded the business across the world through the USA, Thailand, Brazil, Hungary, Germany, Chile and Cuba, the latter becoming his second home as he formed a deep love for Cuba's culture and people. Paul had a socialist spirit and saw us all as equal in our humanity and right to a good life. Paul loved his team at Reuven International and, under his wing, they have come together like a family. Paul had a deep commitment to family and raising his children well, often telling others that his family and the amazing life they shared was his biggest accomplishment. With his wife, Kelly, he raised seven strong children, giving them the tools they needed to thrive, with Paul, himself, an example they will continue to use as a roadmap and compass. Paul was the calm in the storm, in the most difficult of times Paul achieved equanimity. Paul walked fast and others would try to catch up. He is described by others as honorable, generous, full of integrity, charismatic, and a gentleman. He designed his life as he wanted, loving it to the fullest and always fighting for life. True and deep love surrounded Paul around his hospital bed in his final moments. This is how he wanted it - to become a man of integrity who touched many lives, a life full of adventure, a beautiful life lived, surrounded by love and carried forever by his family. Paul's legacy runs deep within us. Thank you Paul, you are a guiding light for us to follow. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023, from 4 – 8 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre (375 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto). A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 12 p.m. at Grace Church on the Hill (300 Lonsdale Rd., Toronto). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in memory of Paul Stott, to Parkdale Community Legal Services: https://www.parkdalelegal.org/donate/