Gerald Paul Baal

BAAL, Gerald Paul
November 9, 1945 - February 22, 2026

Paul Baal, 80, of Union Bay, BC passed away suddenly at Victoria General Hospital on February 22, 2026. He believed in the good in others and dedicated himself to community service. He was born in Victoria to Gilbert and Vivian Baal just before the end of World War II. His earliest years were spent in Sidney, BC at his grandparent's house and in Saskatchewan where his father was a pilot training officer. Right after the war, the family moved to Vancouver where his father attended UBC. Then in 1951, the family moved to a farm in Courtenay, BC where Paul spent most of his years growing up. He was an adventuresome lad who enjoyed getting his siblings in trouble.

After high school, Paul attended the BCIT program in Forestry and spent his summers surveying in the bush. He completed his degree at UVic and then began a 28 year career with the BC Government in the departments of Forestry and Highways. Here he met his companion, Marilynn Vallance. Highways posted him to Nanaimo so he built himself a house on Shawnigan Lake. Then, he was assigned a highways project in Courtenay so he built himself a house in Union Bay. He continued with his carpentry work after retirement.

Paul's community volunteer work was extensive: he was always ready to help out at the church in Cobble Hill; he spent many years organizing the craft fair section of Nautical Days in Comox; he served on the Board of the Union Bay Community Club and Recreation Association; and he even volunteered at the Yukon Quest sled races.

Paul is survived by his companion, Marilynn, his sister, Trudy Temple and his brother Stephen Baal. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Eroca (Ann) Shaler and his brother Christopher.

A graveside ceremony will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at noon at St John's Anglican Church in Cobble Hill (Shawnigan Lake).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre at Box 364 Errington, BC.