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BORN
1949
DIED
2024
Harry McKivett Obituary
May 5, 1949 - November 26, 2024
It is with great sadness, our family said goodbye to Paul - husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend to many.
Paul will be incredibly missed by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years Alynn and their children Trevor, Alison and Meghan, grandchildren William, Alex, Ethan, Finn and Raven, siblings Rick, Candy, Mary-Lou and Laurie, and many nieces and nephews. Paul was pre-deceased by parents Harry and Brenda McKivett and siblings BJ, Gary and Marlyn.
Family always came first. Paul was our rock whenever we needed a listening ear or a helping hand. His honest opinion and encouraging words would get us headed in the right direction.
Paul was a philosophical thinker. As a young teen, he was inspired by poet Bob Dylan cementing a lifetime passion for politics and social responsibility. He often joked he was married to the Liberal Party before he married Alynn. He always saw the good and positive in any situation, yet could tirelessly debate both sides into the wee hours of the morning - of course a drop of scotch was involved.
Paul was an avid reader of all genres and perspectives, and often had four or five books on the go. Paul loved listening to music and could unexpectedly break out in song - somewhat off key - yet amazingly he knew all the words.
Paul was a romantic with the Christmas season his most favourite time of year. It was never too early to decorate for the holidays, with his Santa collection on display until January 6 no matter what. We will so dearly miss his infectious enthusiasm and holiday attire.
Paul officially retired after 30 years working for the Municipality of Saanich. He continued to serve in a volunteer role for many years after and was honoured with the "Key to the City". The travel bug then took hold taking Paul and Alynn around the globe including Great Britain to visit family.
Paul's big heart reached far beyond family and spread deep into his community. Paul generously extended his experience and knowledge in so many places and ways, notably the United Way of Greater Victoria, Saanich Legacy Foundation, and more.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 1-3 pm at the University Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul's memory may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Saanich Legacy Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
You are invited to send a condolence message to the family or share a story or photograph of Paul via an online "Book of Memories" at
Book of Memories for Paul
Memories and Condolences
for Harry McKivett
Sponsored by the Victoria Times Colonist.
14 Entries
Jim & Sonya Guthrie
December 18, 2024
Dear Alynn and family,
We are so sad and shocked to hear about Paul´s recent passing!! Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you, during this very sad time.
Our memories of Paul go back when I was an Education Assistant in your class at Fairburn Elementary, and you included Jim and I in your Annual Crib Tournament. Over the 20 years of Tournaments, it was there that we got to know Paul, and his excitement for life and love for Christmas. It was evident that he had a deep love for Alynn and his family and enjoyed sharing many stories with us.
Please know that we´re here for you, if ever you need anything, be sure to reach out.
Janet Worobets
December 14, 2024
Met Paul in 1986 when I returned to teaching at Fairburn Elementary and shared a Gr 2/3 class with Alynn. Bill and I were soon included into their family and social group, celebrating many holidays. Lots of laughs and lively debates. Amazing dinners were prepared by Alynn, and Paul always had an appropriate toast. Games were played and prizes awarded. Memorable was 6 of us canoeing down Harrison River, Paul in the bow as the lookout for floating debris. Another, "Cookbook Charades" won by the men who later got a gourmet dinner served to them by the ladies. For many years there was the "McKivett Annual Crib Tournament" with a trophy awarded to the winning couple, who then hosted the next year. Paul was amazing and will be greatly missed.
Michelle Jones
December 12, 2024
My deepest sympathies to Paul's family and friends. This world will be much too quiet without his wisecracking asides when faced with needless intransigency.
Paul and I originally met in a campaign office likely on one of David Anderson's 8 campaigns. We met early on and I knew that somewhere on the campaign trail in any given election cycle, I was going to bump into Paul.
The Bible references a good man 35 times. By any definition, Paul was "a good man;" he embodied the virtues of righteousness, kindness, integrity, and wisdom. He was also honest, thoughtful of, and generous towards others.
Not that he was always a pattern of propriety. He had a gift -- particularly in the face of impending disaster -- to offer a quip or an "aside" muttered under his breath, that could dissipate tension. In meetings, I always tried to find a place beside or behind Paul; when a discussion threatened to go sideways, his muttered comments were golden.
The years pass quickly and it is so easy to lose touch. I regret deeply that Paul and I did not get together to reminisce and prognosticate. I can only imagine now what he might have said of current political developments.
Those who are remembered with love, never really leave us; they live forever in our hearts.
From the Barber Family
December 11, 2024
We send our sincere condolences to Alynn and the family at this very difficult time. Paul will be missed by all.
Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the day ahead, and the loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Daughter Alison Nolan
December 10, 2024
To My Superman (Dad)
I feel like a big hole is inside of me but the memories will never be forgotten, the summer camping trips to Long Beach Tofino wrapping stuff up in the blue traps on top of car and the pit stop at Jumping Goat Inn aka Coombs, Disneyland driving there through California sorry for the melted crayon in back seat of rental car, then the plane trip to Florida for DisneyWorld and bringing Christine, the Christmas traditions, watching hockey with you at 5 years old, you taking me for my 16th birthday to see the Canucks and my crush Pavel Bure live, trusting me with your pride and joy the Lebron, one thing I always wanted to do was vote for you, thank you for giving me your trust and blessing to go down to the US Marine base Camp Pendleton in San Diego just a few days after I turned 21, thank-you for letting me have Crystal Gardens for the biggest day of a girl's life. This is the biggest Thank-you of all thank-you for helping me to get full custody of Raven I couldn't have done it without you knowledge of how to say things properly. Dad there is so much more I think I could write a book about you. I am not sure who to turn to when I need advice or help because you have always been my rock/superman. I am glad you are at peace now and I will be at peace with stuff soon but for one thing you will never be forgotten. I feel like with lost our tribal chief, God father of the family. I my Mckivett family so much and I know we all lost the heart of this family.
Tony Bennett song I remember you listening to
Fly me to the Moon
And let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars
David Anderson
December 9, 2024
Paul's contribution to politics in British Columbia was never fully appreciated. Suffice to say the revival of the Liberal party in BC was due in large part to a small group of volunteers, who set to work to revive the party. Typical of Paul, he got far less credit than he deserved. However, his involvement in politics was already extensive. I ran for office eight times, and Paul was an important member of the campaign on all eight occasions. Despite this, Paul was neither dogmatic nor ideological. He was always willing to discuss issues on merit rather than party positions.
He will be greatly missed. Alynn and her family have my sincere condolences.
David Anderson, former MP for Victoria.
Russ Lazaruk & Hilary Groos
December 9, 2024
Hil and I are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. We worked with him on numerous campaigns, federal and provincial. He had a huge heart, boundless energy, and an ability to get things done. Our sincere condolences to Alynn and family
Angela and Lyle
December 8, 2024
Paul´s joyful smile will always be missed! Very sad that he had to leave us so young. His down to earth point of view on any topic was much appreciated!
Carol Rae Smith
December 7, 2024
Bill McElroy
December 7, 2024
I cannot remember how many campaigns I worked on with Paul. He was always enthusiastic, upbeat and a hard worker. He was a straight shooter, giving an honest opinion about an issue or tactic, never angry or mean when people disagreed with him. He was also a great supporter of local charities and Muscular Dystrophy. Paul was one of the good guys and I'm sorry that he's gone. My condolences to his family.
Margo Sutherland
December 7, 2024
I was heartbroken to hear of Paul´s passing. He was such a kind and gentle man, deeply woven into our family for over 30 years as my sister´s dear work colleague and friend. His community-minded spirit and generosity, especially during a crisis in my own career, will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to Alynn, his beloved wife of 56 years, and to all who loved him. It´s especially poignant that he left us just a few weeks before Christmas, his favorite time of year. Paul´s warmth and goodness will be dearly missed, but his memory will continue to brighten our lives.
Dave and Sue Paterson
December 7, 2024
Dave enjoyed working with Paul at Saanich Hall when i eas Alderman
Sue knew Paul and family while teaching at Gordon Head Elementary
He was a lovely gentleman
Condolences to the family
Dave and Sue Paterson
Valerie Green
December 7, 2024
David and I send our sincere condolences to Alynn and family at this very sad time. My memories of Paul are from the years we worked together on various committees at the Saanich Municipality where he was always full of joy and positive about getting things done for the community. He will be greatly missed by many.
Carol Rae Smith
December 7, 2024
For auld lang syne .... the four of us celebrated New Years together for so, so many years! Back in 1982, Paul was the New Years Baby entering the room to cheers on the stroke of midnight! He was the "first footing" to bring good luck for the coming year. Fancy dinners out or fancy dinners in, we always welcomed in the new year with a glass of champagne, a hug and kiss, holding hands and solemnly singing ...
"For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne,
We'll drink a cup of kindness yet, For the sake of auld lang syne".
Cheers Paul ... to yesterday, today and tomorrow!
Love Carol and Richard
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