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Rev. Paul Gordon Fairley

Paul Fairley Obituary

REV. PAUL GORDON FAIRLEY Died of cancer on December 6, 2008 at Toronto. Paul was born in Toronto on December 24, 1969, the beloved son of Suzanne and Mark, brother of John, stepson of Donna and stepbrother of Kim (Paul Barlow) and Tom. Predeceased by his grandfathers Norman Endicott and Tom Fairley, he is survived by his loving grandmothers, Kathleen Endicott and Lorraine Fairley and his many cousins, aunts, uncles, colleagues, friends and chosen families. Paul was a graduate of the University of Toronto, Victoria College (B.A. 1992) and the Pacific School of Religion (M.Div. 2003). Minister for a brief time at Bloor Street United Church, Paul primarily served Metropolitan Community Churches in local and denominational ministry in San Francisco and Toronto, at General Conferences in Toronto, Dallas and Calgary and as a member of MCC's delegation to the World Council of Churches General Assembly in Brazil. Paul will be remembered for his wit, humour, intellect, and energy; his contributions to his church, especially liturgy and music, queer spiritual communities and the cause of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights continue on. Transcripts of Paul's sermons can be viewed at www.mccsf.org/sermons and www.mcctoronto.com/What We Do/Life Lessons. Paul's families thank Bill Wade and the doctors, nurses and staff of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Michael's Hospital for their compassionate and loving care. A private service will be held following cremation with interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at MCC Toronto. Gifts in remembrance of Paul may be made to Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto General Fund, at 115 Simpson Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4K 1A1. Condolences for the family may be sent to: www.morleybedford.ca/condolences. Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because Dawn has come.

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Published by Toronto Star on Dec. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Fairley

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15 Entries

Elaine Vautour

December 19, 2008

I still remember Paul taking the time to drive Anne and I to the airport when my Mom was dying. I'm grateful that I had a chance to say "Thank You" to him a few months ago.
Always Loved and Remembered,
Elaine & Anne Vautour

Gabrielle Frenkel

December 19, 2008

My heart and prayers go out to the parents,& family and the many, many
people who were so blessed to be touched by Paul, in their lives. What a
gift to cherish, always.
Dear family,... pray to Paul to help you and give you courage in your grief and healing. What a great sad loss in losing our Dear Rev. Paul. What a beautiful memorial service you planned. So YOU. You, Paul , were there, and deeply felt by
all. Paul, - with your always loving smile & charisma, you filled and lit up our whole
MCCT Church, with your strong Spiritual Presence. My cherished memories: When Paul helped me with a challenging aspect to the renewing of my Canadian passport. He helped me
make it to my nephews' wedding IN TIME, in Jerusalem, and to visit with my dear sister & family in Israel. Paul,
you placed your hands on the large brown envelope, (passport ....) and prayed over it. Paul you always gave so generously of yourself, your time,
your honesty,being REAL,your faith, joy & your brilliant sense of humor. Then upon returning to Canada-hearing your sermon at MCCT, where you shared so bravely,.. the beginning of your sorrowful journey, as you put it,"... feeling lost in the wilderness...." upon getting your diagnosis. I felt heartbroken and marveled at your courage, to laugh and cry, .... as we all then,- did with you, in that 11:00 am
Sunday service at MCCT, our Spiritual home. I,... we will always love you, and
miss you,
Love and Prayers,

Gabrielle Frenkel .

Proud & Grateful member
of : MCCT.

Philip de Barros

December 17, 2008

My last memory of Paul is when I annointed him and gave him communion a short while ago. He seemed very happy and joyful.

One of his cherished memories that he shared with me a few years ago was when he and his grandmother visited the part of England the family comes from and how connected he felt. I envy that becase I don't even know where to go to find my family. I am warmed that this memory that made Paul so happy.

My deepest sympathy to Paul's family, loved ones and friends.

Remember the good memories and welcome his spirit when he visits you. Let him comfort and watch over you.

God bless.

Marilyn Byers

December 16, 2008

Dear Paul;
What a beautiful memorial service you planned.
I watched it at my home in Mexico thanks to MCCT Toronto and you.
Love,
Marilyn Byers

Anne Carrier

December 15, 2008

I had the pleasure and privilege of teaching English literature to Paul when he attended Northern in its Gifted department. He was always a bringer of joy in the classroom - delighting in and energizing discussions. I also remember his talent for organization as he created and executed the first ever fashion show as a fund-raiser for Northern's United Way campaign. Based on Phantom of the Opera, this fashion show was a stunning success, and the concept became the centre piece for the school's subsequent United Way weeks.

As I met him over the years, I witnessed that generous, loving, joyfilled spirit grow into the remarkable man he became.He was a rare human being and I feel honoured to have known him.

Paul Brunelle

December 12, 2008

An incredible loss has been dealt to all whom Paul touched during his lifetime, but each and everyone of us has received an incredible gift in having had Paul in our lives. If I can recount just a shortened version of how I first met Paul
-he was the one holding the fairy wand and sprinkling the fairy dust during a Sunday commercial advertising the men's coming out group at MCCT. Paul's smile, warmth and excellent facilitation gave me my wings out of fear and self-loathing. Paul made it O.K. to be GAY. I will miss his smile and laughter. I did say to a friend I am sure Paul is now creating "Rainbow Gates" and he will be there for all of us when our time comes to join him in heaven. Thank-you Paul.

Ernie Lacasse

December 12, 2008

I cherish many memories of Paul - but especially visiting him while he was at MCC San Francisco and, one day, going to lunch with him at Orphan Andy's. Paul - you are one of the best!

Erin Kotva

December 12, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with anyone affected by Paul's death especially the family.

I remember singing with Paul at the first evening service at MCCT. He was very encourageing warm and loving. he will be missed, but never forgoten!!

Love

Todd Kaufman

December 11, 2008

Our dear, dear sweet Paul. My fellow Canadian, friend, pastor, humourist, and muse, and most deeply, my brother in Christ. We studied together, dined together, worshiped together and yes, we chased men together! Paul was forever cocked and loaded with a smile and hug. Most, it is your smile I will always remember.

Paul held me in times that seemed to be the nadir of my spiritual journey. He repeatedly refused darkness and chose light. He was intransigent in his faith and at the strangest of times this man of God would perform an extemporaneous liturgy which could leave you in tears of sorrow or laughter. I am a better man for having had him in my life. His untimely transition, in the height of his youth is wrong in so many ways. Paul would have told me to quit complaining and too, told me that I should well know that God was in this, his cancer.

So to you my friend, I lift up a prayer and smile, you frequently reminded me to do both, and now I will hold these gifts in memory of you. I feel your presence, and I am blessed and better man for having spent time with you. Soon my brother, the diaphanous veil of your transition only clouds our vision of love, yet faith turns it transparent - those that know you, know how to hold faith.

Let your smile guide the rest us into Christ's unfailing love. Our hearts can hear you into eternity.

Ian Ross

December 10, 2008

Paul, I appreciated your support when I was running the Audio Ministry a few years ago. We always had a few laughs and I considered you a friend as well as a colleague. I know you are in the arms of Jesus, likely making him laugh. Thank you for your time on earth.

Stan Marcus

December 10, 2008

Mark and Donna, Lorraine, Shiela,Rob and all the Fairleys

All are thoughts and best wishes are being sent to all of you. And of course, a BIG HUG!!!

Shamus and Riesa

Barrie Lehman

December 10, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Sam Moffatt

December 10, 2008

Thanks to Paul's sense of humour and liturgy, my Internship at MCC Toronto was not only a time of learning but a time of spiritual healing and growth.

My thoughts and prayers are with Paul's family and his MCC Toronto family.The world has lost an amazing person, but Heaven has gained a wondeful angel.

Marilyn Byers

December 10, 2008

Paul. we miss you so much. You and your family are in our thoughts and Prayers. You are at Peace now and with the Creator.
Love, Marilyn

David Weld

December 10, 2008

Gone so soon but forever in our hearts. We miss your sermons! You were a great light at MCC and were all going to miss you.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Memorial Events
for Paul Fairley

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