Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Paul Stewart DINGLEDINE
Paul Stewart DINGLEDINE
Obituary
Guest Book
Paul DINGLEDINE Obituary
Passed away June 12, 2014 suddenly at home in Ottawa. Paul is survived by his parents Bob and Betty Dingledine, sisters Barbara (Glen) Armstrong, and Susan (Denny) Mull. Also surviving are three nieces, one nephew, and six great-nieces and nephews. During his long and illustrious career with the Canadian Government Foreign Services, Paul served in numerous trade and diplomatic positions around the world. His last foreign appointment was as the Canadian Ambassador to Iran. Paul enjoyed his happiest moments at his beloved cottage near Kazabazua, QC, surrounded by friends and family or having peaceful time on his own. A private family Service will be held at Beechwood Funeral Cemetery and Cremation Services on Monday June 16, 2014.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
43 Entries
Fraser Laschinger
April 6, 2015
I first met Paul in Geneva in the early '80's when he was travelling with the trade minister. Later I got to know him in Ottawa and at his lakeside retreat in Quebec, where he presided over many wonderful meals and games of bridge. An annual ritual I will always remember was the spring clean-up weekend where he provided all the food and drink and we spruced up the place as best we could for yet another season. Dogs were always welcomed. I will always treasure those memories.
Marc Robillard
August 15, 2014
I had the joy of meeting Paul in 1979, great memories of shared time together, in camping expedition at his cottage and traveling to Germany and Copenhagen. (Thank you Paul).
My sincere condolences to his family and friends
John Kneale
June 30, 2014
Paul was a colleague, friend and neighbour, but most important a mentor. I followed him as Senior Departmental Assistant to the Minister for International Trade. This is an almost impossible job to do well as it involves working for two masters: the minister and the deputy minister. Paul gave me excellent advice and taught me how to navigate the tricky waters between the public service and the world of politics, always with his trademark sense of humour. I will remember him fondly.
June 23, 2014
We send our heartfelt condolences to Paul's family and friends. Paul was a wonderful and valued colleague and friend with whom we shared many fine moments during our posting in Iran. We are deeply saddened by his passing and shall remember him for his kindness and professionalism.
Gabrielle and Erling Harild Nielsen, Copenhagen, Denmark
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
SUZANNE AND BILL SORENSEN( ANDERSON)
June 22, 2014
PAUL AND DEAR NEIGHBORS, BILL,MOM AND I WERE ALWAYS SO PLEASED TO HAVE PAUL COME OVER. I REMEMBER HIS LOVING TO PLAY CHESS WITH OUR COUSIN FRANK WHO WOULD PLAY ALL THE FRIENDS AT ONCE-I REMEMBER EVEN AT A YOUNG AGE HE WAS A GENTLEMAN. YOU SHONE GREAT LIGHT ON THIS WORLD PAUL. WE WERE HONORED TO HAVE CALLED YOU FRIEND. LOVE, SUSAN AND BILL ANDERSON
June 21, 2014
We were saddened to hear of Paul's untimely death. He was a wonderful colleague. We look back on many happy times together in Tehran whether mulling over political and other developments in Iran, travelling around that strange and beautiful country or enjoying his company and that of other colleagues assigned to the IRI in those days. He was a generous and knowledgeable friend. We valued his counsel and friendship. When tragedy struck our two Embassies towards the end of his time in Tehran, Paul was a tower of strength and compassion; a great colleague to have at a difficult time. We last saw Paul when he briefly visited Canberra several years ago. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
John and Libby Oliver, Canberra, Australia.
June 20, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to Paul's family. Paul brought great insight, humour and humanity to every challenge and to colleagues and friends. I had the good fortune to work with him on the launch of Investment Canada in 1985. He was an able leader and tireless worker, but always took time to see the lighter side as we sought to redress Canada's tarnished image amongst foreign investors. One of the great guys of the Foreign Service. Taken too soon; he will be sorely missed.
Bill Johnston
June 19, 2014
Paul was a close friend and colleague in Tehran in the early 90s. He was there before us and we were mercifully adopted by his group of friends. We met regularly to exchange views and often socially. He was a kind and warm person whose friendship we valued. He left Tehran before we did, donating his birds to people who would take care of them. About nine years later I went to Ottowa for consultations. When official work was done, I was touched to find him waiting for me in the hall. He had told me he was trying to polish up his french to get really bilingual. We were deeply grieved to learn of his loss which seems so unreal from this distance. We extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.
Korkmaz-Handan Haktanir, Ankara/Turkey
Wayne McKenzie
June 19, 2014
I got to know Paul in 1974 when he was in Tel Aviv and I was in Cairo. The Dept had organized a cross-Canada tour to promote trade with the Middle East. Following the 1973 Yom Kippur war, oil prices had leapt to a new plateau and the region was on an economic boom; Israel was included in the tour for “balance”.
In 1975, I took up Paul's offer to visit him in Israel and we toured the country. We spent hours discussing the fundamentals of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Paul enunciated what he thought was the maximum that any Israeli government would or could concede. I put forth what I considered was the minimum that the “Arabs”, principally the Palestinians, could / would accept. There was a gap that we two could not bridge. Paul afterwards liked to say that even two Canadian diplomats could not agree on a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Claire Marshall
June 19, 2014
Paul was a valued guide when we overlapped in New Delhi in 1976. I remember his ready, often self-deprecating, sense of humour and have hilarious memories of good times, including pie slices, a suitcase with no handle en route to Hikkaduwa, and especially his surprise birthday party. Condolences to his family and friends. “You're a star in the face of the sky.”
Paul Striowski
June 18, 2014
I have just read the words of many of Paul's friends. They made me reflect on his life and the man Paul was. Genuine, generous, thoughtful, interesting, fun. He was a great Canadian and a true friend.
Jacques & Laura Raymond
June 18, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to all of the family and friends.
He will be remembered as a great human being
Dean Jorgensen
June 17, 2014
I got to know Paul through friends at his beautiful home on the lake in Kazabazua. I had just arrived in Ottawa to start my career as a Foreign Service Officer and although I had the pleasure and privilege to experience his wonderful hospitality and generosity only a few times at the lake, he had a profound impact on me and I was very impressed by this fine, kind man. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Pierre Carignan
June 17, 2014
Having left Ontario five years ago, I've missed Paul's kindness, sense of humour and amazing ability to contribute to any discussion, whether political or social. Today, I miss him even more...
Allen Choate
June 17, 2014
My sincere condolences to Paul's family. It was my good fortune to be a Harvard International Fellow the same year that Paul was. He was a thoughtful and kind soul whose company we always enjoyed. RIP.
Bill Sadler
June 17, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Remembering the early years.
Danya Hernandez
June 17, 2014
On behalf of The Edinburgh Retirement Residence, we extend our deepest condolences to Paul's family.
Steven Bloomfield
June 17, 2014
Paul was a Fellow at Harvard's Center for International Affairs in 1993-94. He had just come back from serving as ambassador in Iran. Among us he was a kind, honest, studious, intelligent, and good-humored presence. I always cherished his genuineness. For many years after his year at Harvard, he'd welcome Harvard Fellows who annually visited Canada to a fall barbecue at his lakeside cottage in Kazabazua. He was the modest yet proud presider over all he surveyed. He was also essential in brokering our opportunity to host an Iranian Fellow at Harvard -- no small thing some 15 years ago. Paul was a gentleman, a scholar, a diplomat... and, very simply, a good human being.
David Ritchie
June 16, 2014
Paul was a friend and a colleague in New Delhi and Ottawa. He enjoyed life. His intelligence, integrity and good humour will be greatly missed.
Gwen Palmer
June 16, 2014
So sorry to hear of Paul's passing.
John Weber
June 16, 2014
My sincere condolences to Paul's family. His generosity in welcoming myself, my partner and friends to his cottage will always remain a fond memory of summer.
Ali Ramezani
June 16, 2014
Paul was a kind and caring person and he had a great sense of humour and irony. He was also a loyal friend. Staff of the Embassy in Iran retain fond memories of Paul and his leadership during a very challenging period.
Brenda Conboy
June 16, 2014
Paul was a wonderful neighbour and friend for many years at the lake and we all miss him but cherish some great memories of shared times together.
Jim Gould
June 16, 2014
Paul was a good friend and an exemplary colleague. He saved my butt on several occasions with his good advice, and fine example. His passing is too soon and he will be missed. Judith joins me in sending our condolences to his family and other friends
June 16, 2014
We were so sorry to learn of Paul's passing. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family.
Diane & Don Grainger
Ivan Chorney
June 16, 2014
Sincerest condolences to his family. What a bright and funny guy. So many great memories over almost 20 years ... at the Kazabazua cottage, in Florida and certainly over the Bridge table. A LOT of people will miss you, Paul.
Blair Johnston
June 16, 2014
Thank you, Paul, for your insight and guidance
Stuart Savage
June 16, 2014
I had the pleasure and privilege to working with Paul and later joining him and other friends at his beautiful cottage retreat. He was a fine man. I will cherish my memories of him and his kind hospitality. My sincerest condolences.
Dan Livermore
June 16, 2014
Much too early for a true professional, who merited a longer retirement.
Gary J. Smith
June 16, 2014
I followed Paul as the Canadian Fellow at the Centre for International Affairs at Harvard University. Paul had been in high demand by scholars and USA policy personnel interested in his views about Iran.
Paul hosted a group of International Fellows at his cottage in Aug 1995 where there was much swimming and eating and drinking. He was a wonderful host and respected by all from many lands.
Gary J. Smith
Gordon Smith
June 16, 2014
Shocked to learn of Paul's passing. He was an outstanding public servant and someone very pleasant to work with. Would have loved to hear, just one more time, what he thinks is happening in Iran.
Scott wood
June 16, 2014
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
On TCS tour in Labrador winter 1970-71.
Donald & Judy McLennan
June 16, 2014
Paul was a "classmate" in the Trade Commissioner Service; he and I arrived the same day in Ottawa in 1970 to join the class of ten new trade commissioners. We roomed together during that first training year in Ottawa. The shared 13-week cross-Canada training tour was an experience of a lifetime for both of us and the TCS class of 1970-71.
23 years later, I succeeded Paul as Canada's Ambassador in Tehran. My wife Judy and I inherited his beloved dog Dingo and his beautifully designed poker table in the "Official Residence". Paul regaled us with the story of his delayed departure from Iran given the fact that the Islamic government refused for a time to issue him with an exit visa.
With each of us having a lakeside property in the vicinity of Gracefield; we occasionally traded visits and always shared cottage experiences and stories.
Judy and I are both shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Paul's untimely passing. We extend our most sincere sympathies to his family. How could such a richly rewarding career and life pass so quickly?
Ian Sherwood
June 16, 2014
Sorry to hear his passing. Paul was a great host up at Farm Lake near kazabazua, QC. Enjoyed playing bridge and Croquet with friends up at his cottage for many years.
June 16, 2014
We are so sorry to learn of Paul's death. he was a great friend and an oustanding foreign service officer. We have many fond memories of our time together in India. Our heartfelt condolences to his family -Nicky and Vic Lotto
Nick Etheridge
June 16, 2014
A fine guy , wise colleague and good friend
André Carrière
June 16, 2014
We are filled with deep sadness. What a wonderful man he was, wise, a great cook, a superb host, and a cherished friend. May he rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to all of his family and friends.
Suzanne and André Carrière
Jean-Guy Saint-Martin
June 16, 2014
Paul était un collègue agréable et compétent. Il demeurera dans le cœur de tous ceux qui eurent le boheur de le côtoyer.
Jean-Guy Sasint-Martin
Rick Kohler
June 16, 2014
To Paul's family we wish to express our sincerely condolences. Paul will be sorely missed by all who knew him, at home and abroad. A distinguished Canadian diplomat and wonderful friend who died much too young. We will miss him. Rick and Edwina Kohler
June 16, 2014
Paul was an excellent representative of his country, a valued colleague, and a generous and positive influence on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.
Brian Buckley
June 16, 2014
Deeply saddenedto learn of Paul's sudden passing. Our memories of good and interesting times together in Iran remain fond and vivid. We extend our sincere condolences to Paul's family. Anne and Wil Collett.
Peter McKellar
June 16, 2014
Paul was a distinguished colleague and a good friend with a wonderful sense of humor. This is a tragic loss. My deepest sympathy goes to his family.
Ron & Diane Berlet
June 16, 2014
WE are saddened to learn of Paul's untimeley death. We have fond memories of serving in the Foreign Service with him in Hamburg, Germany
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in Paul DINGLEDINE's name
How to support Paul's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Paul DINGLEDINE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
