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Cavanaugh, Ronald Paul

(January 13th, 2022)

October 4, 1932- January 13, 2022

Long time Nelson resident and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Paul Cavanaugh, died peacefully at KLDH after a sudden, short illness at the age of 89.

Paul was born in North Bay, Ontario, the 6th of 7 children born to Norma and Ed Cavanaugh.

He and his wife Gwen moved their family of 5 children to Nelson in 1974.  From the moment they arrived, Paul knew Nelson would be their forever home. He loved the community, the mountains, lakes, rivers, fresh air, and especially the golf course.  The year Whitewater Ski Resort opened, he excitedly purchased a season’s pass and had the entire family skiing for the first time.  He skied every winter until 2020 when he took his last ride up the lift.

His entire career was at CP Rail, starting out in Northern Ontario, moving on to London, Toronto, Montreal and finally Nelson where he became a Chief Dispatcher.  He was a railway man through and through, excellent at his job, and respected by all he worked with. He retired from the CPR in 1987; then he continued to pursue his golf and skiing passions and also took up canoeing. He and Gwen made many trips throughout the Kootenays to explore the rivers and inlets of the area he so dearly loved. Paul also enjoyed riding his bike and was still maneuvering along his favorite route through Lakeside Park as recently as this past autumn. They also enjoyed their travels abroad, especially Hawaii and the Far East.

Paul loved his family most of all. He reveled in his children’s successes and provided a shoulder when times were tough. He grew more proud with every new addition to his ever expanding family.

His middle child Edward passed away in 1989.  He leaves behind his devoted wife of 66 years, Gwen; his loving children David, Lynda, Stephen, and Carole; 7 adoring grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Paul would want us all to have happy memories and to live our best lives.  He will be missed.

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