March 19, 1950-June 24, 2006
It is with great sadness we announce the recent loss of Paul Roumieu. Paul leaves a footprint. He loved, served and was friends with so many. In his 56 years with us, he lived many times over. His phenomenal presence in this world will be very missed and dearly remembered.
He touched many lives through his work and volunteering. He left Smithers at the age of 19 and went to Saskatchewan to train in the RCMP. He work in the RCMP from 1969 to 1981, rose to the rank of Corporal in nine years and spent years in Windsor and Toronto.
In 1981 he returned to Smithers to manage the family insurance business, Pioneer Agencies, where he saw business there grow many times over.
His contributions were extensive. He dedicated 22 years of service with the Smithers Fire Department on a volunteer basis and spent 10 years as Deputy Chief. At the same time, Paul was a paramedic with the BC Ambulance Service and tallied more than 3000 calls. Moreover, he was a director and co-founder of the Bulkley Valley Critical Incident Stress Society, and served there until 2000. Paul was the help.
Paul had a biting sense of humour, and a towering belly laugh. His stories were grand and the way he told them grander. His most peaceful times were at Babine Lake fishing with the serious intent of not trying to catch fish, getting beaten at cribbage and exercising his questionable carpentry skills. In earlier years, Paul had his pilot’s licence, played hockey and refereed.
Paul is survived by his wife Jean, three children Kate, Jordan and Graham, and a granddaughter Stella. The family is grateful to those who stood by Paul when times were hard.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Canadian Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Parkinson Society of Canada.
A memorial service was held June 30, at the Friendship Centre, with Pastor Henry Clark officiating. Cremation and memorial services were entrusted to the R.A. Schrader Funeral Home, Smithers, B.C., 847-2441.
“Service with Dignity”