Paul William James Irwin

Paul is loved and missed by his brother Steve and wife, Katherine, and brother Tom and wife, Gillian. Paul was pre-deceased by his parents, Robert and Joan Irwin. Paul was very proud to be an uncle to Colin Taylor, Sharon Barton (Dan), Geoff Irwin (Vicky), and Chris Irwin (Merrick), and a great uncle to Ada, Ruby, Oliver, Audrey, Amelia, Callum, and Lachlan.

From his birth, when he was diagnosed with spina bifida, Paul overcame the odds. He lived a long, meaningful, and happy life, supported in the community in a group home managed by Vancouver Resource Society.

Paul moved into Gray House when it opened in 1987, and it was his home and family: his roommates Sunny, Craig, Jova and Jason, and many devoted staff - both past and present.

Paul worked and volunteered in many roles throughout his life; in 2010, the BC Centre for Ability honoured Paul with a Hero of Ability award.

Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion provided Paul with support to participate in diverse community activities, including bowling, music, outings, social club, and as many other fun things as Paul could find to do. Highlights for Paul included Canucks games, going out to watch JT play his saxophone, the Abba musical, and sailing with the Adaptive Sailing Association.

It is a huge comfort that there were so many very special people who loved Paul as family. We are profoundly grateful that he was so well supported, cared for, and loved throughout his life, and especially for the generosity of spirit that encompassed Paul at the end of his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday April 19, at Bonsor Recreation Complex at 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby.