Paul Frederick Berner

Beloved father of Kimberley (Marcel) of Calgary and Warren (Ann) of Hamilton. Cherished grandfather of Shane (Krystal), Allissa and Megan and Great grandfather of Madalyn and Olivia. Paul is also survived by his brother Donald Berner of Wetaskiwin, Alberta and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his father Rudolph F. Berner and his mother Dorothy Berner (nee Jones), his brother Gordon Berner, his sister Barbara Johnston, honorary sister Mary & wife Barbara (nee Pilton).

Paul was born in Guelph, Ontario the youngest of four children. While he was still young his family moved to Sanford Avenue in Hamilton, Ontario. Paul attended Stinson Street elementary/middle school. After graduating high school at Central Secondary School (East Block) Paul attended business school. During Paul’s business career he had numerous & varied occupations ranging from positions in the steel industry to the insurance industry to car sales to a foreman at other major manufacturing facilities.

In his early years Paul was a member of a Water Ski Club in the Hamilton area that gathered at the Grand River and had parties at the “saloon” they built on Alfie’s property at Caledonia. In future years those parties became more of a family affair as the members & their spouses & children gathered for pancakes & the Maple syrup prepared from the sap of the trees surrounding the saloon. Paul also enjoyed downhill skiing in his younger years. After his children were born & the family was settled in Ancaster, Ontario (now part of Hamilton) Paul was a member of the Kinsmen Club & a volunteer with the Progressive Conservative Party.

In his semi-retirement he was a school crossing guard, helped his brother-in-law Harold with his camels at various events in the area, took care of his granddaughter Alli, enjoyed playing various card & board games, a daily crossword puzzle, watching baseball games & Formula One racing on TV, listening to big band, jazz, swing & the blues & spending time visiting with old friends & his family. Being a WWII buff Paul was also a patron & supporter of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope, Ontario & enjoyed one of their flights in a Lancaster vintage aircraft.

Paul’s insurance work took him all over Ontario & Alberta & he lived in many different places during his life. He once said If you drive through a place I have likely been there. He loved driving around in his car meeting new people & listening to their stories no matter who they were, how they lived or what they believed. Right up until his last days he would get up early in the morning to drive around Hamilton Mountain “just to see what is happening” & likely to keep a watchful eye on his community eventually parking on the Mountain brow to look out over the city he loved.

Paul was a very social person known for his humourous storytelling and most importantly keeping everyone up to date on current events. “He was a walking encyclopedia”. Paul was given many roles to play in his life & he played them well. He once said I was never really good at one thing. He was wrong about that. All would agree that Paul was a master storyteller who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. We heard you Dad, your words will never be forgotten & we will continue your legacy. We will miss you always. Rest in Peace.

Paul’s family would like to thank Dr. I. Szilvassy & Dr. S. Gudelis & all those in the medical & senior support community that helped to take care of him including his granddaughter Alli.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hamilton Police Association Banquet Hall, 555 Upper Wellington Street Hamilton , Ontario on Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 1pm-5pm. Please join us in sharing favourite stories and memories. A lunch buffet will be served. Children are most welcome.

If so desired, memorial donations to the VON Meals on Wheels & other senior’s programs Donate to VON | VON or the Hamilton\Burlington SPCA Donate | Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (hbspca.com) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by his family. Online condolences can be made at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com