It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the family of Daniel Joseph Paul 64 of Membertou announce the passing of our dearly beloved father grandfather brother and friend to many on Saturday December 23 2023 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital. He was the son of the late Evelyn (Joe) Ginnish Membertou Margaret (Joe) and Melvin Paul Membertou.
Danny leaves behind his cherished wife Karen (Rushton) Paul, children Felicia (Austin), Cameron Paul and Daniel Dano (Savanna).
Grandchildren Mike, Issiah, Gideon, Sam; Soleil, Malisan, Frederick, Caroline, Esme, Adelaide, Iris. Great grandchildren Korra and Sophia.
Siblings – Debra Ginnish; Sheila Ginnish (Adrian) Paul; Eleanor Kabatay; Doreen Stevens (Vance Kabatay) Membertou and Howard Ginnish Eskasoni.
Darlene Anganis (Chris); Kimberley Paul; Clifford Paul; Blair (Mary Ellen) Paul; Laureen Paul and Judy Ann Marshall Membertou.
Eunice Bernard; Nancy Bernard; Elizabeth Googoo (Lolly Poulette); Sheila Bernard (Jerome) all of Paq’tnkek and Wayne Sylliboy Eskasoni.
Godchildren Darryl Ginnish, Krystal Johnson, Jada Paul, Katana Paul, Liam Marshall, Rubin Johnson and Vance Reese Stevens Membertou.
Mother-in-law Joan Rushton, Brother-in-law Mark (Veronica) Rushton, as well as a large number of nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by son Misel Tyler, niece Michelle Marie Ginnish, sister Sharon Lafford, Great Uncle Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Godfather Charles Herney and Godmother Myrtle Christmas
Father in law Paul Rushton Oxford; Walter Bernard Paq’tnkek.
Danny was a pipe carrier, knowledge holder of our Mi’kmaq culture and traditions which were deeply embedded in his daily teachings and practices. He had a yearly Moose Hunt Camp for youth in Unamaki communities; salmon fishing adventures in the Margaree River – there were many stories to be told of these outings. Practiced Netuklimk in hunting fishing and gathering. Danny was also featured in many documentaries on fishing and hunting practices. He was a vocal Advocate/Activist for Mi’kmaq Treaty Rights and in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation protested for the removal of a street sign named after Cornwallis in Sydney. CBRM finally agreed and the street name change. He also was recently certified as a Guide.
Danny held his title as Elder, Pipe Carrier and Knowledge Keeper very sacred to his heart and well being. He was well known for making Waltes a traditional Mi’kmaq game board which were carefully crafted by hand.
Danny was a proud recipient of the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Achievement Award on Mi’kmaq Treaty Day 2022.
Membertou Community Edward Kabatay Memorial Award for Aboriginal Language and Culture 2018.
Member of the Unamaki Institute of Natural Resource Elders committee, Parks Canada, Seawall Trail Committee, Elder in Residence NSCC Sydney campus; former Elder in Residence Acadia University.
Danny was well known in Mi’kmaq communities and surrounding areas. A Tim Hortons run for coffee would normally take a few minutes but with Danny it would be an hour or so as he would sit and chat with many friends. A shopping trip to Sobeys or any other stores can take hours, but that was Danny’s world surrounded by loved ones and friends.
He loved watching hockey especially his favourite team Anaheim Ducks and was known to lace up his skates to play a game or two for the Membertou Oldtimers in the Wally Bernard Tournament.
Danny played baseball with the Membertou Thunderbirds and Membertou Buzzards. When the lights went up at the Membertou ball field last year, he would get his glove and say he finally got to play under the lights in our community.
Previous work experience as an apprentice dry waller in his younger years with Melvin Paul and Donald Marshall Sr.; Red Seal Carpenter; Membertou Band Council Housing Department; Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre and CMHC.
Visitation for Danny will take place in his home, 70 Micmac Crescent in Membertou, on Thursday Dec 28th after 7pm. There will be a traditional funeral on Saturday December 30 2023 also in his home at 11am. Burial to follow at Membertou Memorial Gardens.
Salite at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.
To share memories and condolences please visit www.twcurry.com.
