PAUL THWAITES

The family of Paul Thwaites is saddened to announce his sudden passing at home in Silver Ridge, Manitoba on Friday, March 22, 2024.

Paul was born in McCreary, Manitoba December 31, 1952. He attended school in Bluff Creek, Alonsa and completed his schooling at Amaranth School. He spoke very fondly of the time spent on the family farm growing up with four brothers and two sisters. Learning many of the lessons that he carried throughout his life such as hard work, honesty, humility, and dedication to family.

Paul would first venture to Northern Manitoba at the young age of 16 in search of work. He spent the next five years following work throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. He married Barb Zalluski in 1973 and welcomed daughter Pamela in 1974. In 1979 he settled with his young family in The Pas, Manitoba and would welcome daughter Paula in 1980. Paul would remain in The Pas until 2022.

Throughout his career, Paul worked with his brothers drywalling, mechanic work from his shop at Bracken Dam and eventually would become a heavy equipment operator. In the early 1990’s he started his own heavy equipment and construction company, PB Industries, and would excel in this endeavor. Paul was known for his talent in the heavy equipment industry, often called upon in emergency situations. He provided work that was vital to the success of many different industries throughout Northern Manitoba. He gained the respect and friendship of many during his career.

Paul was dedicated to his daughters Pamela and Paula, making sure they had everything they needed and wanted. This included many years of feeding “Hay Burners” and driving miles from horse show to horse show every summer without complaint. He would be a calming force, steady influence and the voice of reason to Pam and Paula throughout their lives.

In 1998, Paul met his beloved Melody Needham. They built a life based on love, hard work, shared passion for the outdoors and adventure. Paul and Mel would have twenty-five years together where they travelled, built their dream home, and spent many days and nights at the cabin on Petersen Lake. During this time 13 grandchildren would join the family and many memories of grandpa were made.

Paul spent the past few years on the family farm enjoying every moment of living a simple life. Taking care of the yard, planting crops, working in the garage, fishing, and getting ready for hunting season. There was always at least one project on the go with another one or two in the planning stage. He enjoyed the company that would converge on the family farm during the summer. Hunting season was a special time for him that involved spending time with grandchildren, sons-in-laws and daughters.

Paul was predeceased by mother Alida Thwaites, father Douglas Thwaites and the love of his life Melody Needham.

Paul will be deeply and forever missed by daughters Pamela (Dwayne) and Paula (Chris) and grandchildren Robin, Matthew, Adam, Gabrielle, Alexandra, Griffin, and Bryant. Cherishing many memories of Paul are Mel’s children; Terra (Shane), Marla (Cory), Brad, Jill (Dallas) and grandchildren Carter, Aiden, Madi, Zoe, Liam and Dane. As a middle child from a family of seven, Paul will be greatly missed by siblings Herman (Muriel), Liz (Ray), Rose, Sandy (Jane), Peter (Yvonne), Walter (Sandy) and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in The Pas on Saturday May 18th, 2024 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. A Gathering of Family and Friends at the Thwaites Family Farm in Silver Ridge will be held on Saturday July 6th (alternate arrangements will be made in case of rain). In Lieu of Flowers please consider donating or volunteering for Heart and Stroke Foundation: www.HeartandStroke.ca

Paul’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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