Obituary of Paul Loroff

It is with great sadness that the family of Paul E. Loroff announce his passing on January 18, 2019 at the age of 86. Paul was born on November 8, 1932 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan where he spent his childhood, until he followed his brother Frank to the logging camp of Ontario. He eventually moved to the Peace River District in Alberta and BC, where he resided the remainder of his life. Paul enjoyed family, friends, and church, and his travels were tied into these relationships. Paul was a devoted father to Jan (Michelle) and Lyn (Shelley), loving papa to grandchildren Paula and Gregory, and remembered by sisters Mary Ortlieb, Edith Hrabok, and Katie Bunz. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years Matilda (Markovich), his parents John and Mary, brothers Frank and John, and sister Helen. He will be missed by many extended family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11:00am at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, with refreshments to follow at the Bergeron Social Room. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation, 11100 - 13 Street, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3W8. Eulogy Thank You all for taking the time and travel risk that winter presents, to gather and pay respects to a man that family, friends, and acquaintances loved very much. This was the single most difficult task I have had to undertake. Not for the emotions one expects, however for what to include in our remembrance of Dad. Born the youngest in a family of seven children, Dad was close to his sister Katy in age and therefore they chummed together quite often. Apparently at young ages, they would jump a caboose with their friends Irene and her brother Greg to Meacham, in order to purchase Sen-Sen. This would be an early example in Dad's life that is not the destination that is important, but rather the journey to get there. Those who have tasted Sen-Sen may know what I mean. Dad's parents were dear to him. Grandma for the effort required to maintain a large family in a very economic and geo-political environment, and grandpa for a real difficult time in Dad's childhood. Dad was in a serious accident that severely damaged a leg. He recalled being in an earshot of a conversation with the attending doctor. The determination was he felt amputation was necessary. Grandpa refused, bundled up his young son, took him home where he convalesced. Dad always had troubled with that leg but had the deepest respect for a difficult decision grandpa had to make. Dad said grandpa was the nicest man he knew. He would give you the shirt off his back. As a result however, Dad said grandpa was not the best farmer or business man, but he was innovative and likely to use the newest technology. I believe Dad learned a lot in becoming a decent human being from his father. Dad nearly became a man of the cloth, so to speak. I am not really sure how that saying came about Father, so if it is derogatory please forgive me. Anyway, he was destined for priesthood but always believed he was too much a rebel. The religious upbringing was very important to him. The Roman Catholic Church was important to him. If ever he had a disagreement from an experience he had within the Church, he blamed himself being too much a rebel. Dad was a truly devout Christian. Dad respects his oldest brother Frank. He followed him to logging camps in Northern Ontario along with several men and boys from the Humboldt area. To the day of his passing he held a special place in his heart for each one of them almost like a bond among a championship sports team. Though he respects his brother Frank, he idolized his brother John. Uncle John was his sports hero. According to dad, there was no better ball player he ever watched play live. He would speak of him as a hockey player; he even raced cars. He did it all. It was a sad day when his brother left his life. Dad never made it through to graduation in high school, however he did received postsecondary education. He obtained a 4 year apprenticeship through SAIT in Calgary to become, who I respectfully consider the best automotive technician and general overall mechanical tinkerer in the Peace River area. Dad had skills and abilities sought after by all that knew him. Though he began his mechanical education in Rycroft, it wasn't until he was recruited by Aspol Motors that he realized the opportunities for a lifelong, stable career. He was mesmerized by the state of the art equipment and training available to him. After he attained his journeyman qualifications, he continued to take advantage of all available upgrading and couldn't comprehend how others in his situation would refuse to oft for the same opportunities. Suffice it to say Dad had a lifelong need to continually better himself. Of course I can't remember Dad without including the love of his life Matilda. Dad and Mom were like a performance at Carnegie Hall. Dad the Maestro, Mom the Orchestra. Everyone else the audience. My cousin Leslie Ann finally recognized this. Recently at a family gathering she noticed Dad wished to leave and as I was riding with him, he gave me a subtle signal that it was time to go. Watching this, it clicked with her and she said, "Uncle Paul, I always thought it was Aunt Matilda who decided when it was time to leave family functions but it was always you." He gave her a slight smirk as we got up and left. There was a time as a teen I had an auto accident. I knew I had to tell Dad and Mom immediately. It was after midnight and I went into their bedroom. Dad was on the side of the bed nearest the door, and Mom on the other. When I told them I crashed my car, Dad gave me a look I couldn't figure out. Not a word was said by either of them. Dad rolled over and gave Mom a look. She got out of bed and went with me to report the accident. Years later did I realize the look I got from Dad was one of deja vu. Not one of anger or disappointment, but recollection. Family was the most important to Dad: his grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. I believe Dad came to realize his time was short. He needed to so something special before he was no longer able. At the spry age of 85 he drive to Ontario, where he picked up his sisters Mary and Edith, then brought them back to Saskatchewan for a final reunion with their sister Katy. I can't help but think Aunt Helen was there in spirit also. This was one of the most enjoyable experiences in his life. It took him back to his youth. He truly felt like a little brother again. I will end this remembrance of Dad and hope I have done some justice describing a man with values of integrity, devotion, hard work, discipline and self-improvement. Thank you. Service 11:00 am Saturday, January 26, 2019 Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church 908 - 104th Avenue DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada V1G 3H7 Interment Brookside Cemetery 108 ave DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada