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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
LENNOX, Paul Douglas - Death will not overcome the virtues of a man and his honorable life.
Paul Douglas Lennox died in palliative care at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital in early May, his wife Diana and son Angus at his side.
Paul's diligent work ethic and disciplined approach to 'getting things done' emerged early-on; working at a furniture stripping shop at 14, loading trucks at a grocery warehouse, and putting himself through school working the packaging line at Schneiders Meats. Paul loved travelling and in those early years visited California, Florida, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia. Ever in motion, sports were also a constant. Hockey, football, running, windsurfing, hiking, sailing, swimming, rollerblading, kayaking, cross country skiing, golf and tennis, always tennis. He excelled at anything he set out to do. To see him skip rope was like watching a pro boxer. Observing him skate was poetry on ice.
Graduating from University of Waterloo in 1978, Paul served nine years as Lieutenant (Naval), Canadian Forces Finance and Logistics officer with extended deployments to Europe, Japan, Australia and a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf as part of a multinational maritime force - with less than a week's prior notice. Of the many commendations in his naval career, a highlight was an award for 'rare high standard' in logistics expertise. On return to civilian life Paul turned his analytical skills to six years as an investment advisor. Building knowledge in financial services and sales created strong respect for both sales and back-office skill sets. In 2000, Paul joined Victoria's Custom House Currency Exchange as Corporate Treasurer, which led to an epic ride of meteoric growth, supporting branches opening world-wide, and at the same time achieving his Certified Financial Analyst designation. He travelled for work extensively; bringing his quiet and analytical approach to problem solving. Mentoring, consulting, collaborating, inquisitiveness, research and writing were all sum part of him. Many have reached out to express gratitude for Paul's influence.
Home was a quiet respite, barring those periods when he was renovating. Homes in Victoria, Sidney and North Saanich were very much project houses, and he was hands on. He became a self-taught woodworker and built many beautiful pieces of furniture. Outdoor recreations included camping and day hikes on the Juan de Fuca trail with Angus, and dog walks with Diana at Mt. Tolmie, Mt. Doug and John Dean Park… reinforcing his gratitude for living in such a wonderful place. As coach of the Victoria Ice Hawks and Racquet Club Kings, Paul's leadership and positivity was appreciated by the young players.
Summer vacations in Ontario led to the purchase of a 97-years-young cottage on the shores of Lake Huron. Restoring it to rustic-comfortable condition was satisfying, having saved it from almost certain demolition. The beach, sunsets, tennis courts close by, and amiable joshing with tennis buddies all made the cottage his 'happy place' for seven years. Tennis pals at home, too, were many, with his active participation at the Peninsula Tennis Club. A keen player, he ultimately achieved tennis coaching certification, and relished teaching locally and in Ontario. In addition, he took on volunteer treasury roles for three tennis associations.
The sudden and shocking cancer diagnosis came in July of 2024. Treatment began in Ontario and continued back in BC after Angus flew out to drive him home. Paul met the health challenges and gruelling side effects of treatment with stoicism and maintained his dry sense of humour throughout.
In lieu of flowers, donations to support upgrades to emergency care at either the Kincardine & Community Healthcare Foundation or the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation would be appreciated. (The Victoria Times Colonist 07 Aug 2025)
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