Paul Mailloux

My Dad was a great man. He loved, laughed and lived as good or better than most I know.

He loved Carrie and I, not one to say it with words- He showed it. Cross province moves, random house repairs when you didn't even know he stopped by and lots of phone calls "just cause" to see what was new in your world. When you spoke to my dad, he really wanted to know how you were doing, he was just an easy guy to talk to. A lot of people told me how much they liked him and spoke of a genuine kindness in his heart, if there is one quality I will remember of my Dad it would be this.

When I was 16 I thought I knew everything there was to know about climbing mountains and we just so happened to be in California and in the famous halls of Yosemite on a family vacation. Already infatuated with everything in sight, I gazed upon the 1000m walls of El Capitan and told my dad at once what we were going to do, I said "Pops! I will make you a harness. I've got a few biners and some rope- lets go and climb that thing!". Without much protest, we were at the base of the Captain staring up into the void. My Dad with his homemade harness and me leading off with nothing more then two allowance's worth of climbing gear and a dream in my mind. I looked down at my dad at a hard section and I could see him egging me on, I slipped and he caught me with the rope. Just like that our summit fever was gone. We retired to a burger stand nearby and talked about bigger ideas, it was one of those great memories I have of him. He was supportive like that, with his actions.

I have a lot of good memories of him.

During the last few years he developed a penchant for travelling. As he packed for places like Russia, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic I was amazed at his pragmatism and "take it as it comes" attitude. He would disappear for a month or so, usually befriending a local family who he would stay with and become friends with over time, helping around the house and sharing stories, living simply. He spoke of these people often, he loved to meet new people.

Sometime when kids grow up they waver at the idea of being like their parents. I Cannot say the same about my Dad. He was certain, caring and attentive to almost everyone. Its been a few months since he passed on but I think about him everyday. Godspeed pops.