It’s with nice disappointment that we announce the passing of Paul Andrew Flatley on February 1, 2025. Paul handed out of the blue, but additionally heroically, on a chilly Saturday night in Huntsville, Ontario, ensuring 2 boys, who have been misplaced on the snowmobile path, stayed secure. They have been removed from their cabin and it was -20°C.
Paul was a licensed septic installer and the trusted native jack of all trades for glad clients all through the Muskoka area.
Although born in Sarnia, Ontario, Paul’s household moved to Cobourg, Ontario, when he was only a toddler. He attended Thomas Gillbard Public College, the place he was all the time the category clown, famously identified for dropping to the ground and pretending to be scorching bacon. As younger boys, Paul and his brother Craig may all the time be discovered tinkering with bicycles, mopeds, or something on wheels, actually, even roadside building tools!
Paul was fondly identified by his pals as “The Fonz” and was a fixture at Cortesis Pool Corridor, the place the native boys would hang around till their siblings have been despatched to get them dwelling! Paul all the time felt dangerous that, sooner or later, his little brother Craig had dragged a damaged bicycle all the way in which to Cortesis for his assist and Paul, that day, was too busy being “The Fonz”. He was so soft-hearted, he carried round that guilt to his final day.
Upon the premature loss of life of his father, Martin Flatley (52), Paul, then solely 9 years outdated, and his brother Craig, 6, have been positioned into foster care collectively. Coming of age, Paul was then free to pursue his personal path and he made pals all through Ontario, spending a few years in Toronto, working at House {Hardware} and operating his personal landscaping enterprise, North Bay for a bit, however most frequently, close to Bracebridge, Ontario, together with his greatest buddy of all time, Man Hammel, a brother to him, with the Hammel household of Three Mile Lake, absolutely taking Paul below their wing.
When Paul and Julie met some years in the past, they each determined to semi-retire. Paul readily took on the position of Papa Paul to the foster youngsters of their care, a full-circle expertise for Paul, as he had grown up within the system himself, orphaned so younger. Paul and Julie went on many adventures, travelling to the Caribbean and participating collectively in so many seasonal festivals and occasions, yard bbqs with family and friends, actually having the time of their lives. Each have been so joyful collectively, as anybody who knew them may see, and their time was minimize far too quick, too quickly.
Paul was a philosophical, form, and wildly humorous man, a pal to anybody who wanted one, and all the time up for a very good time. He’s already deeply, deeply missed by Julie, his household, and shut pals. RIP Paul Andrew Flatley, you have been one of many good ones, and beloved by us all.
Paul is survived by his greatest pal and accomplice, Julie Groomes, and siblings, Martin Flatley (Brenda/nee Eagleson), Lynn Flatley (Bruce Van Dieten), Sharon Flatley, and Craig Flatley (Kim Burt). Nieces and nephews: Melanie Kovacs/nee Flatley (Tim), Marty Flatley Jr., Allie Kane, Andrew Van Dieten, Samantha Flatley and Nice Nieces Scarlet and Aubrey Kovacs. Step youngsters, though grown up, all have been joyful when Paul joined their household: Cyle West, Ryan West, Andrew Groomes (Kim), and Kale Sicard. Sadly missed, additionally, by the kids who have been within the care of Julie and Paul of their position as foster dad and mom, and predeceased by his beloved canine, Henry.
Please be a part of Paul’s household and pals on Paul’s sixtieth birthday March 11, 2025 to attend a particular Irish wake at Aspdin Neighborhood Corridor, Aspdin Highway Utterson between 4 pm until 8 pm
In lieu of flowers, the household requests donations on Paul’s behalf to the Coronary heart and Stroke Basis (Donate Right here).
