Obituary of Paul Duane Charlebois

To view the Livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial click HERE on the day of the service and the link will go live approximately 5 minutes before the Mass.

Paul Charlebois

June 27, 1941 - June 20, 2024

It is with peaceful sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Charlebois on June 20, 2024. Paul died peacefully at home on the acreage with his family by his side only seven days short of his 83rd birthday.

Born and raised in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Paul grew up the youngest of his four siblings. Paul worked for Sasktel until 1968 when a car accident left him a quadriplegic. Despite the adversity of such a life altering injury, Paul persevered and became a very active advocate for those with disabilities founding wheelchair sports in Regina, becoming the President of the Canadian Paraplegic Association and much more. He himself competed in the Paralympic Games and brought home several medals.

In 1970, Paul married his soulmate Cecile and they moved to Saskatoon. It was here in Saskatoon that he worked at the Saskatchewan Abilities Council as the manager of Adaptive Technology and Special Needs Equipment until his retirement in 2001.

 In 1985 they adopted their daughter Simone. After gaining a son in law in 2008 (Curtis Mann), Paul became the grandfather to six grand daughters (Maria, Elise, Isabelle, Julia, Lillian and Emily). He and Cecile, together with three others, brought the Emmanuel Community from Europe to Canada with Paul as its first leader. He attributed his deepening of faith and love for the Sacraments , the Church, Mary and clergy to his involvement within it since 1990. Although his last years were very much homebound, the impact of his sacrificial prayers were felt far and wide.

Paul will be fondly remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a charismatic, humble and faithful soul with a fantastic sense of humour that never wavered even to his last days. He was indescribably resilient and faithful to the Lord’s call and plan for his life till the end.

Vigil of Prayer will be held on Wednesday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 27 at 9:30 a.m.  Both services from St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral, Saskatoon.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations can be made to St.Paul’s Co-Cathedral Renovations.