Paul Lucien Roussel

Roussel, Paul Lucien

Passed away peacefully on February 1, 2021 at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre at the age of 82. Beloved husband to Marlene (nee Steffler) for 54 wonderful years. Loving and devoted father to Michael Paul (Michele) of Markham and Daniel John (Jennifer) of Douro-Dummer. Predeceased by his parents Omer and Julia (nee Trahan). Predeceased by his brothers Ludovic (Annociate) and Claude (Theresa). Beloved brother to Sister Claire Roussel, F.d.L.S., of Ottawa, Cecile Chartrand (Ernest) of Worthington, and Maurice Roussel (Rita) of Kitchener. Cherished brother-in-law to Barbara Sills (Tom) of Niagara Falls, Murray Steffler (predeceased) and Joan Gossman of Bright. Loving step-grandfather to Joseph and Lillie, and dear uncle to many nieces and nephews. Dear friend to Peggy and Bruce Hancock.

Paul was born and raised on a farm outside the Franco-Ontarian community of Verner on October 25, 1938. A determined young man, he became fluent in English and put himself through post-secondary education, achieving a Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering through the University of Waterloo’s co-op program. Paul started his career with the Ontario Water Resources Commission, travelling the province resolving sewage and water treatment issues. He then transferred to the Peterborough District of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, where he served the people of Ontario as district civil engineer. He retired in 1993 after 28 years of public service, and  enjoyed a well-deserved retirement with his wife in the country outside Peterborough.

A hard-working man, Paul was an accomplished handyman, befitting an engineer, but also enjoyed his downtime and pastimes of woodworking, fishing and hunting, golfing, bowling, investing, landscaping and gardening. Paul’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, always helpling and advising. He loved nature and enjoyed nothing better than working outside and planting trees about the property, including his favourite blue spruce.

A 10-year survivor of a triple bypass, Paul suffered ill health in his last year of life but remained stoic and in command of his destiny to the end. Special thanks to Dr. Bishop, Madison and the entire ICU team, and the staff of Interventional Radiology, for their care and compassion. A private family graveside service was held at Highland Park Cemetery on February 6, 2021. In memory of Paul, donations to the PRCH Foundation would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com