PAUL SOREL
Paul Sorel
1951 – 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Paul Sorel, from cancer. Son of Leonard and Margaret Sorel (pre-deceased), Paul is survived by his loving daughters Kerri and Kimberley, siblings Gerry (Mary Lynn), Jane (Irene), Don (Lori), Joan, and nephew Bill (Alethea), nieces Julie (Senad), Leanne (Kyle) and a great niece and great nephews.
After graduating from high school, Paul attended police college in Aylmer, Ontario and Police Foundations at Humber College in Toronto. Policing became his life’s work, retiring as a superintendent with York Regional Police after 35 years of service in law enforcement. Paul was happiest in the bush, whether it was chopping wood or riding on one of his seasonal recreational vehicles or spending time with family and friends at his home in Magnetawan, and more recently, in Parry Sound. He had a wood-working and carpentry business which kept him busy in retirement. If there was an occasion where a customer could not afford to pay for a load of wood to heat their home, Paul still filled the order. He was kind-hearted and was always willing to help someone in need.
Paul enjoyed many good times over the years with long-time friends who were a tremendous support to Paul with his failing health. The family is very grateful to them, especially Paul’s police buddies, Randy, Kevin and Dave. Heartfelt thanks go out to extended family members and neighbours who were a comfort to Paul with visits and meal deliveries during his illness.
Deepest gratitude to the teams of health care workers who took such good care of Paul: the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre in Barrie; Pam Anderson, the Care Coordinator and her team at Home and Community Care Supports Northeast along with the home care nurses at Care Partners, especially Monica Harrison-Waefler; the Assisted Living Program at The Friends in Parry Sound; the Palliative Care team at the West Parry Sound Health Centre; the Rugged Shores Family Health Team; the Nephrology Unit at Health Sciences North in Sudbury as well as the kind staff at Lane’s Pharmacy in Parry Sound. It took a village to care for Paul.
A celebration of Paul's life will take place at the Capreol Royal Canadian Legion on Saturday, August 10th from 2:00 - 5:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, Wheels of Hope program or the West Parry Sound Health Centre Auxiliary.
We will miss Paul.
Condolences
My sincere condolences to Paul’s family and friends.
-Marilyn Mercer ChenierOur most sincere condolences for the Sorel family. May each one of you find some comfort knowing that Paul enjoyed a great life loved by family, friend's and the community he proudly served. Sincerely, Edward & Silvia.
-Edward Gabinet & Silvia EquihuaTo Paul's family and loved ones, Before I became a sworn member with YRP in 1998, I was an Auxiliary Officer and Paul was our liasion officer. A bunch of us went to the Cleveland Memorial and Paul gave me his business card with every contact number, even the cottage! in case we needed him. He, of course, checked in on us to make sure we were okay. That's what he did, that's who he was. He cared. I considered Paul a friend and will miss him. P.C. Marina Orlovski #1011 (recently retired)
-Marina OrlovskiPaul,
You will be missed. We will miss that smile and laugh of yours to start, your kind caring gentle soul; you always wanted to help everyone. Paul, it was a pleasure to be your neighbor and a friend of yours. I will always remember our tea dates with Randy and the good stories you both told me about you two being Partners xo
Rest In Peace My Friend.
Thinking of your family and friends ❤️
My deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Paul; he was one of the most incredible people I have ever known. Rest easy my friend. Thank you for your love and friendship. I’ll miss you always.
-Susan Parks-FrankI am so sad to hear of Paul’s passing. He was the best boss anyone could ask for. I will remember him fondly. I would like to pass on my condolences to his family. He was a funny, compassionate and all around great man. He will be missed very much by all that had the opportunity to know him. He was so kind to me. And for that I am grateful.
-Samantha LewisDonny both Jas and I send our condolences to you and your family for the loss of a special friend and family member. Our prayers are with your family and the army of friends that surrounded Paul .
-Dan MacDonaldLike many others, we had the good fortune to be friends with Paul, so it is with deep sadness we send our sympathy to his family and friends.
Larry and Charlotte Owen
My deepest sympathies to the Sorel family. I have fond memories of Superintendent Sorel. He took me under his wing and provided me with opportunities that moulded my path in policing. One of the "good guys", passionate, brilliant and strong! He is forever etched in my memory!
-John BraybrookFar too soon. A great leader who will be missed. God Bless your soul.
-Dan KiersteadI first interacted with Paul when I was a new constable in 1987. I’d crossed paths with him prior to that, but this was the first time I actually worked with him in any capacity. There are many reasons that I will never forget that day, but my interaction with Paul is at the top of that list.
Whether he knew it or not, Paul was a mentor to me, and the reason I pursued investigative work with YRP, ultimately finding my way to the Homicide Unit. He had a profound effect on my career, and I believe, understood my commitment to both organization and community better than anyone at YRP.
He was a great human being and a legend in policing.
I’m so sorry he has passed, but he will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Farewell brother.
RIP
Chris
Another great person gone too soon. I had the pleasure of working with Paul at York. We had some very interesting times. Condolences to his family.
-Richard MetcalfeMy condolences to the Sorel family. I was fortunate to work with Paul very early in my police career with YRP.
What a mentor Paul was. A hard worker with an intensity that could scare a bear. Until you got to know him, Paul had a heart of gold. I can picture that grin as I type this message.
Thank you Paul for looking after and going to bat for us, the people who worked for you. You certainly made a difference.
May you be resting in peace.
Steve Baird. YRP 468(retired)
-Steve BairdWe were shocked and saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He was an incredible partner and friend. It was a privilege to have known him.
Our deepest sympathy to Paul's family.
Karl & Hermine Shaw
-Karl & Hermine ShawThis guy is my hero, he was in the trenches sorting out the good from the bad and the bad from the worst.
I am sure the condolences will flow and so they should this man deserves all the respect and love we can demonstrate.
I tip my hat in particular, to two friends who did the heavy lifting and saw to Paul to the end.
Obviously we have to acknowledge the health care workers who did their best...the best for a man that went beyond doing his best and inspired others to excel.
There will be many life stories told with fond remembrance about Paul. If you didn't get to know him and study under him you missed out on an adventure.
Rest in peace brother... You have left your mark on society in a good way, in a productive way and that will be your legacy.
Most Respectfully Gary Miner
-Gary MinerRIP. May his memory be a blessing.
-Eugene KerriganMy sincerest condolences to Paul's family & friends. He had a giant personality with a gift for making people feel good. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
-Pam CarletonI was extremely saddened to hear of Paul's illness and unfortunate demise. He and I were partners some years ago and shared many sad and also many rewarding experiences. He was very much admired and respected. I knew, he always had my back in the tough situations we often had to face. I wish all of you, his family, to have the strength in the difficult days ahead and hope you find consolation in the knowledge that he was one hell of a cop!
-Frank MenardI had the pleasure of working with Paul in criminal investigations. As all who knew him, he had that infectious smile and calming presence. He will be missed. -Brian Abraham.
-Brian AbrahamIn 1982 I met Detective Paul Sorel in 2 District CIB. He was a very hard working and dedicated Officer. It was my pleasure working for him. Paul will be missed and my condolences go to Paul's family and friends.
Sandra Patterson #5038 (Ret)
Like many before me, I wanted to send my condolences to Paul’s loved ones. Reading through these tributes, it is clear that Paul has touched many lives - in policing and beyond. Paul was one of those legendary members of our policing family. He was larger than life. From first meeting to becoming a friend, Paul was a mentor to many, a skilled investigator and incredibly supportive leader. Paul was always willing to assist and provide guidance. On occasion, this was delivered with that sense of humour and mischievous grin. His contributions to the lives of so many will not be forgotten.
-Heidi SchellhornPaul was a friend, almost a brother and a comrade in arms. He will be missed.
Condolences to the family.
-Peter Thompson and Jill ThompsonIt was such a blessing to be Paul’s neighbour. I enjoyed our barbecues, chats and sharing our culinary favourites. I always enjoyed Paul’s spaghetti sauce.
Paul would always fix a board out of place for me or take my garbage to the dump whenever he went in his ATV. I will miss that cute grin and Paul’s “it’s no problem hon”. You shall be missed Paul by us all. My deepest condolences to all your family and friends.
Dear Sorel family and friends,
My deepest condolences on the loss of Paul Sorel. I always heard very positive comments about Paul as a leader and officer.
Sandra Staley
-Sandra StaleyI feel so sad about his lengthy fight with this monstrous disease. I feel like I was a part of his journey over the last 3 years. I tried to take to care of him and explains his medications to him and/or all changes. He was such a sweet man, and I just connected with him right from the get go.. you put up a long fight, RIP my friend.
-Susan KerrTo the Sorel family and friends,
We are sad to hear about the loss of Paul. Our condolences and love to everyone he has influenced.
Sending all the strength and love ❤️
I am saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. Paul was a client of a law firm I worked for. By the time I was working for YRP, Paul was already retired and settled in Magnetawan where, coincidentally, my family has a cottage. We became pen pals via email as he would keep me up to date on news in the north and I would let him know how much I enjoyed working at YRP. He was a very kind man with a great sense of humour who always provided wisdom and an encouraging word. I will miss him very much. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
-Kimberley PettitI just heard about about Paul's passing and wanted to convey my condolences to his family. Paul was an outstanding police officer. I consider myself lucky to have known and worked for him. I have many great memories and stories of working for Paul. At the end of all these stories I can still picture that mischievous grin he would flash. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. He was a great man and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Richard McVeity
-Richard McVeityI knew Paul from the days when we were just kids, living at the opposite end of the street. We were best friends. We stayed in touch frequently until I moved to Alberta then only occasionally after that. Paul and I spent what seemed like countless hikes in the bush around Capreol when we were kids. As young adults, within a few years I followed him to join the Toronto PF. He mentored me somewhat and really was a great cop. He lived it through and through. We hadn't been in touch for a few years before now but I never forgot him. His generosity, his wit and his passion for police work were unparalleled. I had one of those computer security questions come up yesterday, asking who your best childhood friend was…mine is always Paul. The question prompted me to check online about Paul and that’s when I found his obituary. My sincerest condolences to all his family and close friends.
-Wayne Hamilton