Paul Primeau

PAUL A. PRIMEAU age 93, cherished son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Moore); beloved brother of Nancy Terka (husband John deceased) and David; dearest friend of Father John Blazek and Jeanne O’Toole; dear uncle and great-uncle of many. Paul was born in Chatham, ON in 1927 and moved with his family 6 yrs. later to St. Catharines, ON acquiring a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto in 1950, and was employed at the Exolon Co in Thorold, ON, a manufacturer of artificial abrasives, as a member of their research department.

He later decided in 1956 to switch his career focus to chemical education, and applied for a position at a Holy Cross high school in Welland, ON, where he was informed of an opening at a similar school in Gate Mills, OH – Gilmour Academy, operated by the Brothers of Holy Cross. He applied for this position, and was accepted, being only the second layman to be hired on the teaching staff, the first 36 years as a chemistry instructor and for the past 14 years photographing Gilmour sport events and other activities that were .of personal interest.

Running was always an important part of his life either on a personal basis, in competition, or as coach of the Gilmour cross country team, during which time he and his two best runners trained for and ran the Boston Marathon in 1971 finishing with a 3:48 time. He continued to run until his early so’s when an injury suspended this activity, replaced a few years later on retirement by the gift of a bicycle from the faculty.  He loved to bike, not only in Ohio but in other states as well as in Ontario. He finally had to give up this activity of 21 years and almost 12,000 miles due to balance problems.

He was involved in Ballroom Dancing over a period of 15 years attaining the Silver level and competed in a number of competitions, mostly in Ohio. Competitive dancing is a skill involving both body and mind.·

He greatly valued his association with the Gilmour family over the past 62 years, including those years photographing XC, Track, VB and BB events; sharing these with hundreds of athletes, families and friends. – more than 50,000 photos in total. Gilmour Academy and everything it stands for was a continual blessing for him over all these memorable years.

He leaves a sister in Hilton Head, SC. and a brother in Oakville ON along with their families as well as the many highly valued students and friends who meant so much to him over these quickly passing years.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Paul to The Hospice of Western Reserve, PO Box 72101, Cleveland OH 44197 or The Cleveland Institute of Music, 11021 East Blvd, Cleveland OH 44106. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Our Lady Chapel at Gilmour Academy 34001 Cedar Rd, Gates Mills at 10:30 AM. Burial following at Knollwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Paul at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 5-8 PM.

Friends and relatives can attend Paul’s service remotely here:www.gilmour.org/live

or visiting the “Our Lady Chapel at Gilmour Academy” Facebook page.