Sunday, September 7, 2025
I am deepest saddened to learn of Paul’ passing. My condolenses to Paul’s children and family. Paul and I shared many happy, and spiritual, times in the early 1970’s including a ghostly encounter in a haunted studio belonging to OCAD, then OCA, where Paul was painting a triptich of Patty. Two of that series of paintings were painted in the small apartment he shared with Patty, Alison Dyer and Mammy (?). Of course they were wonderful. The third was being completed in the attic studio mentioned above. Knowing I was a sceptic, Paul implored me to join him at the studio. He was having trouble painting the eyes, they were otherworldly, not peaceful and serene like Patty’s. Weird. We went late at night. Paul said he sensed another presence, something in the corner of his eye he couldn’t explain, that always vanished when he turned to look. It was unsettling. Paul said he never felt alone in that studio, something else was present. Paul was connected to the eternal energy in a way I was not, but I joined his sense of not quite being “alone” in that attic. Paul and Patty were extremely generous to me, allowing me to sleep for an entire winter wrapped in my -60F sleeping bag on the outside porch of the apartment they shared with Doug and Mike. There was great joy there, and also tremendous sorrow. We lost contact during the 70’s until the early 80’s when I recognized Paul, from behind, just by his amazing hair, on Queen Street West in Toronto. We hugged with joy. We spoke occasionally over the years, the last time just after his cherished Shirley passed. To his family and children, I send my love for Paul to you. Paul’s spirit lives. Jim Ranscombe, Grafton Ontario. September 7 2025
