Obituary of Paul William Delany

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Paul William Delany, age 76, of Windsor, on Thursday, August 21, 2025 in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Windsor on October 22, 1948, he was the only son of the late William and E.M. “Bonnie” (Bailey) Delany.

Paul was a man whose life was shaped by music, community and family. An avid listener with eclectic taste, his home was always filled with sound—never the same genre twice. He could spend hours discovering new bands, eager to share his latest find. A lifelong bass player, Paul’s first band, The 4th Demention, won the Battle of the Bands in 1968, launching decades of music-making. His journey through Rock & Roll, Jazz, Soul, R&B, Folk and Bluegrass eventually surprised even him with a new appreciation for Country. In recent years, he played joyfully at the Windsor Elms, Centre Burlington Hall and waterfront concerts across the Valley.

The only brother, among four sisters, Paul took on responsibility early after his father’s passing when he was 14. A special bond with each sister individually and united together, protective, supportive and steadfast, he was both the rock and the gentle giant of his family. His warmth extended beyond family, with his gift of gab, sharp humour and tall presence, he became known to many as “Tall Paul” even considered Windsor’s unofficial mayor for his friendliness and community spirit.

Paul lived with passion for sports and the outdoors. He played broomball, softball, was a great curler and has never missed the Brier or the Scott Tournament of Hearts. He was a long-standing member of the Gyro Club and a natural public speaker, often the first called upon for a memorable toast. He cherished walks along the causeway with a black coffee and an oatcake, weekends at Lake Lewis cottage filled with music and sunsets, his catamaran, kayak and canoe, moments on the still water. He loved taking the scenic routes, especially to the South Shore - always stopping at LaHave Bakery on the way to his favorite beach, Rissers.

His career spanned over 50 years in the automotive industry, beginning at Pothier Motors and continuing at Avonian Motors (later Valley Ford). Widely respected for his integrity and customer care, Paul was awarded Salesman of the Year multiple times and was recognized among the top salespeople in Atlantic Canada for customer satisfaction. To countless people, he will always be remembered as “the man who sold me my first car.”

Paul is survived by his daughter, Sarah Delany; stepchildren, Jamie (Jane) Macdonald, Jean (Charles) Crawford, Mark Macdonald and Marty Macdonald; grandchildren, Charlie (Maria) and Joseph; sisters, Beverley Murray, Janice Mackay, Jill Jeddrie and Valerie (Greg) Lake; nieces, Katrina (Dwayne), Noala (Todd) and Rebecca (Jonathan); nephews, Josh (Marla), Alex (Jennifer), Kristopher and Ben; as well as many great nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Danny Murray, John Mackay and Paul Jeddrie.

Paul’s family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to Cheryl Sanford, his beloved partner of 13 years and to Stan (Lolly) Kerr for his steadfast friendship, support and care in recent months.

Paul will be remembered always for his music, his humour, his kindness, and the way he brought people together.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where a Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, August 29, in the funeral home chapel, Rev. Bill Gibson officiating (a recording will be available here to view following the service). A Celebration of Life will follow from 2 - 5 p.m., in the Windsor Curling Club, 174 Gray St., Windsor. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 5826 South St., Halifax, NS B3H 1S6 or to a local charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.

“So come, my friends, be not afraid, we are so lightly here.
It is in love that we are made in love we disappear” - Leonard Cohen