September 19, 1936 – September 27, 2015
With great Sadness I would like to announce the passing of Paul Omelko on the evening of September 27, 2015 in the intensive care unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Paul was predeceased by his father many years ago when he was young, his mother several years later, his brother Mike Omelko, a grandson Joshua Omelko and his wife Shirley Omelko. Paul is survived by his son Pat Omelko (Jhossie) his daughters Gail Omelko and Zena Omelko. He is also survived by his brother John Omelko, his sister and grandchildren, Carmen Vos, Dan Thomson, Helaina Baker, Jennifer Omelko, Wes, and Savannah, nieces and nephews.
Paul was born in France, a little town just out of Paris. His heritage was that of Ukrainian whereas his mother and father were both born in Ukraine. He did his schooling in France and when he came to Canada he spoke fluent French and Ukrainian. He lived through the war as a child living in France and the effects of the war on a young child, made his life growing up, difficult at times with the flashes of war times and what he experienced.
Paul was in the Air Force for many years, he was the Captain of the Search and Rescue. After leaving his post, he continued to work as a Plumber for many years. He would do landscaping jobs for homes in the valley also. He loved to garden and spent years with his gardening and landscaping work. Animals were another one of Paul’s Joys. He just loved his cats and dogs, but also spent many years doing farm work with that of chickens, pigs, and rabbits. He was a very hardworker.
Paul was quite athletic in many ways. He had coached baseball in the Comox Valley to the young boys when he was younger. He was also a Heavyweight wrestler when he was younger back East and won many trophies. He qualified for the Olympics at one point in time. Paul cared and loved everyone and would give a helping hand to anyone who needed it and asked for nothing in return, except for one of your homemade cookies. Paul had many friends. After Paul’s wife passed away on October 27, 1978, still a very young man, he never remarried again and was a single man for the remainder of his life. He spoke of his wife Shirley often throughout the years up until his last days with us. He never stopped missing her and loving her. Paul’s Journey here with us has ended and I am grateful to say that Mom & Dad are together again.
A cremation was held on October 9, 2015 and Paul’s remains will be buried alongside his wife Shirley. Mom and Dad are together again. May they rest in peace.
A service and celebration of Paul’s life, will be held at a later date. This will follow and will be announced at such a time.
Thanks very much to the staff at Glacier View Lodge for taking such good care of Paul Omelko while he was residing there and to St. Joseph’s Hospital for their loving care in his last moments with us. Thank you also to Piercy’s Funeral Home in helping with the arrangements. It is very much appreciated.
With Love from His family…