Paul Ivor Dalseg

Paul spent his formative years on the family farm in McGinnis Creek.  Once WWII broke out Paul waited impatiently to “sign-up”.  He was accepted, at age 18, and served with the Royal Canadian Air Force.  He was posted to a Royal Air Force group and trained to fly on Lancaster bombers.  He was the youngest of seven crewmembers and served in the position of mid-upper gunner.  The crew was posted to Squadron #57 in Lincolnshire, England.  On May 22, 1944 their plane was shot down in the north of Holland and only two crew members survived.  Paul served as a POW and was part of the “long march” in the winter of 1945.  He gained his freedom in May of 1945.   In his later years Paul would recount his war experience to those who inquired.  He prefaced his comments by always saying that his story was only one of many and there were countless others who served that had it much worse than he did.  When telling his story, he often expressed his gratitude to those who helped him through the tough times.  In particular, he was grateful to the Red Cross, Veterans Affairs and to the Dutch citizens of Groningen who, to this day, continue to care for the graves of his fallen crewmembers.

After Paul’s return to Canada he settled in Dryden Ontario where he met and married Eleanor Gofton.  It was in Dryden where Paul started his business career.  He built the local Brewer’s Retail store and managed it for ten years.  He saw the potential for an automotive and hardware store in Dryden.  In 1961 he became a Canadian Tire Dealer and opened the store in Dryden.  In 1965 he acquired the Canadian Tire store in Port Credit Ontario and in 1971 became the Dealer of the Sault Ste. Marie store.  The Queen Street store was relocated to a new store on McNabb Street in 1974.   It was here that Paul was often remembered as the fellow who swept and shoveled the front entrance of the store while cheerfully greeting staff and customers as they arrived in the morning.  He enjoyed his years with Canadian Tire and it was clear that it was all about the people.  That philosophy rang true when it came to his community and his interest in finding ways to engage and help make a difference.  He was fully supportive and engaged with the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Canadian Bush Bush Plane Heritage Centre, Royal Canadian Air Force Association and the Masonic Lodge among many other organizations.  He did what he could to live up to his commitment to build stronger communities and supports for its citizens.

Paul was married to his wife Eleanor for 50 years. They had 2 children, Paul and Pamela, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Paul was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association since 1989.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

we will remember them

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