About

Paul was born in Antigonish Nova Scotia and grew up in Pomquet. He graduated from St. Andrew Rural High School and went on to study Engineering at St. Francis Xavier University and then on to Halifax where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1967. In 1966, Paul married Pat.
Paul grew up in a family with an on-going exposure to music. His early music experience was at the side of his aunt Jenny who was an accomplished pianist. She suffered a stroke which rendered her left hand paralyzed, so she taught Paul to accompany her playing by adding the missing left hand accompaniment. His Dad played “fiddle” and several of his uncles, aunts and cousins, along with his siblings were also music enthusiasts and Paul always found a place in the “family band” as the piano player.
In 1967 Paul began his employment with the Nova Scotia Provincial Government and in 1969 he was transferred to Halifax. In 1970 the family moved to Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia and there he became involved in St. John Vianney Parish.
Paul served as chair or was a member of various Parish Committees and Diocesan Commissions. But music ministry was his main focus – at one time directing three choirs in the parish. He was Music Director for the Archdiocesan Music Camp for four years and directed the one hundred plus youth choir and band at the papal visit to Halifax which featured his composition, Celebrate, which was composed for the choir to sing at the youth rally on that occasion.
He has been composing Liturgical music for many years and the highlight of his ministry was when his Glory To God was chosen to be sung at the Papal Mass during the Pope`s visit to Canada. Paul`s music has been included in many musical publications – including CBW III and used in many major celebrations across Canada.
Paul directed the Choir at St. John Vianney for 40 years.  Although he is no longer directing this choir, he continues to write music for liturgy and recently his new Glory to God and new Mass setting (Mass of A Joyful Spirit), along with many hymns and psalms have been approved by the National Council for Liturgical Music (NCLM) for Liturgical use in The Catholic Church.
Paul and Pat were awarded The Diocesan Medal of Merit in recognition of outstanding service to Saint John Vianney Parish through their steadfast commitment to the development of the church in Sackville and for being instrumental in its growth as a strong community of faith. Paul received the Canada 125 medal and was also awarded the Citizenship Award by The Nova Scotia Association of Professional Engineers for his contribution to his wider community.
Paul and Pat have four children and nine grandchildren.