Obituary of Paul Dober

Former Halifax resident, Anthony Paul Dober, 61, passed away at the Lloydminster Hospital in Saskatchewan on March 5, 2016 due to complications following surgery in the U.S.A. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Dober (nee d'Eon); daughters Michelle Dober (Greg Welsh) and Nicole Bishop (Walter Bishop); grandchildren Paige Welsh, Blake Bishop; brothers Joseph Dober and David Dober (Carolyn Dober); sisters Valerie Cranidge (Michael Cranidge); Maria Dober and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving mother and father, Mary Veronica Dober (nee Emberley) and Valentine Francis Dober and his dear nephew, Ryan Cranidge. Born March 15, 1954 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he was the first born of five children. He reflected fondly on his childhood of the times spent with his brothers and sisters. An avid sportsman from an early age, he partook in it all. He told many stories of his glory days playing ball with his brother Joe and of running the roads with the slew of kids from Cook Avenue. After completing high school, Paul met his one and only, Sharon d'Eon at a nurse’s valentine’s dance in '74 and the two were married by '78. They soon had two daughters whom which they adored. He joined the Halifax Fire Department in 1978 where he proudly served alongside his co-workers for many years. He loved his profession, the camaraderie shared amongst his brothers and sisters and the strength bound deep within his "second family". It was cherished with all of his being. Paul was an active member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 268 and served as union president for many years. His high moral standards, drive for fairness and equality and witty tongue made him a perfect fit for the job. He had many accomplishments during his terms, improving the quality of life and working standards for the firefighters of today. Paul loved children, and children loved Paul. He was the best father, grandfather, uncle and mentor a child could ask for. He guided with tender love and unfaltering loyalty. He volunteered countless hours organizing benefits for children's and non-profit organizations. He also participated in his own children's extracurricular activities and coached minor hockey for many, many years. Paul always said he would “die young" and fortunately retired early at the age of 53 and did what he wanted. He spent the last years of his life "living it up" with Sharon in the Westwind Village in Florida during the winter, where he met numerous friends, bowled, golfed, soaked up the sun and enjoyed yearly visits from his friend, Mike Rogers. In the summer he spent time with his daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren in Lloydminster, AB and visited his many friends and family throughout Nova Scotia. The altruistic manner in which Paul lived his life is an example for all to follow. We all have a story or two to tell of his kindness and I'm sure there are much more that will remain unknown. He meant what he said and always kept up his part of the bargain. His loyalty was like no other and could be visibly seen through his "mild" obsession with the Toronto Maple Leafs and their unreachable quest for the Stanley Cup. We would like to thank the palliative care staff and his family physician Dr.Kevin Govender at the Lloydminster Hospital for giving Paul such love and care on his last days on earth. He always said he'd be a happy man if he died today. Although deeply saddened to see him go, we are happy he was at peace with it. In lieu of donations please do an act of kindness in Paul's honour. Cremation has taken place at McCaw’s Funeral Home in Lloydminster, AB and a memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia at a later date. "And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain My friend, I'll say it clear I'll state my case, of which I'm certain I've lived a life that's full I traveled each and every highway And more, much more than this, I did it my way"