FLAHERTY, Paul James

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Paul James Flaherty on October 4, 2026. Paul was born on July 22, 1932, on a farm in the Caledon Hills to James A. and Margaret Flaherty, where he lived his entire life. He and his older brother, Michael (predeceased), and younger brother, Gerald, often told of their antics on the farm and their adventures walking to and from Beechgrove School. He married Mary Rosanne Ellis (Rosie) on July 3, 1954, who predeceased him in July 1988. Paul and Rosie welcomed four children: Gail (Rick), Brian (Alexandra), Diane (predeceased, survived by Ron and the late Ian), and Kevin (Kim). He is also remembered by his grandchildren—Michael, Ryan, Dylan, Megan, Adam, and Yuri—and his great-grandchildren—Evan, Etta, Bennet, Stanley, and Aurielle. His spouse, Sylvia Patterson, was his constant companion after the passing of Rosie. Paul was a like a father to her children Deborah and David and Papa Paul to Stephanie, Jessica, Kanda, Dakota, Hudson and Prescott. Paul had some wonderful accomplishments in his life of which he was most proud. One of those was the building of his house on the foundation of an old cottage that had burned down on the corner of the family farm. It was built in 1954 and he lived there until his passing. For Paul, there was no other place on earth he ever wanted to live. Another was his work at Avro Aircraft. He transferred clients to and from and also worked in the parts department while The Avro Arrow was being built. He treasured his photos of The Avro Arrow and loved to tell the stories behind them to all who visited. Following his employment at Avro Aircraft, he became a certified industrial mechanic and worked at Imperial Tobacco in Guelph until his retirement. He loved the beauty of Algonquin Park, and for over 10 consecutive years, he took his family camping at Lake of Two Rivers, where cherished memories were made. His quick wit, laughter, and storytelling were hallmarks that everyone will remember fondly. Visitation and a reception will take place from 1pm to 3pm on Thursday October 29, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home (11582 Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown). Interment to follow at 3:45pm at St. Cornelius Cemetery (16631 Kennedy Rd N, Caledon Village). For more information, please call the funeral home at 905 877-3631.