Obituary for
Paul Smith
written by his sister Gladys Molnar, who also provided this photo from 1985:
Paul Smith passed away in Austria Friday February 16, 2007.
Born in 1936, he was christened Paul Nelson Frederick Labonte Smith. He decided
at an early age that he had too many names, that he would be known as just plain
Paul Smith. Plain he was not. Paul grew up in Kimberley, B.C. where he and his
brothers hunted and river rafted with their dad. Paul loved sports cars and
vintage cars. He was a skier, sailor, scuba diver, marathon runner and bicycle
racer. Paul worked for C.M.&S. Co. while he and brother Bob built an ocean going
trimaran that was later shipped to Vancouver for final assembly. There was
always time to sing and play the guitar.
Paul moved to Vancouver in 1963 where he joined the Carpenter's Union. He built
many unique bicycles and invented several gear systems. Paul worked tirelessly
to enable the handicapped to participate in bicycle and wheelchair sports.
People would call out a hello whenever he rode his bright yellow sit down sports
car shaped bicycle on the streets of Vancouver.
Paul gave generously of his time as a psychic, was telepathic and had the gift
of healing hands. At age 62 he met and married his soulmate, Heidrun Beer and
moved to Austria. He immediately gained many friends and taught English. Heidrun
and Paul celebrated his 70 birthday by flying over Austria in a hot air balloon.
Paul radiated goodness and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Those
wishing to remember him please do a good deed today. Anecotes of his life
gratefully received by his wife Heidrun at hbeer@sgmt.at.