Obituary of Paul Verbrugghe

Verbrugghe

May 9, 1941 – March 24, 2023

Peacefully at the St. Thomas Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, Paul passed away from leukemia on March 24, 2023, in his 82^nd year. He is survived by his beloved and dedicated wife of 48 years, Linda (Hulaj), his loving children Michelle, Jeremy, Paula, Greg & Diana and his grandson Rowan, who held an extra-special place in Grandpa’s heart. Also survived by his youngest sister Edna Lee, in-laws Cheryl Verbrugghe and Jane & Cam Edwards and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Paul was predeceased by his parents Jan Maurice & Anna Verbrugghe, his brother Steve (Etienne), his sister Mary & Jon Jeavons and his in-laws John & Emilie Hulaj. 

Paul came to Canada from Belgium with his family in 1954 and settled on a farm just outside of West Lorne in 1956. Ten years after coming to Canada, Paul’s father tragically died and Paul took on the role of family patriarch. He and his brother farmed together for many years until Paul made the decision to become a Realtor. He climbed off the combine one fall evening and the next day drove into London to begin taking the first of many Real Estate courses until he achieved his goal of becoming a Realty Broker.

Paul then opened his own office, Paul A. Verbrugghe Realty, in which he proudly conducted business across four decades. He helped many in the community buy or sell properties, and you could often find Paul standing at the entrance to his office chatting with passersby. Paul was a man of strong faith. As a member of St. Mary’s parish, he took on several roles of leadership which he fulfilled as long as he could.

The family would like to thank the wonderful paramedics Cora and Mackenzie who assessed Paul’s needs for hospital care and got him to the best place to be looked after.

Special thanks to all the health care professionals who took good care of Paul during his brief hospital stay.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation in Paul’s honour on Friday, March 31st, 2023 at Denning’s of West Lorne from 4-7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at St. Mary’s Church, West Lorne at 11 am. Interment of ashes to follow at St. Mary’s cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions to the West Elgin Daffodil Auxiliary or St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital would be appreciated as your expression of sympathy. Share a memory at

www.westelginfuneralhome.com

At the request of the family, visitors are asked to please wear masks as a courtesy to all in attendance.