Obituary of Paul Thomas Sheahan

In Loving Memory of Paul Thomas Sheahan
December 22, 1944 - January 23, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Paul Thomas Sheahan, beloved
son, husband, father, grandpa, and uncle, who departed this world on January 23, 2024 at the
age of 79. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet, quick wit and humour, kindness and generosity,
as well as a love for his family, collies and greyhounds, and all things Toronto Blue Jays.

Paul was born to William and Norma Sheahan (nee Pinfold) in Toronto, Ontario. He grew up in
the east end area of Toronto and attended Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary School as
well as St. Michael’s College School. He then attended the University of Toronto where he
attained an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and completed the College of Education
program. He worked as a secondary Social Studies teacher, first with the Scarborough Board of
Education, and then as the Department Head of Social Studies at Brother Andre CHS
(Markham) with the York Catholic District School Board, until his retirement.

Paul is survived by his wife Shaaron, children Katie (Vincent), Meaghan (Darrell), and Patrick
(Sara), grandchildren Nolan, Riley, Miles, and Keeley, as well as his brother Bill (Joan) and
nieces and nephew Karen, Joanne, Kevin, Kelly, and Cathy, as well as many other extended
relatives.

Paul was known for his love of all things historical, writing both a historical fiction novel, and
co-authoring a textbook (Society: Challenge and Change) for secondary schools in Ontario. He
also had a particular affinity for the study of the American Civil War, and often took part in re-
enactments with his students. His devotion to his students extended beyond the classroom to
his role as a coach, and despite no official swimming training, he coached the Brother Andre
CHS Swim Team to much York Region and OFSAA success over the years.

In his retirement, Paul enjoyed traveling to different places including: Spain, Ukraine, Cuba,
Aruba, St. Maarten, and Ireland. He also became involved with several dog rescue
organizations including After the Track and 112 Carlota Galgos (Spain). As a devoted Toronto
Blue Jays fan, Paul made sure to never miss a game, and either watched in person at the
Dome, on TV, or listened on the radio, and if you were with him, you had to as well. Paul also
rediscovered his love for cottaging, particularly on Little Doe Lake where years ago he taught
his children to waterski and fish, and in recent years, watched as his grandchildren played in the
water. When not by the beach, Paul could be found in the cottage engaged in an epic game of
Scrabble or euchre and enjoying a Diet Coke.

The family would like to thank the hardworking and supportive staff of the ICU at the
Scarborough Health Network (Birchmount Hospital Site) as well as York Region EMS for their
dedication to Paul and his family in his final hours.

A drop-in Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024 between 1-4pm at Dixon-
Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St. N., Markham, Ontario. Light refreshments will be served.
Cremation has already taken place, and a private interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Autism
Canada, or any animal rescue charity of your choice.