Paul passed away peacefully on July 18, 2021 with his loved ones by his side. Married for almost 70 years to the love of his life and best friend Shirley Ennis (nee Goldberg); father to daughters Cindy, Nancy (Gary), and Tracy (Mark); and grandfather to Spencer and Matthew (aka Hatcher).
Born in Toronto on November 23, 1930 to Ralph and Faye Ennis, he attended Harbord Collegiate Institute in Toronto. He then furthered his education at McMaster University in Hamilton obtaining a degree in Finance. Following graduation, he worked in the Treasury Department at Stelco for several years. While there he decided to change careers and was accepted into Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He graduated at the top of his class and was called to the Bar in 1962.
Paul continued for the rest of his life to be intrigued by the intellectual challenges of the law.
Paul had an early interest in politics. He was Campaign Manager for 5 successful federal elections for his local Member of Parliament. One of the highlights of his and Shirley’s life was being presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
He was proud to be a lawyer and had a long and distinguished career. He had many high profile clients and notable court cases spanning the range of Family and Criminal Law as well as representing many large Corporations and Commercial clients in his 45 year practice in Hamilton, Ontario and thereafter in Fort Erie for another decade.
Paul was also a part-time Provincial Crown Attorney in his early years and was later appointed Senior Federal Crown Prosecutor for the Department of Justice for the Hamilton and the Niagara Regions. Working closely with the R.C.M.P. when wiretap evidence was in its infancy, these cases always intrigued him. His involvement in this new area of the law brought him great satisfaction. He was appointed a Queen’s Counsel, Q.C., in 1976.
Paul’s compassion for others played a significant role throughout his life. His door was always open to those with a just cause. He reluctantly retired from the practice of law with a heavy heart in 2016 at the age of 86. Reflecting on his life in later years he said he would have not changed anything.
He was an avid gardener who took great pride in his beautiful rock gardens. In later years, an enthusiastic bird watcher.
Special thanks to his daughter Tracy who made it possible for him to remain at home until the last 2 weeks of his life.
The family wish to thank Dr. Scher for his home visits and to him and the staff at Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie for their incredible compassion and dedication.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
On-line condolences can be made at info@uhmc.ca
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