Obituary of Paul Mainprize

January 5, 1953 – April 21, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Paul Mainprize (The Hare, Animal, The MainPrize) at 71 who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones.  For sixteen months Paul showed ALS “who was boss” holding his head high, harnessing the power of positivity and inspiring others.

Paul was a loving husband, his daughter’s hero and a true family man.  Survived by his wife Paula (nee Siegel), celebrating 46 years of marriage and his daughter April Mainprize (Graham Fell) who was his world.

Paul was predeceased by his father Edward Mainprize and mother Shirley Mainprize (nee Cameron). He leaves siblings Jimmy (the late Marion), David (Liane), Suzy (Kenny Duff) and countless other relatives and close friends behind.

Paul spent his early years growing up in the Braeside and Pembroke area and after graduation from Fellowes High School, where he met the love of his life Paula, settled into the Arnprior area to start their family.

After working at Bell Canada as an installation and repair technician for 30 years, Paul was fortunate to enjoy early retirement and spent the following 20 years travelling to Florida every Winter where he and Paula enjoyed the sun, sand, fishing and good friends.

As a young boy, he worked on the Cameron family farm and loved hunting and fishing.  A true outdoorsman, lover of aimless countryside drives, collector of stray cats, he also held the initiate ability to turn one’s trash into treasures.

Being a jack of all trades with a heart of gold, Paul dedicated his time to helping those who needed it the most, working with the Seniors at Home Program for many years.  With a natural mechanical mind and solver of all puzzles he was able to re-wire, plumb, construct, patch and repair any job that came his way. The fact that he had a garage full with at least four of absolutely everything ensured he always had the right part needed to fix any job. This naturally transitioning him into the resident community handy man where he also was able to turn strangers into friends.

As a trusted advisor to many - even when unprompted, he lived his life with compassion and selflessness at the forefront.  He always taught us to stand tall and supported us all throughout the many accomplishments and difficulties of our lives. His kindness, generosity and mischievous spirit will be missed by all that knew him.

Paul’s care and arrangements were entrusted to the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior.

A Private Celebration of life will be held in the coming months.

If you would like to make a donation in honour of Paul, his daughter April will be walking on June 1^st for the “MainPrize” in celebration and hope for a future without ALS. 

To donate, please use the following link:

https://alscanadawalktoendals.als.ca/ontario/for-the-mainprize