CRITCHLEY, Paul Harold George

April 6 1948 - June 22 2017.

Surrounded by his loving family, Paul Critchley, age 69, peacefully passed away at Grand River Hospital after a private and courageous fight with cancer. Paul is survived by his loving and devoted wife Karen (nee Kindy), his son Dwight (Tracy), his daughter Kate (Joel) and his brothers and sisters Joanne (Bob), Elizabeth (Jim), Kim (Norm) and Patrick. Son inlaw of Edith and the late Donald Kindy, and brother in-law of Neil (Arlene), Wayne and Hugh (Julie). Beloved snuggily-buggily Papa to Joshua, Abigail, Ella and Maeve. Special "Uncle Paul" to an endless list of nieces, nephews, cousins and adopted friends and students.

Paul was born at Women's College Hospital in Toronto and was raised in the small Northern Ontario town of Matheson. After completing high school, Paul attended the University of Waterloo where he graduated with a Degree in Environmental Studies (1971) and a Degree in Architecture (1973). Paul joined the Architectural Firm of Karl Briestensky shortly after. Paul quickly became an important part of Karl's firm and played an instrumental role in designing many of Guelph's most recognized buildings, including St. John's Church, the National Trust Building on St. George's Square, L'Ecole St. Rene Goupil, the Victoria Road Recreation Centre, the Royal Plaza, the Barzotti Woodworking Showroom, a Farquhar Street stone warehouse converted to apartments, the Wellington Hotel and the King Edward Hotel.

The BJC (Briestensky, Johnson, Critchley) Architectural Firm was formed in 1986 and is known for diverse building types and styles throughout Ontario and Canada. Paul's favourite work was building schools as it supported his Dad's value of education and provided an opportunity to work with what he called "top-notch" colleagues.

Paul also enjoyed many years at the University Of Waterloo as a Co-op placement officer at a time when the co-op concept was very new. He was instrumental in expanding the program and he applied his skills as a patient mentor to hundreds of students from all walks of life.

Paul's happy place was the family cottage at Watabaeg Lake. It was here he could reconnect with family, escape and enjoy his northern roots in a place built by his grandfather.

Paul was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. Paul enjoyed people, tradition, a good party and a quiet cup of tea. Fun, funny and playful, he loved every minute of life. He will be remembered for his kind, patient and gentle way.

Special thanks to the Oncology and ICU teams at Grand River Hospital. Extra special thanks to Nurse Practitioner Rebecca and ICU Nurses Janessa, Anita, Stephanie, Catherine, Amy and Becca for their skilled compassion during the saddest time in our lives.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph, on Monday June 26th 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday June 27th 2017 at 1pm.In lieu of flowers, donations to The Children's Wish Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donation cards are available at the funeral home, 519-821-5077.