ANTONIO - The  passing  of  Paul  Antonio  at  the  age  of  85  occurred peacefully in his sleep on Thursday,  November 2, 2017 at the Kelvindell Lodge in Kelvington. 

Paul was born July 10, 1932 in Hazel Dell, Saskatchewan to Sam and Helen (nee Holowachuk) Antonio.  His godparents were Mike Luciw and Annie Matlock.  He began working for the CN in 1962.  He also worked as a logger during this time.  He met Bonnie Suderman of Saskatoon through a cousin.  When she moved to Abbotsford with her family, he visited her there.  They wrote letters to each other and on January 9th, 1971 they were married.  Paul sold the farm and moved into Hazel Dell.  In July of 1972, Theresa (Tracy) was born. 

Paul built a new house on Main Street for his family.  In August of 1973, Colin was born.  Paul lived most of his life in Hazel Dell and was an active member of the community.  If someone was shingling a house or building a barn, Paul was sure to be helping out.  He was an experienced carpenter and helped Bonnie’s father, who was a carpenter himself, build the house in Saskatoon.  He was very generous with his time and his garden.  Paul had a green thumb and could grow anything, even a watermelon plant one year!  He retired from the CN after 27 years in 1989 when the track shut down in the Hudson Bay/Preeceville area.  Although retired, he never stopped working.  Paul liked to be outdoors and he would cut grass for Sasktel, and served on the town board for several years. He helped build the clay oven for the Hazel Dell Homecoming and he was always the first to cut the grass at the Gospel Chapel, the Hazel Dell Community, and the 7th Day Adventist cemeteries.  Paul had a great sense of humor and was always joking around with his children and grandchildren. 

When Bonnie was diagnosed with cancer, he took care of her until she passed away in 2015.  After she was gone, he found it difficult to be alone and moved into the Seniors complex the Villa in Kelvington in 2016.  He always made sure he had candy to give to the Home Care ladies when they visited, and they loved his sweet nature.  As Alzheimer's began to take hold, Paul moved in to the Kelvindell Lodge.  He went to be reunited with Bonnie on November 2, 2017.  He will be remembered by many and sadly missed.  

Surviving  are  his  two  children  Theresa  and  Colin; his grandchildren, Ashley and Bailey; great  grandson, Bentley; brother, Phillip; three sisters, Isabel, Esther, and Betty; as well as numerous nieces, nephews relatives and friends. 

Paul was predeceased by his loving wife, Bonnie; his parents, Sam and Helen; sisters, Nettie and Polly; and brother, Johnny.

The Funeral Service was held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at Trinity United Church in Preeceville with Reverend Miles Russell officiating. Granddaughters, Ashley and Bailey Antonio were the urnbearers and gave a tribute. Honourary bearers were the many special people who shared in Paul’s special life. We wish to thank you all.  The interment took place in Hillcrest Cemetery - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Memorials in memory of Paul may be made to Preeceville Home Care or to the Kelvindell Lodge as gifts of remembrance.

 Service Information