ELKIN, Paul Johnathon

August 14, 1942 – November 28, 2020

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather & Great-Grandfather.  Paul passed away peacefully at the age of 78.

Paul will be greatly missed by his wife Hazel of 55 years; three children, Allan (Betty) Elkin, Wendy Walker, and Matthew (Leslie) Elkin; fourteen grandchildren, Amanda, Jordon (Brooke), Keith Jr., Janaye, Ryan, Jessica, Mark (Ashly), Ethan, Emmett, Erika, Darryl, Soren, Avalon and Adalay; and four great-grandchildren, Eden, Kowen, Emma, and Samantha.

Paul is predeceased by his parents Robert & Ellen Elkin, son Shawn Elkin, daughter-in-law Anneke Elkin, and grandson Andrew Walker.

Paul was born in Red Deer, AB. He was the older brother to David (Sandra) Elkin of Smithers BC. He lived with his parents in Calgary as a young boy before moving to Didsbury, AB where he helped his Dad run the family owned Service Station. He met and married his wife Hazel in 1965. They moved to Calgary to raise their family before settling in Cochrane, AB in 1983. 

Paul received his Certificate of Apprenticeship in the trade of Carpentry from SAIT. This was his passion. He enjoyed refinishing furniture, gardening, baking, and had many projects on the go. He was a kind gentle giant who loved to tell stories and he had many to share. He was a people person and always valued his relationships. He was “one of a kind” and he will be greatly missed by those who knew him.  Paul enjoyed being a part of the Cochrane Alliance Church. He was very much involved in the early days of the church renovations. If there was a question, he was the guy to call. He also enjoyed helping with the yearly pancake breakfasts.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cochrane Activettes. 

You may view the Live Stream of Paul’s Celebration of Life Service through this link on Cochrane Alliance Church website:

https://tv.cochranealliance.com/en/c/paul-elkin-celebration-of-life.2887

Please view here the photo tribute that was played during Paul’s service.

Arrangements entrusted to Flo Simpson, Funeral Director

Cochrane Country Funeral Home – Ph: 403-932-1039

Both comments and pings are currently closed.

  1. On 02/12/2020 at 2:17 pm Kim Clarke Said:

    Paul was one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Paul always had a wonderful anecdote or interesting story to tell and was always cheerful. My favourite story was how he got the nickname, “Tiny.” My deepest condolences to Hazel and the family, Paul will be missed by a great many people.

  2. On 03/12/2020 at 12:17 pm Clarence & Joan Longeway Said:

    Our condolences to Hazel and family on Paul’s passing. Paul was a kind person and his concern for our family was always appreciated. Rest Easy old friend.

  3. On 03/12/2020 at 11:50 pm Sandie Hindes Said:

    My condolences to Hazel and family. Paul was a ray of sunshine and always walked away with a smile and a laugh. Paul was in hospital about 19 years ago with our nephew Bernie and when I saw Paul he ALWAYS asked about how he was doing. That’s the kind of man he was. He will be missed by all R.I.P my friend

  4. On 04/12/2020 at 8:32 am Wendy Ulrich Said:

    Sincere condolences to Hazel and her family. Paul will be greatly missed in the community. He ALWAYS took time for others. Each and every time I would speak with Paul, he would rarely talk about himself but rather he’d ask about how everyone was doing in my family; always so personable and kind. His genuine, infectious laugh reflected his positive outlook on life and his relationship with the Lord.

  5. On 04/12/2020 at 2:03 pm Lynn Richardson Said:

    I’m so sorry to hear of your Dads passing, Matty. My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. He’s with you always, a beloved treasure in your heart.

  6. On 07/12/2020 at 10:21 am Larry Charter Said:

    Paul was a special and dear friend. I will always remember the many times I visited with him at home or at the Foothills hospital. He was always a positive man even when he was struggling with his health and other life situations. He was a servant to all and loved helping people. We will miss you greatly, Paul!

  7. On 07/12/2020 at 12:57 pm Pat Krupa Said:

    May your memories of Paul be of great comfort during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy!
    Your neighbour…Pat Krupa

  8. On 07/12/2020 at 2:25 pm Val Goertzen (Boychuk) Said:

    Pat, Darla, & family our sincerest condolences on your loss . Wishing you well during this difficult time.
    Val Goertzen (Boychuk)

  9. On 09/12/2020 at 9:50 am Cecil & Sue Rau Said:

    Paul and his family were so warm and welcoming when we came here, so it’s sad to hear of this loss, not just to his family but also to the countless people whose hearts he touched. He will always be remembered as a kind, genuine and fun-loving man with that twinkle in his eye. Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to Hazel and all your family. May God hold you especially close as you move through this season of grieving, and fill you with His loving peace and comfort.

  10. On 09/12/2020 at 10:29 am Jason and Cindy Koleba Said:

    Our sincerest condolences to the entire Elkin clan. Paul was a good friend to us and the entire Cochrane Alliance church family for decades. We will certainly miss the conversations, his laughter and his presence at so many events and functions.

  11. On 09/12/2020 at 2:54 pm Martin Ulrich Said:

    Sincere condolences, Hazel and family. What a beautiful celebration of life service you had. How appropriate to say that Paul was a “gentle giant” in the obituary above as well.

    Paul was a very important mentor in my life. Not only did he teach me pretty much everything I know about construction while working on the Church together, he also taught me other life skills. Things like always helping people, looking at the positive side of things, being thankful, and just living a life filled with joy in everything has inspired me. The legacy left in the lives of people, by Paul was clearly portrayed during the service. I will miss Paul and his wit and knowledge and most of all how he loved Jesus and people, including my family.

    One of my favorite memories of Paul was when we were installing drywall on the sanctuary roof we were both on the scaffold 35 ft up and he was holding a whole sheet with one arm and showing me where to put in the screws. Another memory was mixing pancake batter with his heavy drill and paint mixer.

    When I get to heaven, I totally expect Paul to have a workshop ready to go and a pancake breakfast organized where we can work together.

  12. On 13/12/2020 at 10:29 am Norm Parrott Said:

    I have many memories of Paul. In every one, he was smiling and positive! As others have said, if you wanted info or advice on the church building, Paul was the one to ask. Many times he helped out while we were working on the stage renos. Paul was a very special person, that I will always remember fondly. Our condolences to Hazel and the rest of his family. Heaven has gained a true saint.

  13. On 13/12/2020 at 7:11 pm Pat and Greg Gall Said:

    Always enjoyed are times together. His twinkle an laughter.Hazel an family Prayers are with you all. Cousin Pat an husband Greg Gall

  14. On 21/05/2021 at 2:22 pm Caroline Kirsopp-Hookey Said:

    My sincere condolences to the Elkin family. I had the pleasure of working with Paul at the Save-on- foods when it was Sobeys. He was such a Lovely man and I’m sure he will be greatly missed.

  15. On 15/04/2022 at 2:57 pm Candace Said:

    I’m sure it was just the previous month when Paul and Hazel helped me. I was delivering papers across the street and slipped on the tiniest patch of ice and hit my head on the pavement.
    They each took one of my arms and helped me to their home. They then went to their van; Paul picked up the wagon still half full of newspapers and lifted it into the back of the van. He drove to Urgent Care with Hazel in the back. Once there he insisted on getting me a wheelchair as he said I would be seen more quickly that way! I will remember his kindness and humour for a long time.

    Hazel, I’m so so sorry you lost such a wonderful husband – he would grow new African Violets for you. Your house was a Violet garden. How blessed you were to have him in your life.