Obituary of Paul Bracken

Paul Bracken February 14, 1927 - July 10, 2014 It is with sadness that we announce that Paul Bracken, of Toronto, Ontario, passed away at home on July 10, 2014. Paul was born in Toronto in 1927, to John and Kathleen Bracken (nee Conroy) and attended St. Michaels College School from 1941 to 1946 where he was an active participant in sports. Paul quarterbacked the St. Michaels senior football team from 1944 to 1946 where, during the undefeated 1944-45 season, they travelled to Winnipeg winning the first East-West series. He was also a member of the St. Michaels THL Midget Championship hockey team in 1944. Paul married his high school sweetheart, the late Marie Bracken (nee Brockman), on October 9, 1956, and they were married for 53 years. After high school Paul entered the insurance business and enjoyed a long career as an adjuster. He served as the president of the Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association in 1964, and served as President of the Canadian Independent Adjusters Association in 1976. He worked for many years at Adamsons Limited, taking over the business in the early 1980's. During his career he was involved in many large infrastructure projects including the Bruce Nuclear Power Plant and the CN Tower. Paul was also an avid golfer and a long time member at the Board of Trade Golf and Country Club. Paul was a true character, and lived life to the fullest. He was incredibly sharp until his last day, and even took in a movie with his grandchildren only 2 weeks before he passed away. He survived several accidents over his final years, and his resilience and toughness never ceased to inspire those he met. We were struck with how, despite some health issues over the last years of his life, he was never depressed and woke up every day happy to be alive - a testament to his powerful optimism and love of life. Paul leaves behind four sons; Paul of Edinburg, Texas, Marc (Maya Gans) of Toronto, Michael (Kathleen Bennett) of Toronto, Chris (Alifeyah Gulamhusein) of Edmonton, Alberta as well as four grand children, Raine, Callahan, Declan and Joel. Paul had three siblings Martha McDermott of Kingston, Kevin pre-deceased (Betty) of Toronto, and Emmet (Carol) of Ajax. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Tuesday, July 15. A Funeral Mass will take place in OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH, 78 Clifton Road Toronto at 10 AM, Wednesday July 16, 2014. The family requests that, if desired, donations be made to the St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8 in lieu of flowers. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.