Obituary of Paul Aylward Carroll, Q.C.

PAUL AYLWARD CARROLL, Q.C.

March 31, 1941 – August 14, 2022

Paul will be profoundly missed by his wife, Catharine (Richardson) Carroll, with whom he recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary, his two sons and their wives, Peter and Suzanne, Michael and Vera, and his daughter, Ann Marie, along with his four grandchildren, Devin, Jenna, Brendan and Max.

Frank Sinatra sang it best, “I did it my way,” and that perfectly sums up Paul’s approach to life. Paul grew up in the Beaches area of Toronto. He attended De La Salle, the U of T, and studied law, graduating from Osgoode Hall in 1965. After passing the bar, he joined the law firm, Smith Lyons (Torrance, Stevenson & Mayer). His fierce legal mind and tenacity helped grow the firm, and eventually, he spearheaded its merger in 2001 with Gowling Lafleur Henderson, now simply called Gowlings.

Over the course of his 50-plus year legal career, Paul was instrumental in the development of some of Toronto’s major commercial real estate; landmarks such as the Eaton Centre and Scotiabank Plaza, not to mention Canada’s Wonderland (to name just a few). Paul was equally active in the Canadian mining industry, playing a crucial role at several companies, some of which would one day rank among Canada’s most notable mining entities. When the challenge of simply lawyering didn’t seem to be enough, Paul expanded his vision, dabbling in Hollywood film and live theatre production. Beyond that, he looked world-wide for business opportunities, developing various infrastructure, manufacturing and mining projects in China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, South and North America. Paul has been endearingly described as “one tough S.O.B.” No truer words have ever been said. He was a force to be reckoned with in law and business. He never backed down from a challenge.

Paul lived life to the fullest. He cared more about acquiring experiences than things – although he did love his Porsches over the years and his NSX, which he had the joy of driving on the track. Paul loved travelling. Of course, there was business travel, but more importantly, he showed his family the world, taking them on trips that opened their eyes to so many places and cultures, helping them to develop a broad and open outlook on life. Paul especially loved Italy. It is possible that no man has ever enjoyed a glass of pinot grigio more than Paul. It is also possible that very few president-CEOs (in this case of Hollinger Inc.) ever participated in a two-plus hour board meeting via Blackberry from a roadside service area off the A1 Autostrada!

Ultimately, though, Paul’s favourite place was the cottage, sailing and playing tennis with friends or his kids, or out on the lake for a sunset cruise with the usual suspects. In his later years, he didn’t get out as much, but he was equally happy working (or playing solitaire) from his cottage office or watching tennis and car races in the backroom. There is a deep depression in the corner seat of the sofa that can never be filled. Paul loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always interested in and proud of their activities and accomplishments. Paul was predeceased by his father, Edward A. Carroll, Q.C., his mother, Mona Dreyer Carroll, and his brother, Monty, as well as too many friends and business associates. Once a regular fixture at the National Club, he now joins some of his good, old friends for the standing Wednesday lunch in the great beyond!

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at St. Mike’s and to the fantastic and caring nurses and doctors on the 10th floor, palliative care, at Bridgepoint. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Hospital or to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care.  A private family service was held on August 18, 2022, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. At his request, and in true Paul Carroll fashion, the family plans to host a party this fall to celebrate his life – and what a life it was!  Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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