Paul Schira

Paul Schira, born at Rhein, SK, May 8, 1932, was the son of hardworking immigrant parents. He lived and worked for almost 70 years on the farm where he was raised with his sisters. His love of the farm and the animals on it was evident in how the cattle would come to him to be petted, and how his dogs were trained to do his bidding – including fetching the broom and closing the gate.

As a child, Paul was responsible for looking after the needs of the livestock and milking the cows before and after school. He ended his formal education at Shamrock School early in life, but kept up with current affairs via the radio, the local newspaper, and television. When farm work was done, Paul loved to play ball and was always up for a game with his niece and nephews, even after a full day’s work. Another joy was Saturday night spent at the pool hall in Rhein.

At the age of 51, Paul married his first wife, Hilda Kobitz. They lived on the farm until it was sold in the fall of 2000, and they moved into Yorkton. Paul was a good neighbour - always ready to lend a hand, plow some snow, or otherwise help out. He was also a big hockey fan, spending years following NHL games on radio and tv, especially the Toronto Maple Leaf’s, and enjoyed attending the Terrier games in Yorkton. He was also a big fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2013, when, at the age of 81, Paul married his second wife, Dora Paley, they traveled to Minnesota on their honeymoon, to attend a weekend of Blue Jays games.

Paul’s health began to slowly decline, and after 20 some years in the house on Bailey Drive, when he could no longer drive, Paul and Dora moved into the Bentley in Aug. 2022. There he enjoyed the activities and the companionship. He was always up for a game of cards, plus, all those Saturday nights in the Rhein pool hall paid off, as he could still play a very competitive game.

Paul will be remembered as a gentle, hardworking man. With his wife and others by his side, he passed away peacefully in hospital on Nov. 13, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents Gottfried & Emilie (nee Wegner) Schira; his first wife, Hilda; his sisters Bertha Mehling and Pauline Schwabe; his brothers-in-law, Victor Mehling and Tom Schwabe; and his nephew, Dale Schwabe. Surviving are his wife of ten years, Dora Paley; his aunt Elsie Wegner of Yorkton; his nieces, Donna Chepil (Bill) of Okotoks, AB; Myra Surkan (Bernie) of Yorkton; and Valerie Schwabe (Dale) of Regina; his nephews Clifford Mehling (Roni); Ron Mehling (Karen); and George Mehling (Brenda) all of Yorkton; Keith Schwabe (Gloria); and Kirby Schwabe (Sherri) all of Regina; step-daughters, Shirley Engel (Robert) of Burgess Beach; and Sindy Mehling (Rob) of Stornoway; step-son Terry Paley (Susan) of Meadow Lake; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; plus many grandnieces & nephews, cousins and good friends.

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