Obituary: Paul Gerald Lebel

We are heartbroken. It is with an unbearable forever sadness that we said goodbye to our protector, provider, husband and father Paul Gerald Lebel, on March 5, 2025, at the age of 55 surrounded by love. After months of fighting a terminal cancer diagnosis, it is something that no one should have to endure, not any loving family, and surely not our hero Paul. He was tough, resilient, and full of life until the very end.

Survived by his loving wife Jennifer Lebel (Wetelainen), sons Tyler Lacombe-Lebel, Jayson Lacombe-Lebel (Brie), and daughter Raya Lebel, and his very special little girl Chareesa Bottle and her siblings Latrelle, Latoryah, Shantrelle. His in-laws Bill and Julie Kent-Anderson, father in-law Howard Wetelainen, sister-in-law Aimee Stuckey (Wade), Deidre Klapka (Colin), Sarah-Jane and Patricia Wetelainen, nephews Easton, Holden, Triton (godson), Canon, nieces Danica, Dasha, and god-daughter Madison Lebel McMahon. Special Spirit Sister Ester Bottle.

Many aunts and uncles, Susan Vachon, Nicole Carpenter (Ernie), Ron and Shelley King, Berry and Lise Wetelainen, Rob Wetelainen, Craig and Brenda Anderson, Bruce Anderson, Simone Lebel, Lionel Lebel (Annette), Richard Dolbeck, Carmelle Devost, Ronald Lebel (Denise), Monique Lebel who shared the same birthday.

Cousins: Joanne Ogilvie, Lynne Swiston, Robin Lebel, Lisa Williamson, Monique Hoke, Lorraine Hamelin, Denise Rochefort (Taylor James), John Rochefort, Keith Lebel, Richard Lebel, Danny Lebel, Marc Lebel, Mike Lebel, Cathy Lebel, Nicole Fowler, Debbie Lebel, Kim Johnson, Tammy Forwell, Noel Devost, Suzanne Devost, Jackie Devost, CarolAnn Devost, Ginette Lebel, Peter Lebel, Michelyn Rushton, Michelle Oliver, Brigitte Roth, Chantal Lebel, Marc Lebel, Richard Williets, Sara Carson.

Predeceased by his parents Raymond Lebel, Jocelyn Lebel, Aunt Anita Lebel, Uncle Norman Lebel, Uncle Louis Lebel, Uncle Russell and Aunt Germaine Rochefort, Aunt Marie Lebel-Devost-Dolbeck, Uncle Maurice Lebel, Uncle Omer and Aunt Jeannine Lebel.

Paul was born in Toronto, Ontario, February 15, 1970. He would reminisce about the enjoyment he had trick-or-treating in the high-rise apartments as a kid, it was the fastest way to fill up pillowcases of candy. At the age of 12, Paul moved with his parents to the Town of Meaford, ON, where his father had built the family home. Paul always spoke of his love for being an only child and was quite happy he didn’t have to share. Once Paul had children of his own, he quickly had to learn the true meaning of sharing. Not to mention a few family games cut short because Paul was losing and would throw the board up in the air and say he quit, as his wife and kids would laugh at him. During Paul’s time at home battling cancer, he suggested to the family one night that we try another game of Monopoly. We were all a little hesitant, but we did and Paul truly enjoyed the time with the family. No boards were thrown that night. But, we truly loved Oscar the Grouch, as his coworkers would call him. His family seeing the huge teddy bear that he was.

Paul attended an all-French Catholic school and spoke French fluently in the family home and to his final day. Many people didn’t know that about Paul. It was something he liked to keep in his back pocket he would say.

Paul has always had a love for hockey and was a true Montreal Canadiens fan; he was fortunate to meet Patrick Roy and Mike Palmateer, goalies for the Montreal Canadiens. During Paul’s fight with cancer, he was also honoured to receive personal autographs sent to his home from Chris Nilan and Mike Keene, Paul was deeply touch by this act of kindness. Paul was also gifted tickets to a Montreal and Winnipeg jets game. After many outreaches to the NHL and the Montreal Canadiens, Paul was invited to have a private meeting with the team, while in Winnipeg for a game. Though his team lost, it brought us great joy, seeing the excitement on his face. The Montreal Canadiens sent Paul an actual game jersey to him at Christmas time with LEBEL on the back. Paul was blown away by this gift.

Growing up, Paul played goal for many Meaford hockey teams, and at the age of 15 Paul had an invite to the under-16 Olympics tryouts in Toronto. Unfortunately, the night before, his dad took him out to dinner and a serious bout of food poisoning ended his chances. It was not meant to be. Paul continued to play goal up until his diagnosis. Paul would assist with Tyler and Jayson’s hockey teams in working with the team goalie. He’d drive the boys to every game he could, through rain or snow for hours and loved every minute. Needless to say, I believe there was a game where Paul would be ousted out of the boys’ hockey games by the refs, as Paul was not happy with the play.

Paul had a love for dirt bikes, fixing up old trucks, and spent many hours outside. One of his first jobs was looking after a sled team of Siberian Huskies.

In 1990 Paul started Auxiliary for the Meaford Town Police; in 1993 Paul moved to a part-time police officer and in 1995 Paul became a full time police officer for the Meaford Town Police. Paul was a proud police officer and made many lifelong friends. In 2002 Paul moved to the Ontario Provincial Police in the Grey County area. He served on the traffic unit, Marine Unit, Radar Instructor, Car seat inspector, Acting Detachment commander of Pickle Lake Detachment. In 2016, Paul transferred his family to Kenora, Ontario. He was back on the road for a few years, before moving to the court house, a position he truly loved, then becoming Acting Sergeant at the court house, until he became sick and was not able to work anymore. Throughout Paul’s career with the OPP, he had many opportunities for special duties. Paul was part of the G7 summit in Huntsville and was quickly deployed to the Toronto riots, where he spent the night on the Blue Jays field. Paul had the opportunity to do security in Ottawa for Barak Obama, and Caledonia on several occasions. Twelve-week secondment up in Pikangikum, which he truly enjoyed and met a lot of nice people. Paul reinstated the Cops and Kids fishing program in Pickle Lake, where it continues to this day. Paul was set to retire this April, with 30 years on the job.

Paul was recognized for the number of tickets he wrote every year. He maintained a large volume of traffic tickets each year, which translated to Paul being in traffic court, Provincial Offences quite often. At times while sitting waiting for his trial, he would be caught eyeing the court reporter in the courtroom. It was at that time Jennifer received a phone number to call a certain officer named Paul Lebel, as he was too shy to call her. Jennifer mustered up the courage to call Paul. That was the beginning of their love story; they fell in love and chose each other to spend their lives with. Paul, for the first time, became a parent right away to Tyler and Jayson. The three of them formed a quick beautiful bond; they would spend a lot of time together. Monster Jam events, Paul introduced both the boys to hockey and would take them to every practise and game. In 2010 Paul adopted Tyler and Jayson. Jennifer and Paul were married on September 10, 2004. Raya arrived in 2004 and our family was complete, or until all relocated to Pickle Lake in 2014 with the Ontario Provincial Police. This is where the sweetest little baby, Chareesa Bottle, joined the Lebels. Paul instantly fell in love and became the most loving uncle and the two were inseparable. Paul and Jennifer began fostering and opened their home to 41 children in the last 10 years.

Paul has been a true hero to this family and we are all so proud of him and the wonderful life he provided for us. Many family trips to Florida, Darian Lake, Caribbean cruises, summer country music festivals. But Paul’s most favorite past time was spending time with the family, puttering around the house, watching movies, and being on the lake in his pontoon boat. Paul did everything for his family and always made sure they had everything they needed. So much so that Paul took the time during his cancer struggle to make sure he left complete instructions on what to do with the air conditioner, the hot tub, the sump pump, the water lines, winterizing the boat and the trailer, right down to leaving instructions on how to clean the cat’s water filter. It is all there written down step-by-step for the family to look back on if we need help.

It broke Paul’s heart to have to leave us so soon. Paul was so strong through his cancer journey and did his best to let his family know it would be okay and that he will always be with us. His final words to us, I love you all with all my heart.

Badge number 11168 – 10-7 OFF duty.

A Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, ‘Grieve not for me’.

Remember the best times,

The laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while

While I was strong.

Continue my heritage,

I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun

Will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how

I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we’re together again.

My Sons

I closed my eyes for but a moment and suddenly a man stood

Where boys used to be.

I may not carry you on my back anymore,

But I will always carry you in my heart.

You have given me so many reasons to be proud of the men you have become.

But the proudest moment for me is telling others that you are my sons.

To My Daughter

Sometimes it’s hard to find the words to tell you how much you meant to me. When you took your first breath, I told you, “I Love you” and I would use my last breath to say it again. You will always be my baby girl. I may no longer carry you in my arms, but I will always carry you in my heart. Love Dad

Our family cannot begin to say thank you to so many people who supported us through these last months – too many to list. We really felt the love and support. The kindness provided to our family, to be able to do one last family trip together, has left myself and the kids with some dear memories. The visits from family, friends and coworkers, the meals. They say a man’s life is measured by the lives he has touched and we truly realized just how many people our husband/dad touched throughout his life.

Though we are shattered, our family will honor the incredible man he was – and the strength that defined him.

Donations can be made in Paul’s Memory to the OPP Youth Lead Engagement program, Charitable Organization Name: Anishinaabe Culture and Language Program, Charitable Registration Number: 839600715, by cheque: made payable to Anishinaabe Culture and Language Program or by e-transfer to accounting@treaty3.ca or to the Paul Lebel Memorial Pickle Lake Cops and Kids fishing day, cheques can be made payable to Paul Lebel Memorial Pickle Lake Cops and Kids Fishing Day, donations can be sent to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.