Former City Manager Loses Battle with Cancer
Wednesday, August 7, 2013 @ 4:40 PM
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Prince George, B.C.- The flags at City Hall will be flying at half mast tomorrow through to the end of Monday. They are being lowered to honour former Prince George City Manager George Paul who has passed away.Paul served as Manager of the City for 17 years, retiring from the post at the end of 2006 and moving to Nanaimo.
“It is a very sad day for me” says former Mayor Colin Kinsley “George and I were very close, he supported me a lot and taught me a lot.”
Kinsley says Paul was known and respected throughout B.C. “He was a mentor to the younger ones in the business ( civic administration), they don’t make them like George anymore.”
( at right, former Mayor Colin Kinsley presents lane name sign to George Paul in December of 2006 – photo 250News archive)
According to Kinsley, Paul had been ill for some time, but had put up a very brave front, and brave fight but sadly lost that battle last evening.
Former Mayor Dan Rogers was on Council during Paul’s tenure “He contributed lots to this community and we saw lots of growth under his watch” says Rogers. “He was a serious guy when it came to work , a very positive guy who knew which way he wanted the City to move.”
The City named the Aquatics Centre roadway after George Paul as a parting gift when he left at the end of 2006.
There are no details available on possible services for Paul, but Kinsley says he has been advised the family will take some time, then hold a celebration of George’s life.
Comments
Condolences.
A sad day. George and I attended UVic at the same time. My condolences to his family.
George Paul was a class act and did a very good job managing the city. On top of it all he was a very nice man.
My condolences as well.
George Paul had said that the old police station should be refurbished once a new one was built so that the Studio 2880 operations housing a variety of community arts activities could move in to a more appropriate downtown area. The existing 15th avenue site was then to be sold and the monies put towards the building and leasehold improvements of the new location.
I think that was a great idea. I think the City should go ahead and do that and call the center the George Paul Community Arts Centre dedicated in his name as a City Centennial project for a 2015 opening.
Under the circumstances, it would be a very fitting reminder of one of our long term and well respected City Managers.
The city took on a lot of debt during his term as city manager to the point we will be bankrupt as a city if interest rates go up. Things like IPG, and the art gallery that were complete failures, and all the real estate purchases… the city stalled economically and actually lost population over the 17-years he was city manager. Then when he retired he leaves to retire in another town that has no debt and was well managed.
I didn’t know George Paul personally, but I assume he was a nice guy… I just don’t think you get your name on a piece of city infrastructure for a record like that and especially if you didn’t live your final days in this community.
PG has a long list of community luminaries from Moffet, to Gratton, and maybe even Rodgers someday, who would be far more entitled to have their name memorialized in this community IMHO.
This was a guy that closed a successful city campground with no plans to replace it. He also made 3rd and George the center piece of his downtown revitalization plans and pushed the sex trade into what became known as the hood. For community building that is not a very good record IMO.
I agree with Eagleone on one point; the closing of the city campground was a mistake, never to be recovered! On the personal front, condolences to the family & friends. George Paul did other things well for this city.
So what is your accomplishment Eagleone. Seriously, the man died, and is this the time to say such a thing.
Eagleone takes the phrase “Don’t kick a man when he is down” to a whole new level.
Try to show a little respect!
Condolences to George Paul’s family, friends and all who knew him.
Hey Eagleone, George moved to Nanaimo to be closer to his family, I know this because he was my uncle. Maybe not the best time to trash talk a deadman?
Eagleone shows his usual class. Disgusting.
This comment board has reached all new lows.Elaine how bout just eliminating the comments all together. Just report the facts. People like Eagleone could then keep their comments to themselves.
Hey Eagleone, George moved to Nanaimo to be closer to his family, I know this because he was my uncle. Maybe not the best time to trash talk a deadman?
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