Paul, of blessed memory, passed away the 15th of Tevet, 5784.


Paul is survived by his wife of 25 years, Claire Breslaw, his daughter Sharon, son Stephen (Ferne), grandchildren Kevin (Anna), Allison (Rob), Ben, Ava, and Sadie, great-grandson Maxwell, and his brother Bernie, as well by his stepchildren Susan (Tom) and Curtis (Sara), and step grandchildren, Sophie, Ethan, Malcolm, and Sam. He loved all deeply, without condition.


Paul was pre-deceased by his first wife of 32 years, Barbara, his sister Tybie, and his stepdaughter Shelley (Kevin).


Paul was proudly a life-long resident of Winnipeg. He was an icon on the Manitoba sports scene. Paul was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the infamous Stellars who won Canadian Championships in basketball in 1950 and 1951. He was also one of the best tennis players in the province, earning an athletic scholarship to Bemidji State for both tennis and basketball. At a time when few left Winnipeg for school, Paul went on to the University of Illinois to earn his Masters in Education and as a PhD candidate in Colorado.


Paul left Colorado before completing his PhD to tend to his first wife Barbara who had fallen ill. Barbara would recover. Paul fell in love with teaching and remained in Winnipeg as a high school teacher and coach for more than 30 years. “Mr. G”, as he was affectionately known by his students, was beloved for his totally approachable demeanour, quick wit, and his complete dedication to each student individually. He always was one who volunteered to staff student trips abroad and, while his focus was basketball, Paul also coached many sports teams over the years, mentoring athletes who would go on to represent Canada and participate in the Olympics.


Paul was active at Rosh Pina synagogue, spending a term as Vice President. He was fluent in Yiddish, proud of his daughter for carrying on the Yiddish legacy; while maybe a tad embarrassed of his son’s lack of “linguistic abilities”.


Paul’s humility was surpassed only by his achievements. He regaled nobody with his stories; even his children knew precious few details of his many accolades. Paul was content and his modesty defined him.
Paul’s first wife Barbara fell ill again in 1994 and, as was Paul’s way, he left teaching to initially travel extensively with Barbara and then go on to support her by her bedside; twelve hours each day over her final months.
Paul and Claire married in 1998. Theirs was a late in life love affair that lasted 25 years. Rarely apart, Paul was as dedicated to Claire as she was to him; together they brought the Breslaw and Granovsky families together as one.


Paul was not just a husband or partner to Barbara and to Claire. He was a true soulmate. Paul was simply an awesome role model for everyone who met him.
The family is ever thankful to the staff of Grace Hospital, 5 North. As everyone, they loved Paul. They took great care of Paul in his final weeks and the family owes a debt of gratitude. A special thanks to Dr. George and Dr. Joshua.


Donations in Paul’s honor may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – The Breslaw/Granovsky Fund. (www.jewishfoundation.org/how-to-give) or to the Grace Hospital Foundation (www.gracehospitalfoundation.ca/ways-to-help)