Paul David Cleaves

Paul David Cleaves, an adoring and cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and fine arts
teacher, passed away at home in Woodstock, Ontario, on September 15, 2024. He was born on
October 20, 1943, to David and Ruth (Schuert) Cleaves in Brantford, Ontario.

Growing up, Paul
was a steady and loving support for his parents, as well as his siblings Nancy, Roger, and Vicky.
Paul met and fell in love with his wife, Margaret Elizabeth Cleaves (née Bardwell) at Muskoka
Baptist Conference. They were married on August 9, 1969, and together they raised their three
daughters - Andrea (Stephen Misener), Amy (Matt Mitchell) and Allison (Tom Lipscomb). Paul
was also the loving grandfather of Beth, Emily, Clara, Meg, Elijah, and Alyssa - the lights of his
life. He was an unconditional source of stability and warmth for them, always sharing his love
and sense of humour, especially on long walks, where he would impart countless tidbits of
wisdom and advice that will be forever treasured.

Many will also remember Paul as a talented artist and teacher. A gifted painter, he captured the
beauty of the world with his skillful use of watercolours, while also exploring acrylics and mixed
media. His love of art was not only a personal passion, but a gift that he shared with his children,
grandchildren, and students. Paul began his teaching career with an education certification from
Hamilton Teacher’s College in 1966. He took courses at Waterloo Lutheran University and then
completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Ontario in 1973. He taught at an
elementary school, before becoming a fine arts teacher at Huron Park High School in 1974. Paul
understood the challenges his students faced, and his empathetic and supportive approach to
education left a mark on countless young lives.

Paul and Margaret were active members of the Oxford Baptist Church, where many had the
chance to know Paul’s kindness. He always had time to stop and chat, whether that was at
church, in a grocery store, in a coffee shop, or just passing on the street.
Paul will be greatly missed, but we will continue to celebrate his life and remember everything
he taught us about humour, empathy, art, and love.

If you so desire, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm  at Brock and Visser Funeral Home (845 Devonshire Ave. 519-539-0004). Private funeral to follow Monday 11:00 am for family and close friends (will be live streamed)