Obituary of Poul Dam

Dad’s Dead

It’s a provocative title for sure but that’s what Poul would say. He was very matter of fact that way. And he died on January 30, 2022. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, 90 years ago and was in the very late stages of dementia. He was wonderfully cared for by the staff of Bethany Harvest Hills. He is loved so hard by his three children, Michelle, Cassandra, Tremayne, their beautiful spouses, and his five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

 

The media says we’d be surprised by the quiet ones, and he did surprise just not in THAT way. Poul is described by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, in-laws, as kind, and quiet but with a dry wit. His children say he was taciturn with Danish sensibilities, traits he inherited from his parents, Danish father, Peder and his Ukranian mother, Marja. He never liked small talk or talking much at all. He liked a well-made pair of leather shoes (he was a shoe salesman), originally designed jewellery (designed by him), and speed - as in European engineered aerodynamics that could take a sharp corner or a mid-air barrel roll. 

 

And he loved art. We kids thought it was normal to grow up with your dad’s art on the walls or shelves or even your fingers. We used to get up at 5am to watch ballet or opera on CBC followed by an old B/W movie. He laughed a little too hard at the Three Stooges. 

 

He was a good-looking man, but not your John Wayne alpha male type. He was unassuming and unperturbed by others. But when he saw someone in pain or being hurt by another, he didn’t throw fists or even words. He helped. His charity work was done quietly by him and boisterously by his wife Patricia (nee Scott). Together they made quite the team of do-gooders. 

 

In today’s world with all the anger, frustration, and fear he’d probably wait for a pause in the argument and with conviction say ‘just do good’. And then he’d take a nap. That was Poul - naps and doing good. So, in his memory please go out today and every day and do good. And if so moved please do good by donating to the Bethany Care Foundation (www.bethanycarefoundation.com) or your local dementia society. A memorial service will be held in Early Spring 2022, for both Poul and Patricia.