It is with profound sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Paul Edward McCabe at the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital on July 20, 2026, at the age of 75.
Paul was the beloved son of the late Paul and Jean McCabe. He was the cherished husband and best friend of Debbie, with whom he shared a remarkable 40 years of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Together, they built a life rooted in kindness, respect, and love.
He was a proud and loving father to Jessica (Kyle) and Kelly (Connor), who were the greatest joys of his life. Paul loved his daughters unconditionally and never missed an opportunity to let them know how proud he was of them. He was also the dear brother of Claudia McCabe, brother-in-law of Elaine Day and Maureen and Joe Kassapian, and uncle to Peter and Emma Kassapian.
Paul was known for his intelligent and sharp sense of humour. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and special. He was extremely loyal and loving to all who knew him. Music was truly a great passion, providing the soundtrack to many moments throughout his life and those of his family and friends.
He was an avid reader whose curiosity remained strong and he especially enjoyed books on politics, history, westerns, and biographies. He appreciated thoughtful conversations about the world around him and in 2004 he wrote the book “Feed the Good Dog – Making the Choice to Succeed”. His passion for cars helped define his personality, and completing challenging hobbies remained satisfying.
Paul had over 40 years of sales, customer service and management experience and in 1995 founded his consulting firm COMPASS Performance Strategies. He was the consummate salesman and relationship builder and will be remembered for the impact he made throughout his professional life.
His unique sense of personal style, living his life with authenticity and an open heart, and never losing his sense of humour and zest for life were the hallmarks of who he was.
One of Paul's favourite places was his front porch, where he greeted everyone who walked by, as well as finding peace in his backyard sanctuary. He also held a deep love for his hometown of Collingwood, taking great pride in the community he called home.
Above all else, Paul was a devoted family man. His greatest accomplishment was the love he shared with Debbie and their daughters. He was deeply cherished by his family and treasured by his many friends, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Paul was
One of One
A Celebration of Paul's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, as a tribute to each of his Goldens and a love for the breed, memorial donations may be made to the golden rescue site.
Special and sincere thanks extended to the staff at Bouchard Family Practice, the Collingwood G&M Hospital, RVH in Barrie, St. Elizabeth Health Care Centre, Ontario Health at Home and Hospice Georgian Triangle.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Peaceful Transition, Barrie. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.peacefultransition.ca.
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Linda Armstrong
Posted on: Saturday, July 25, 2026My dearest friend Deb and to all of your family – I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I am sure all of your wonderful memories, videos and photos will help to comfort you in the days and years to come. You and I both know of our love of goldens and I’m very glad you included the Golden Rescue in this tribute to Paul. I will definitely be supporting that great organization. God bless you and help you always.
Rickey Darling
Posted on: Sunday, July 26, 2026I’ve only known Paul for a few years but during that time I got to enjoy his wit, love of life and interest in anything you wanted to discuss. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Jan Ali
Posted on: Sunday, July 26, 2026Handsome, charismatic, funny and oh so kind. Paul made you feel welcome and cherished every time you visited his happy home. I have so many wonderful memories of being with him and Deb, being teased unmercifully about my accent, and laughing so much. I’m so lucky to have known him and cherish the time I spent with him. Although not close in proximity, I’ve always maintained my love of both Deb and Paul and will miss him so much. Deb, you chose one in a million, and I know you value every minute of the 40 years you were together; I’m so sorry you didn’t get more time with your honey.
Amanda O'Donovan
Posted on: Sunday, July 26, 2026I just heard the very sad news that the world lost Paul last Monday. It’s hard to know how to adequately send love to you, Debbie, and to the girls and to the friends and family who shared life with him.
I’ll be forever grateful that my path crossed his, and got to soak up his zesty exuberance, his kindness and his wicked sense of humour.
The planet is less shiny without him.
Paul Day
Posted on: Sunday, July 26, 2026Our thoughts and prayers are with you Deb and your entire family.
So glad I dropped in to see you guys the week before.
To 50 years of friendship.
Paul hit em long and straight.
Janice and Paul
Cameron Johnson
Posted on: Sunday, July 26, 2026The laughs were always plentiful, his smile big and bright and the ability to feel welcome in Paul’s presents were just a few of the qualities I will remember when thinking of him. Paul was a happy family man and he told me how he and Debbie laughed together each and every day (true love!) When his two daughters, Jessica and Kelly were with him, you could see and feel his pride for each of them. I am going to miss his phone calls, and the time we would spend together but will never forget his wit and the love he shared. Here’s to Paul McCabe, until we meet again my friend!
Ian Lurie
Posted on: Sunday, July 26, 2026Deb my sincere condolences to you and the family. Paul and I worked together at Standard and I have such fond memories of the times we spent together. He was charismatic, humorous and smart. He made a significant contribution to our business and friendships that we will always cherish.
Robert Johnston
Posted on: Monday, July 27, 2026My heart goes out to you Debbie, Jesica and Kelly also Remy the family mascot, so sorry for your loss, love you all. I think some people stay with us forever. Not because we still talk. But because they’re still here. I will cherish the conversation Paul and I had and will keep our last text as a memory of his ability to make me laugh as we did on the golf course many times. Music was a big part of those days on the course singing out loud one of his fav songs ” Roxanne” by The Police (Sting). On July 5th I text him how are you doing my friend. He responded “Doing fine Bobby, thanks…..some days are better than others but overall I’m staying loud and proud, big and pretty!” How are you caming along? We spoke in broken English like we were still in Quebec. Some people don’t just give us memories. They leave pieces of themselves in our hearts. I’ll always be grateful that our paths crossed. Bob Johnston
Bill Snelgrove
Posted on: Monday, July 27, 2026Deb, our prayers are with you and your family.
Sheila M. McCoy
Posted on: Monday, July 27, 2026Debbie –
I never met your husband, but he sounds like the great person you would have chosen for a husband.
I am sorry that you and the girls have lost someone so caring.
May memories of his life continue with you all.
Sheila (McCoy)
(ex-CIAS)
Brian Fallick
Posted on: Monday, July 27, 2026Debbie: I was truly sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved husband. May you and your family know of no further sorrows. Respectfully, Brian Fallick.
Susan(Saliani) Chapman
Posted on: Monday, July 27, 2026My heart goes out to you and your daughters at this
Time . Even though I have not seen you or Paul for a long time, I will always remember his incredible
Sense of humor and how much he loved you all
Sincerely
Susan Chapman
Amanda Weston
Posted on: Monday, July 27, 2026Debbie,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. The love you and Paul shared was so evident in all the wonderful stories you’ve shared with me over the years. May his memory be a blessing to you and your girls.
-Amanda
Debbie Girard
Posted on: Monday, July 27, 2026Dear Debbie, my heart breaks at this news, for you, Kelly and Jessica, and all the family. Words fail to make any sense, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie
Christine Magalhaes
Posted on: Monday, July 27, 2026Paul brightened my day every time he came in to see me. I always felt so much warmth and kindness from him. He had a special way of making everyone feel like they were family. The love and admiration he spoke of for his wife and daughters was truly beautiful. He was a wonderful man. My heartfelt condolences to Deb, Kelly, and the entire family. Paul will be deeply missed.
GARY WALDRON
Posted on: Monday, July 27, 2026I lost a dear friend, Paul McCabe.
For more than 40 years, our friendship began in the broadcast industry, and Paul was instrumental in helping me transition into the people performance business1997. He was more than a colleague—he was a trusted friend, mentor,associate , author, and someone I admired deeply.
Paul had buckets of personality, swagger, charisma, and an unmistakable presence. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone he met feel important, welcome, understood, and completely at ease.
He was an avid music lover and a walking encyclopedia of rock and roll from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. His passion for music was contagious and brought joy to so many conversations and friendships.
Paul lived by Lou Holtz’s philosophy: Do what’s right, do the best you can, and treat others the way you want to be treated. He embodied those values every day.
Above all, Paul was a devoted husband to Debbie and a loving father to his daughters, Jessica and Kelly. His love for his family was evident in everything he did.
Paul, you will be missed more than words can express. Thank you for your friendship, your guidance, your laughter, and the lasting impact you had on my life and the lives of so many others.
With love and gratitude,
Gary Waldron
Sue Marshall
Posted on: Tuesday, July 28, 2026From my family to yours, we are so sorry for your loss. Even though we haven’t seen Paul since you left Unionville, we will always remember his positive attitude, his smile and his warmth. I know you all have many, many wonderful memories to cherish of and with Paul. We hope that those will help you get through the tough times. Thinking and praying 🙏 for all of you. Love and hugs from the Marshall family. 💕💕💕
Michele Parsons
Posted on: Tuesday, July 28, 2026Dear Debbie and family,
We were very sad to hear of your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Much love,
Michele and Mario
Greg Cochrane
Posted on: Wednesday, July 29, 2026Deb and Family
My heart goes out to you all . What a life Paul lived . We met almost 50 years ago and to his credit 50 years later he was still that great , optimistic, joyful and caring man. I loved our phone calls and get togethers and I know I got a lot more out of those sessions than he could have ever imagined.
Good bye Paul.. I will see you soon .
Love
Greg
Linda & Frank Roberts
Posted on: Wednesday, July 29, 2026Dear Debbie Jessica & Kelly our hearts go out to you in this dreadfully sad time. You 3 have such wonderful memories of Paul he will live on in your hearts. You are in our prayers.
God Bless you all. 🙏🏻
Linda & Frank
Drew Williamson and Cathy Cannon
Posted on: Thursday, July 30, 2026Paul McCabe (BOB) – What an extraordinary human being. So in love with Deb and so proud of his daughters Jessica and Kelly. A constant to his friends and his sister Claudia. Paul found his greatest happiness and proudest accomplishment in the family he built, creating a life he often said fulfilled all his wishes.
Paul will be remembered for his unwavering optimism, kind heart, and joyful spirit. He had a remarkable ability to find the good in every situation and through his genuine warmth left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A man with peerless comic flair and unmatched wit.
Paul will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Paul lives in our hearts.
🎶 “Say It Ain’t So Joe, Please Say It Ain’t So” 🎶
Wayne MacLellan
Posted on: Friday, July 31, 2026Debbie and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. I hope you are able to find solace in the wonderful memories you shared with Paul but I know he will be deeply missed.
With my sympathy.
Wayne
Amber Martin
Posted on: Saturday, August 1, 2026Debbie, Jessica, Kelly and Remi …
Paul had a special light in him that he passed onto both of his girls. Your family is so beautiful, and it was an absolute honour getting to know you all. I hope you all feel his presence, his love and kindness always. The immeasurable love you all have for one another is breath taking, I hope every starry night brings you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Barbara (nee: Davey) & Harry Wellard
Posted on: Friday, August 7, 2026“CoL” … that’s Paul in three letters … his Celebration of Life is the essence which makes him unique. There can be no ‘past tense’ when describing Paul … his gift to us – his CoL – is to be carried with us for the remaining time we have.
Chuck Almasy
Posted on: Sunday, August 9, 2026Dear Debby,
So sad to hear about Paul’s passing..
Our deepest condolences to you and your lovely family. May God grant you strength during these hard times !
Most Sincerely,
Bonnie & Chuck