Paul Andrew Flatley Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Andrew Flatley on February 1, 2025. Paul passed suddenly, but also heroically, on a cold Saturday evening in Huntsville, Ontario, making sure 2 boys, who were lost on the snowmobile trail, stayed safe. They were far from their cabin and it was -20°C.

Paul was a licensed septic installer and the trusted local jack of all trades for satisfied customers throughout the Muskoka region.

Though born in Sarnia, Ontario, Paul's family moved to Cobourg, Ontario, when he was just a toddler. He attended Thomas Gillbard Public School, where he was always the class clown, famously known for dropping to the floor and pretending to be sizzling bacon. As young boys, Paul and his brother Craig could always be found tinkering with bicycles, mopeds, or anything on wheels, really, even roadside construction equipment!

Paul was fondly known by his friends as "The Fonz" and was a fixture at Cortesis Pool Hall, where the local boys would hang out until their siblings were sent to get them home! Paul always felt bad that, one day, his little brother Craig had dragged a broken bicycle all the way to Cortesis for his help and Paul, that day, was too busy being "The Fonz". He was so soft-hearted, he carried around that guilt to his last day.

Upon the untimely death of his father, Martin Flatley (52), Paul, then only 9 years old, and his brother Craig, 6, were placed into foster care together. Coming of age, Paul was then free to pursue his own path and he made friends throughout Ontario, spending many years in Toronto, working at Home Hardware and running his own landscaping business, North Bay for a bit, but most often, near Bracebridge, Ontario, with his best buddy of all time, Guy Hammel, a brother to him, with the Hammel family of Three Mile Lake, fully taking Paul under their wing.

When Paul and Julie met some years ago, they both decided to semi-retire. Paul readily took on the role of Papa Paul to the foster children in their care, a full-circle experience for Paul, as he had grown up in the system himself, orphaned so young. Paul and Julie went on many adventures, travelling to the Caribbean and taking part together in so many seasonal festivals and events, backyard bbqs with friends and family, really having the time of their lives. Both were so happy together, as anyone who knew them could see, and their time was cut far too short, too soon.

Paul was a philosophical, kind, and wildly funny guy, a friend to anyone who needed one, and always up for a good time. He is already deeply, deeply missed by Julie, his family, and close friends. RIP Paul Andrew Flatley, you were one of the good ones, and loved by us all.

Paul is survived by his best friend and partner, Julie Groomes, and siblings, Martin Flatley (Brenda/nee Eagleson), Lynn Flatley (Bruce Van Dieten), Sharon Flatley, and Craig Flatley (Kim Burt). Nieces and nephews: Melanie Kovacs/nee Flatley (Tim), Marty Flatley Jr., Allie Kane, Andrew Van Dieten, Samantha Flatley and Great Nieces Scarlet and Aubrey Kovacs. Step children, although grown up, all were happy when Paul joined their family: Cyle West, Ryan West, Andrew Groomes (Kim), and Kale Sicard. Sadly missed, also, by the children who were in the care of Julie and Paul in their role as foster parents, and predeceased by his beloved dog, Henry.

Please join Paul's family and friends on Paul's 60th birthday March 11, 2025 to attend a special Irish wake at Aspdin Community Hall, Aspdin Road Utterson between 4 pm till 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations on Paul's behalf to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (Donate Here (https://app-hsfdonation.heartandstroke.ca)).

Service Schedule Upcoming Services Memorial Gathering.