CRADDOCK, PAUL JAMES "SHOE"

September 23, 1957 – January 13, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we let you know that Paul James Craddock of Elmvale has died after a brief illness. Paul has been married and loved deeply for 43 years to Debbie (nee King), the love of his life. Together they made a home and raised their children in the most amazing community that a family can belong to. Love is shown in many ways and Paul has loved his family beyond measure. He truly believed that his greatest accomplishments were his children and he was proud to hold beautiful relationships with each of them. His daughter, Jessica-Lynn, her husband Adam Kuypers and son Marc will forever miss his advice and expertise. The pride he felt for his grandchildren was tenfold as many know. Ella, Harry, Ben and Rosey Kuypers and Paisley and Linden Craddock are heartbroken that he is no longer with them, but they are looking forward to hearing stories about their cherished Pops for years to come. Please, if you meet them share a special memory that you have. Paul will be missed by his mother Annette Martin (the late Harvey), siblings Ken (Marilyn), Angie, Janice (Roger Spence), Gerry, Stephen (Ann) and his in-laws, Michelle (Willie) Schepers and Chuck (Tanya) King. Shoe is predeceased by his father Russell ``Chief`` Craddock. Also predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nelson and Ruth King, He enjoyed the company of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and oh so many friends.

As a father he encouraged sports, music and fun with his kids. Annual family camping trips are cherished memories with special friends and family. Being a Pops has given him the opportunity to enjoy many of the same traditions with his grandkids. He loved to watch them at hockey, soccer, baseball, music and dance recitals. 

Paul shared a special bond with so many people through hockey, baseball, horseshoes, golf, broomball, lacrosse, pickleball, and football. His kids think the shorter list would be sports that he wasn`t involved with. His passion was coaching, and he acted in that role for over 40 years with Elmvale Minor Hockey Association where he has made lifelong friends with generations of players and their families who still call him ``Coach`` to this day. Paul worked at General Tire in Barrie until it closed, and after a short stint with Rowntree Coffee, he attained his Gas Fitters licence and found a second passion. He worked for Scott’s Heating, R & S Heating and more recently kept busy on his own maintaining fireplaces and furnaces in Elmvale and beyond. He was well respected in the industry being called on to diagnose problems that more seasoned technicians couldn`t.

The life of this extraordinary guy will be celebrated on Saturday, January 18th, from 1 pm – 5 pm at the Elmvale Lions Club Hall, #1979 Flos Rd. 7 West, Elmvale. Eulogies will begin at 3:30 pm.  Please bring a short story or memory to share.  Please dress comfortably; wear your favourite jersey or cap.

If you wish to offer a memorial donation, know that Paul would appreciate donations to any of the following: 

Celiac Canada  (He has grandchildren living with Celiac)  

 Jumpstart (He believed that every kid should be able to play a sport)

Ball Park Maintenance Fund (To support relighting the Elmvale Ball Park)

Cheques can be mailed, if not received by Lynn-Stone Funeral Home, to:

Tanya King, 2769 Baseline Rd, Elmvale ON L0L 1P0

Elmvale Minor Hockey Association (No explanation needed)

Cheques can be mailed to: 14 George St, Elmvale, ON L0L 1P0