Remembering
Paul Harland Submitted by Bill Cann
In loving memory of
PAUL HARLAND 1962 - 2023
T
he first paragraph of Paul’s obituary perfectly reflects this amazing man:
Paul died on February 5, 2023, in a tragic accident. The words that
natured pranks. Paul made the Middle School workplace a fun environment which staff and students looked forward to experiencing.
describe Paul are many. Larger than
In May 2021, the new RTAM Board did
life, gregarious, kind, a gentleman, fun
not have anyone interested in taking
loving, supportive, a role model, inspiring,
over the responsibilities of Website
a prankster, selfless, joyful, intelligent,
Committee Chair. Upon his retirement
friendly, accepting, competitive, loving,
that June, Paul volunteered to join the
encouraging, an amazing father and a
Board, specifically to help guide the
great friend. Paul had that special quality
website’s development. He worked
that made you want to be around him and
tirelessly at analysing user statistics
made you feel important and valued. Paul
and other not-for-profit websites, to
had a love of life and the people he shared
incorporate the best features into the
it with. He saw the best in everyone, he
RTAM site. Until February 2023, he
was always present and could be counted
focused on improving the efficiency
upon unconditionally.
and speed of user navigation. He also
It was my great fortune to have known
18 RTAM KIT / Fall 2023
of humour and love of playing good-
helped pioneer RTAM’s social media presence on both Facebook and
Paul as both a colleague and a dear
Instagram. Paul was instrumental in
friend over the past twenty-five
adapting the ACER-CART (Canadian
years. Indeed, while he was a brilliant
Association of Retired Teachers)
teacher, especially in computer literacy,
New Mode software to facilitate an
I remember hiring him also for his
electronic letter writing campaign for
dedication in coaching student athletes
RTAM members to use to send to all
in rugby, basketball, ultimate frisbee,
candidates in Manitoba running in the
curling, winter camp sports and cross
September 10, 2021, Federal Election.
country running. Many of these sports
Paul Harland made many important
were introduced to Middle Years students
contributions to improving RTAM’s
by Paul. Both in teaching and coaching,
electronic communications with its over
Paul always challenged and encouraged
10,000 members. He will be remembered
young people to succeed through one’s
for these contributions and for always
best effort. Another of Paul’s endearing
stepping up to support anyone who
characteristics was his wonderful sense
needed him.
