Remembering Paul Harland

Submitted by Bill Cann

The first paragraph of Paul’s obituary perfectly reflects this amazing man:

Paul died on February 5, 2023, in a tragic accident. The words that describe Paul are many. Larger than life, gregarious, kind, a gentleman, fun loving, supportive, a role model, inspiring, a prankster, selfless, joyful, intelligent, friendly, accepting, competitive, loving, encouraging, an amazing father and a great friend. Paul had that special quality that made you want to be around him and made you feel important and valued. Paul had a love of life and the people he shared it with. He saw the best in everyone, he was always present and could be counted upon unconditionally.

It was my great fortune to have known Paul as both a colleague and a dear friend over the past twenty-five years. Indeed, while he was a brilliant teacher, especially in computer literacy, I remember hiring him also for his dedication in coaching student athletes in rugby, basketball, ultimate frisbee, curling, winter camp sports and cross country running. Many of these sports were introduced to Middle Years students by Paul. Both in teaching and coaching, Paul always challenged and encouraged young people to succeed through one’s best effort. Another of Paul’s endearing characteristics was his wonderful sense of humour and love of playing goodnatured pranks. Paul made the Middle School workplace a fun environment which staff and students looked forward to experiencing.

In May 2021, the new RTAM Board did not have anyone interested in taking over the responsibilities of Website Committee Chair. Upon his retirement that June, Paul volunteered to join the Board, specifically to help guide the website’s development. He worked tirelessly at analysing user statistics and other not-for-profit websites, to incorporate the best features into the RTAM site. Until February 2023, he focused on improving the efficiency and speed of user navigation. He also helped pioneer RTAM’s social media presence on both Facebook and Instagram. Paul was instrumental in adapting the ACER-CART (Canadian Association of Retired Teachers) New Mode software to facilitate an electronic letter writing campaign for RTAM members to use to send to all candidates in Manitoba running in the September 10, 2021, Federal Election. Paul Harland made many important contributions to improving RTAM’s electronic communications with its over 10,000 members. He will be remembered for these contributions and for always stepping up to support anyone who needed him.