Community mourns the passing of lifelong Paris resident, volunteer and firefighter

The Paris Firefighters’ Club announced its sadness and sorrow this week following the passing of one of its long-time members Rick Shannon.

Rick was a member of the County of Brant Fire Department, Paris Station with more than 40 years of service. He received the Fire Services Exemplary Services Medal in April 2006 and the First Bar in August of 2008. Following his retirement in 2017, Rick continued as an active member, marching in parades, attending events and supporting the Paris Firefighters’ Club, where he also served as president for many years. He’s credited with spearheading many club events and fundraising initiatives both for the club and the community. Club members said they will remember his contagious smile and his seasonal ‘HO, HO, HO’ with a laugh that will surely be missed by all.

Rick was also a member of Branch 29 Royal Canadian Legion in Paris. He was well-known for giving back to his community and enjoyed volunteering in many capacities from firefighting to coaching baseball and hockey in Paris, Ayr and Burford

Rick was married to his best friend, Heather, for 47 years and loved dad to Darcy, Brooke, Darryl and the late Ashley in infancy, as well as four grandchildren. He passed away peacefully, at home, with his family by his side on Sunday, April 7th in his 70th year.

Friends and family called to Wm Kipp Funeral Home this past Thursday and Friday to pay their respects and say goodbye to the lifelong Paris resident who impacted so many people with his involvement and caring nature.

The family has asked that anyone wishing to make a donation in Rick’s honour do so to the Diabetes Association or the Paris Legion Branch 29.

Total Eclipse captures the hearts of Paris residents!

Paris and Brantford residents witnessed 100% of the total solar eclipse around 3:16 pm on Monday, April 8th. It marked the first total solar eclipse in this region in nearly 100 years. The clouds gave way just in time for the eclipse to begin. Here’s our favourite picture by local (Paris) resident and photographer Michelle Malvaso.

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