Longtime harness racing fan and horseplayer Paul William Kirk Ransome passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at the age of 72.
Paul was born on July 27, 1947 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was the son of the late Pauline Doris Fader and Douglas Robert Ransome Senior. In Paul’s younger years, he attended the Nova Scotia Training School in Truro, Nova Scotia that aimed to teach children skills in carpentry, shoemaking, barbering and farming. At the age of 18, Paul moved back to Halifax and attended an activity centre for young adults with disabilities where he acquired even more life skills. It was through the activity centre that Paul was able to gain his job as a custodian with CFB Halifax. After 23 years of service, Paul retired. Following his retirement, Paul kept busy by taking initiative to mow lawns and shovel snow in and around his community. As a result, Paul was rewarded for being a community volunteer by a member of parliament for Halifax. In his free time, Paul loved to find entertainment in harness racing where he was known to make a few bets. Paul found great companionship and comfort at the Quinpool Shoe Repair, spending most of his afternoons for the last 11 years there. Paul truly enjoyed his visits there with his great friend Jimmy Christeas, his family and the staff.
Paul was kind, caring and loved his family, especially his brother, nieces and nephew. He enjoyed the holidays where he got to catch up with his family and enjoy a nice, big, home cooked meal. Paul simply loved life. He loved everything about it and more often than not, his response to the most simplistic things were “that’s very nice” or “that’s beautiful”. Being in his presence was equivalent to receiving a gentle reminder on what life is truly about, without even realizing you needed that reminder. The simple things like family, stories, a good meal and updates on a nice watch he had bought that works just great or a pair of shoes he bought on sale that fit just right. Paul always gave off a gleaming light of pure happiness, content and gratitude. A light that transcended into those around him. He was loved and will be missed by many.
Paul is survived by his brother Douglas Robert Ransome Junior (Pamela), his nieces Tasha Ransome (Andre), Jaclyn Ransome (Patrick), Alana Ransome (Kyle), his nephew Brent Ransome (Lynda), as well as, his eight great nieces and nephews (Holder, Dalanie, Nadalia, Azalea, Landon, Layla, Hailey and Kohen). A special thanks to the doctors and nursing staff from the Victoria General Hospital who were very caring and compassionate towards Paul in his last couple of months. Due to unforeseen circumstances, family and friends will be invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering at a later time, with a date to be announced, at the JA Snow Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive, Halifax.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Paul Ransome.