VICKERS – Paul Orland Edward Vickers passed away on October 11, 2022 at the age of 71 years with his wife, Gwen, at his side. He was sitting in his favorite chair in the golf decorated den he so loved!
Paul was born February 23, 1951 in Cabri Saskatchewan. He moved around a lot growing up as his father, Kenneth, was an Anglican Reverend who was required to go from parish to parish. Paul excelled at track and field, and enjoyed hockey, skiing, and of course his beloved golf. He became an Insurance Agent upon leaving high school, and again moved around with that position. Brooks Alberta became his home in 1973, where he ran a Cooperators office. Eventually, he bought an independent Insurance company, Pro Insurance Group, which he operated for 31 years.
Paul was active in coaching and refereeing hockey from Minor to Senior Mens leagues. As a coach, he believed every player plays equal time in order to be fair. He coached his sons, occasionally to their dismay! Skiing and golfing with all 5 boys was always an adventure, as well as camping at Aunty Colleens.
Community service was always important to Paul. He served 46 years with the Brooks Lions Club, as well as 45 years as a Legion member. Also, he was on the committee for the Brooks Golf Course expansion to 18 holes. On opening day, he jumped a fence to retrieve his ball, only to break his ankle on the first day of the official 18 holes. Determined to finish the round, he drove around with his buddies (Mike Gammon, Lee Jackson and I believe Denis Gangl) and avoided pain easily with a few rums!
The family has many good memories of Paul as the Patriarch. He was an excellent stepfather to Christopher and Nathan Riley, his step sons, giving advice and supporting their endeavors. His pride and joy were his 3 sons, Jason, Jeremy, and Jeff. And with this Brady Bunch family, came the loves of his life, his grandchildren!
Paul lost his sister, Joan, who he was very close with. One week later, his mother Elma passed away, supposedly from her broken heart losing Joan. His father Kenneth passed as well, into his 80s.
Mourning Paul are his wife, Gwen (Andrews) Vickers, his 3 sons Jason (Sara) of Minnesota, Jeremy of Calgary, and Jeff (Sheryl) of Innisfail area. Also, stepson Christopher passed in March 2016, and stepson Nathan is living in the Medicine Hat area. He also has two nephews, Shann and Todd Paget, who were Joans sons. Brother in law David Andrews and family, Sister in law Colleen Andrews (Jackie) are also survivors. Again his true loves of his life, the grandkids, are Faith and Claire (Jason), Sarah, Wyatt, and Lilly (Jeff), and Kate and Hadley (Nathan).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday October 20, 2022 at 4:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion (Brooks Branch).
In celebration, guests are to wear their favorite golf shirt! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BAPS (Brooks Animal Protection Society) or the Medicine Hat Hospital Kidney Clinic.
Many thanks to the attending EMTs, RCMP and Smith Funeral Home staff for the excellent care with Paul. Also, to Paul’s nurse, Mike Ferretti and Dr. Amad, Nephrologist, at the Medicine Hat Kidney Clinic. All of your care will always be appreciated!
