In Celebration of
Paul Aikins
February 9, 1965 -
May 25, 2019
It is with deep sadness that the family of Paul Francis Aikins (DOB February 9, 1965) announce his sudden and unexpected passing on May 25, 2019. Paul died peacefully at the home he shared with the love of his life and partner of 24 years, Fred Bergman.
Paul is survived by his mother, Joan and late father Dr. Joe, his siblings Judy & Glenn Krelove, the late Cathy (who we lost just 6 months ago), Anne Marie, John & Cynthia, Joe & Andrea, Tom & Jan, Patti & Eric Mesdag, Peter & Linda (who Paul & Fred shared a cottage with for 19 years), Jenny, and Mike & Marny.
Paul was also cherished by Fred’s family: his late mother and father-in-law, Fred & Eileen Bergman, Pat Rankin, Jo-Ann & Matt Daly, and Lois & Nick Morotta.
Simply an adoring and adored uncle and great-uncle, Paul’s passing has deeply impacted his many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, as well as all of his extended family.
Paul loved his successful career in music theatre but eventually became a teacher to share his gifts and passion with young people. He’s been on staff at Etobicoke School of Arts for the past 20 years and was department head for 10 years. He was the artistic director for the four-time grand champion Canadian Show Choir SPLASH; was featured in the CBC special ‘Great Lives of Canadian Teachers’ and also the Canadian Screen Award winning ‘Best Arts Documentary UNSUNG - Behind the Glee’.
Paul changed many lives as a teacher and we know his students both former and current are devastated and the entire ESA community is mourning this terrible loss.
Paul was larger than life so his many many family members, incredible friends and colleagues, talented students and his fans who loved his performances are left heartbroken at this unbelievable end much too early. Paul would want the celebration of his life to be grand and like his life, create a legacy that will live on. Fred is planning something appropriately theatrical and we will share more in the coming days. In the meantime, please feel free to contribute to the Paul Aikins Memorial Scholarship Fund at ESA:
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?donation=esa (copy & paste this link and donate using a desktop only)
Paul’s immediate family will gather to try to say goodbye as he takes his final bow on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at the Turner & Porter Funeral home, 2357 Bloor St West near Paul & Fred’s home in Etobicoke.
Rest In Peace Paul ❤️