Paul Cavers
Died: April 18, 2023 | Place: Manor Village, London
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Obituary
CAVERS, Paul…
Paul Brethen Cavers, Professor Emeritus, Western University Department of Biology, died peacefully on April 18, 2023 at Manor Village in London, Ontario at the age of 85. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 62 years, Joan. He will be forever loved by his daughters Glenys, Brenda (Richard Campbell), Alison (Pierre Morin) and son Bruce (Nadira) and nine grandchildren, Matthew, Rachel, Aaron, Thomas, Sarah, Emilie, Benoit, Alina and Nora. Paul will be missed by his brother Pete and wife Cindy and sister-in-law Enid and husband Maurice Corbett as well as several nieces, nephews and their children.
Paul was born in Toronto, Ontario January 18, 1938 to Clarence & Rita Cavers, raised in Toronto and attended University of Toronto Schools. He studied at Ontario Agricultural College (University of Toronto) earning his BSA in Agronomy. Following his graduation in 1960 he received an Agricultural Institute of Canada award to continue his studies at the University College of North Wales in Bangor. He returned to Canada in 1961 to marry Joan Goudge, who had just graduated from Ontario Veterinary College. Joan and Paul were married on June 3rd 1961 and spent their first years of marriage in Bangor, where Paul completed his PhD.
In 1963, Paul and Joan moved to London, Ontario where Paul began his 40 year career of teaching and research in the Biology Department at the University of Western Ontario. During his time at Western, Paul supervised 45 graduate students, served on a multitude of committees and societies, and as an editor for several journals. Paul received numerous awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Contributor with Canadian Weed Society, Outstanding Teacher Award from the Weed Science Society of America, and the Mary Elliott Award for service as well as the Lawson Medal for lifetime contribution to the Canadian Botanical Association. He was especially proud of his contributions to the formation of the Canadian Botanical Association, Biology of Canadian Weeds and his time as chair and editor of the Monograph Publishing Program.
Paul’s career allowed him to travel, speak and conduct research around the world. During a sabbatical in England in 1971-72, Paul earned his Diploma of Imperial College (Master’s Degree). On sabbatical in 1987-88 he studied thistles at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Canberra, Australia.
Paul and Joan attended St. George’s Anglican Church together for over 50 years, where he served as church warden, president of the BAC, sidesman, and lay assistant. Paul was also past-president of the Diocesan Brotherhood of Anglican Churchmen.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral service to give thanks for the life of Paul will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London, at 11 am on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in memory of Paul, to the St. George’s Century Building Fund, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London, ON N6H2B6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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To Joan and family,
I wish to express my sympathy and prayers for the loss of husband, Dad, Grandpa and brother. May you all be blessed with your happy memories and shared grief.
To Joan and family,
I wish to express my sympathy and prayers for the loss of husband, Dad, Grandpa and brother. May you all be blessed with your happy memories and shared grief.
Paul was a devoted Christian and a valued leader at St George’s for many, many years. He leaves a huge hole that will be hard to fill. My sincere sympathies to Joan and his children and grandchildren on the loss of great man.
Mr Cavers was a great friend and very respected by my dad Hugh. If there was ever something going on at church, Mr Cavers was always there working hard to make it happen. From kids Christmas parties to duties during a service and always with a smile. Condolences to family and friends as he will leave behind a huge space. May his memory be a blessing.
To the whole family,
At this difficult time, may you find peace and healing through the love of friends and family.
Rest in Peace Paul
It is with great regret that we have heard of Paul’s passing. My academic career in Canada began when Paul offered me a post doc scholarship at UWO in 1976. That paved the way for my subsequent 38 years at UBC. I have a lot to thank Paul for, as do many other academics in Canada. Paul made an enormous contribution to the study of plant biology in Canada. My sincere sympathies to Joan and the family on the loss of a husband and father.
Dear Joan,
Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. Paul was my Ph.D. supervisor and without him, I would not have achieved my professional goals. As a supervisor, he was always kind and supportive. A wonderful man and an accomplished scientist. There will always be a special place in my heart for Paul.
Joan and family, I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you
Dear Joan,
I am deeply sorry to hear about Paul’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs. Anna
Hi Joan and Family,
I deeply sorry to hear about Paul’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Anna Hugs.
Condolences Joan. Sixty-two years is a long time. May your many memories fill the times of loneliness.
Dear Joan
My sympathies on Paul’s death. You were a wonderful leader in Guiding and I am sure you are also a strong support for your family. Hope there are peaceful times ahead. Blessings,
Gwen Williamson
Sending condolences and special memories to you Joan and family from years back when we met. I remember Paul as a very special person..
Thinking of you all,
Gaie.
Paul was a good friend to me while I attended St. George’s. I have known Joan and Paul for many decades and have spent time with them on various Church activities, including working at the bazaars, preparing meals for our congregation, and helping serve those in need within our community. I will miss Paul’s smile and energy. Much love to the Cavers family.
Dorothy.
Dear Joan and Family,
I was sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I remember how kind he was to share information on plant species competition with me when I was doing my Master’s at Guelph many years ago. He was a generous and kind man and a well respected scientist. My thoughts are with you at this time. Susan Robinson (Ron and Polly’s family)
Dear Joan and Family,
I was sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I remember how kind he was to share information on plant species competition with me when I was doing my Master’s at Guelph many years ago. He was a generous and kind man and a well respected scientist. My thoughts are with you at this time. Susan Robinson (Ron and Polly’s family)