Paul JamesVEALEPaul was born in Torpoint in 1945. He later moved to Ludgvan where he spent his formative years with his parents, James and Joan, and sister, Kay, before later moving to Newquay at the age of 9.
A proud Cornishman, he attended Ludgvan Primary School (where his father was headmaster), followed by Newquay's Crantock St Junior School and then Newquay Grammar School for Boys. He excelled in the sporting arena, representing Newquay at football and rugby and developing a love for sport that extended throughout his life.
He moved to London to attend teacher training college at Marjons in Chelsea, which he again represented in football and tennis. His first job was at East Ham Grammar School for Boys. After 3 years he decided that teaching was not for him and resigned, with no alternative plans, much to the consternation of his parents. To appease them, he applied to ten jobs around the country. Fortuitously, he accepted an offer from the first to respond - The Ridings High School in Winterbourne, near Bristol, where he was to meet his wife, Joan.
Joan and Paul were married in 1974 and moved to Torquay to be nearer the sea. They were to be happily married for 51 years and became parents to four children. He was a very proud and much loved family man.
Paul taught Biology at Torquay Boys' Grammar School for the rest of his career. He was an inspirational figure at the school to both staff and pupils, earning a reputation among the boys as a 'legend' and inspiring many to develop a lifelong love for learning. Several of his former pupils would still visit him at home more than twenty years after he had retired.
Following retirement at the age of 57, he turned his focus to his lifelong passions for art and sculpture. Proving to be a talented sculptor, he earned national recognition, winning multiple gold medals at the British championships for his bird sculptures. His 'Common Tern' sculpture adorned the front cover of 'Wingspan', the official magazine of the British Decoy Wildfowl Carvers Association. He retained an encyclopaedic knowledge of zoology and botany and had a passion for nature.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021, which led to a gradual functional decline, meaning he could no longer practise those passions to the same extent. He died unexpectedly in Torbay hospital, after a very brief illness.
He leaves his wife, Joan, their four children, Richard, David, Caroline and Jonathan, and eleven grandchildren.
A funeral service to celebrate Paul's life will be held at St. John Baptist Parish Church, Marldon, TQ3 1SL on Wednesday 4th February at 1.00pm followed by a private committal at Torquay Crematorium. All are welcome to the wake at The Osborne Hotel, Torquay, TQ1 2LL.
Family flowers only please.
Donations in memory of Paul for Parkinson's UK or St. John Baptist Parish Church, Marldon (Cheques payable to Marldon PCC) may be given online with Gift Aid at www.stockmanandloram.co.uk/donations
or sent care of Kim Palmer, Funeral Director Stockman and Loram Funeral Service 19 Holwell Road, Brixham,TQ5 9NE.
