Contributions to the tribute of Paul Puncher

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3 trees were planted in memory of Paul Puncher

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

3 trees were planted in memory of
Paul Puncher

May Paul shine eternally bright, like the star he was. With love, Iain and Merav Cooper

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John and Lorna Towler planted a tree in memory of Paul Puncher

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Remember that we love and care about you.

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Deanna & John Gazzola pledged to donate to Donna's Kids

Friday, October 9, 2020

Our condolences to the family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you in this difficult time.

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Patti and Ken Brooks pledged to donate to Donna's Kids

Thursday, October 8, 2020

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Steve & Kathy Dickin pledged to donate to Donna's Kids

Friday, October 2, 2020

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Allan Foerster posted a condolence

Sunday, September 27, 2020

It has taken some time for me to reflect on the passing of my friend Paul Puncher. As a business man, Paul not only dressed men (that was the easy part for someone with his flair for fashion), he mentored them on "how" to look their best. He was a visionary. Whether it was working with Bill Cline on the new designs for something as simple as a dress shirt (remember the rounded collar) or convincing men that it was appropriate to wear pants without pleats, Paul was a fashion leader. From Downtown Kitchener (my children still remember the green couch at the front of the store where they had to sit while their father was in the back playing cards or knobling with coins) to the conversion of a heritage train station into the Region's leading fashion shop, Paul Puncher was always in front. My fondest memories of my friend were on the baseball diamond. While many relished in the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals some of us remember their foundation as the Montreal Expos and asso a different team of Expos. It was Paul Puncher who led a group of local business leaders to bring back a junior team to the Inter-County Baseball League. The birth of the Waterloo Expos. For Paul and I, our relationship on the baseball diamond was as coach and umpire respectively. Hardly the foundation of an endearing relationship. Although the stories could fill a book, one stands out. Paul and his Midget baseball team was embroiled in an Ontario Baseball Association championship series. Having lost the first game of a best of three, Waterloo was home to a "win or go home" game in Waterloo. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) and I were preparing to sit down for dinner at our home on Albert Street when the phone rang. On the other end of the phone was a familiar highly agitated voice screaming "Get your gear we need you to umpire tonight. One of the umpires did not show up and we will lose by default". At that moment Gil Zurbrigg (former owner of the Sam the Record Man store in K-W, also a legend) pulled into my driveway ready to deliver me to the game. The game started with me umpiring the bases. On the first play there was a fight at first base that left me wondering what have I gotten myself into. I looked over at the "skipper" who had the grin of the devil on his face...yes you know that grin if you know Paul Puncher. Scott and Shelley you bestowed upon me the great privilege of visiting Paul while he was at Freeport Hospital. Those visits provide memories I will forever treasure. On one visit, a rather busty nurse walked by and I looked at Paul who gave me a wink and yes that grin. The spark was still there! On another occasion Paul very gently took my hand, looked me in the eye and told me "you looked great". While initially relishing in this comment I shortly after realized I was dressed in clothing purchased from Paul Puncher Men's Wear which he very much recognized. The transition of the business from Paul to his son Scott was not without troubled waters as often occurs in the passing of a family business. The blessing is that Paul and Scott were able to build a bridge over those troubled waters restoring peace to the father and son relationship. I thank God for bring my friend Paul Puncher into my life. Our friendship makes his passing painful but the memories ease that pain. Paul Puncher "did it right".

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Carol Puncher Posted Sep 27, 2020 at 10:21 AM

What wonderful memories and what a lovely tribute to Paul. You truly captured who he was. Thank you! Carol Puncher

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Emma Robb uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, September 26, 2020

My Grandpa Paul always knew how to be the life of the party. One of my favorite memories with him has to be when we were visiting for New Years. We would always go out and everyone was dancing, and Grandpa Paul asked us (his grandkids) to dance with him. It was such a fun time! Even though we only were able to see him for a short time every year, Grandpa Paul always made our visits to Canada and Marco Island memorable. The sound of his laugh would fill up a room, his happy attitude was contagious, and always made others feel good. I love you Grandpa Paul, rest easy. Love Emma

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Daniel Suzuki pledged to donate to Donna's Kids

Saturday, September 26, 2020

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Bill Kavelman posted a condolence

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Without a doubt, the best haberdasher in K-W and a great guy as well. -Bill Kavelman

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Jim Blake posted a condolence

Friday, September 25, 2020

Dear Scott and Shelley, I am sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Paul and I worked together many years ago at "Washburn's." I have fond memories of those times, I was just 18. Paul taught me so much about Haberdashery, for which I am still so grateful. Sending caring thoughts to you and your Family. Paul Puncher, you were simply the best. from, Jim Blake.

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Patti Brooks posted a condolence

Friday, September 25, 2020

I first met Paul in the mid 90's while working with the Downtown Kitchener BIA where he was a member. We became colleagues again when he moved Paul Puncher's Men's Clothier to UpTown Waterloo. Colleagues and great friends. Paul was supportive, kind and genuinely interested, often stopping into the office just to check in. He endearingly greeted me as "our Miss Brooks" and I had a standing invitation to join him for a cappuccino at his beautiful desk in the store (he was very proud of his "coffee machine"). We shared stories of the happenings in UpTown Waterloo, New York, news of our families, escapades of Marco Island, all the while trying to find a date for us to join he and Carol at the cottage. He was the best dressed man even at the beach and those hats! Paul was an elegant, genuine and kind man. A gift to all who knew him. He was my friend and I will miss him. Peace be with you my lovely friend. Our thoughts and prayers go to all Paul's family and friends. Patti and Ken Brooks

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Carol Puncher Posted Oct 4, 2020 at 5:47 PM

What lovely memories!

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Benjamin Voisin pledged to donate to Donna's Kids

Friday, September 25, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Puncher family in this time of sorrow.

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Howard and Phyllis Armitage posted a condolence

Friday, September 25, 2020

Scott and family - Phyllis and I were saddened to hear the news of Paul's passing. While we were only acquainted through the clothing business, we were always impressed by Paul's knowledge, patience and kindness. It was a pleasure reading through a number of the other testimonials to learn even more about this wonderful man. Our condolences to the entire Puncher family Howard and Phyllis Armitage

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Mary Lou Conway posted a condolence

Friday, September 25, 2020

Losing a spouse is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can ever know, and our hearts go out to you with sadness Carol, as you mourn the loss of Paul. May you find some comfort knowing that others care, and are grieving with you. With all our love and sincerest sympathies to you, and to all your family. Mary Lou & Roy Conway

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Carol A Murawsky posted a condolence

Friday, September 25, 2020

I grew up with Paul on King St, our homes were next to each other. I was born one year earlier and one day earlier than Paul. We had lots of childhood memories. Playing in the backyard, shared our skating rink, and his mom and my mom were the greatest of friends, and I have many pictures of the gang. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. Rest In Peace, Paul.

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Kathleen Orlando lit a candle

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Scott, Shelley, Justin and Family, I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your father/grandfather. Mr. Puncher was a kind gentleman who always took the time to ask what was new when I visited the store and during gatherings. He also taught me a lot about Ingo sweaters. I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories and keep them close. Sincere condolences from my family Pat and Tina MacLean, Michael and Heidi MacLean, Tim and Melanie MacLean. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Kathleen (MacLean) and Joe Orlando

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Luke Robb posted a condolence

Thursday, September 24, 2020

My grandpa was a man among men. He was always a man to liven up the room just by walking in it and never left a trim without putting a smile on every single persons face. Even though I only got to see him a few weeks out of the year, they were the best weeks I could ask for. I remember going to the cottage on Lake Huron with the family and he would be there waiting for us, arms open wide and we would go up and give him the biggest hug possible. I remember sitting on the back deck and having him teach me how to play the family staple game of cribbage. 15 2, 15 4... I remember the family gathering in the yard for our annual water balloon toss. Writing this I can even still hear his chuckle inside my head, the kind of laugh that made everyone else laugh, it was contagious. Thank you grandpa for being the most amazing man you could possibly be and loving every single person you met with the biggest and brightest heart you could. Love you grandpa Paul, fly high, love Luke.

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Mick Chaney pledged to donate to Donna's Kids

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Condolences to all the family.

Kirk Vines posted a condolence

Thursday, September 24, 2020

I remember when Paul was a regular guest at Kelsey's on Highland Road while I was there in 1984. He remembered me from my baseball days. He once owned the Waterloo (Major Inter-County) Tigers which I had the pleasure of being a part of. I found it odd in the most positive way how he would go out of his way to say hi to me and chat on every visit. Without fail he was one of the nicest guests I ever had. In time we would meet again on a regular basis when I worked at the Charcoal Steakhouse, and again once I opened Beertown in Uptown Waterloo in 2012. I could sense he was changing during his last few visits to Beertown. but it still felt like he recognized me and he most certainly went out of his way to say hi and chat each and every time. A special man.

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Peter Shannon pledged to donate to Donna's Kids

Thursday, September 24, 2020

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Mitchell Stemerdink uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Where do I begin with my Grandpa Paul? He was the most charismatic, fun-loving, and down to earth man I had ever known. He had a serious knack for business and a true love for his family. He knew how, better than anyone I have ever known, to put others before himself. I have countless stories I would love to share, from our numerous ice cream cones a day at the cottage that we weren't supposed to tell Grandma about, to having one extra beer together, to him teaching me how to properly make the bed at a ridiculously young age, but I have one very important one in mind. I had always loved spending one-on-one time with Grandpa Paul, taking on various tasks, and finding the time to have some fun in between. Many years ago, during one cottage visit, we decided to head down to the pier for some mid-morning fishing. This was one of my first times fishing, and you'd think the fishing would be pretty good on Lake Huron. After a few long, drawn-out hours, with "not even a little bite", we decided to pack up and head back to the cottage to tell everyone about our failure. This was when Grandpa Paul originated his saying "lil bite", which we then seemed to adopt into nearly every event that went on at the cottage. I was young, but this is one memory that will stick forever, because as blazing hot, and unsuccessful the fishing trip was, there was no other way I would've liked to spend my day. Keep it real up there Grandpa Paul, I'll always love you, and don't worry, I will always sneak in one more beer when Grandma tells me not to. Rest easy G.P. xo

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Ellie uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

My best and favourite memory of Grandpa Paul is when Grandma and I were doing some cleaning around their house. Grandpa Paul was bent over and his freshly bald head was shining in the light. Grandma and I came up with the idea to throw a big red bell pepper at his head (so random)! The execution of our plan was the best part. I don’t think the three of us have ever laughed so hard, and that is something I will never forget. Love you always Grandpa. Xoxo Ellie

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Scott Hannah posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Scott and family: Your father was my favourite Baseball coach growing up in the Waterloo All-Star system. I'm not sure if it was Bantam or Midget but it was one of the best summers of my life. He was always positive and supportive. Also bought my first suit (made to measure) from your Dad back in the late 1970's when the shop was still in downtown Kitchener. He was a wonderful gentleman and will be missed. Scott Hannah

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Nancy Fox pledged to donate to Donna's Kids

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

It was a pleasure sitting on the Uptown BIA board with him. The original Punch Daddy.

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Shelley DeLaFranier uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

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Shelley DeLaFranier posted a symbolic gesture

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

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Moose Mackay posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Scott and Shelley - I have terrific memories of your Dad going back almost forty years. Always a gentleman and dressed to the nines. Hoping you can remember and reflect on the great times you had with him. He was a good man and will be missed. Thinking of you and your families.

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Tanya uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, September 22, 2020