though there were times when there were a lot
of debates and he had to do a lot of convincing
to move projects forward. One of his proudest
moments, was when he successfully convinced
the Town Council, that Transcona should have
paved roads. With the surplus of the earth
removed for the road project, he thought it
would make a great hill for sledding, so the
excess earth was deposited at Crocus Park
(now Victoria Jason Park) and used just for
that purpose.

He later became supervisor for maintenance
for the Transcona—Springfield School Division.
Paul retired in 1983, and became a school
trustee for another three years. He had retired
from work but had not retired from life, so he
became a deacon at his church, the St. Joseph
the Worker Parish, and was involved with

the Transcona Legion #7. Even to this day,
Paul goes to the schools and educates the
students by giving speeches about his wartime
experiences. He was also instrumental and
one of the driving forces, that established the
Transcona Historical Museum. Paul was also
chosen as the Greatest Transconian. In his
acceptance speech he said that “This has to be
one if the greatest moments in my life”.

Paul’s wife Enid passed away on March 6th,
1988. Three years later on September 21, 1991,

 

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First letter carrier delivery in Transcona to Mayor Paul Martin, February 3, 1958

at St. Joseph the Worker Church, Paul and
Gail Laramee were united in marriage.
Paul is very proud of the community of
Transcona today, and is especially proud
of the growth that has taken place in the

housing industry, and in the business
community. He said that “It’s evolved from
poverty and a small community to a healthy,
middle class progressive community”.

Transcona 100th Anniversary — page 45