In Loving Memory of Paul Dorotich
August 5th, 1964 - June 4th, 2025
It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for the years shared that we announce the passing of Paul Dorotich on June 4, 2025, at the age of 60. A beloved husband, papa, grandpapa, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, father-in-law, and friend, Paul touched countless lives with his kindness, resilience, and adventurous spirit.
Sixty years is but a fleeting moment in the grand tapestry of time, but in that span, Paul wove a rich, meaningful life. Born in Vancouver on August 5, 1964, to Betty (née Scarlett) and Dan Dorotich, he was the youngest of three children. Family sabbaticals to Yugoslavia at ages 3 and 12 sparked Paul’s lifelong passion for travel. This was one of many passions that included family, sport, music, photography, hiking, ballroom dancing, D&D, reading, and lifelong learning.
In 1970, the family moved to Saskatchewan. Paul graduated high school from Delisle Composite (1982) and began his studies at the University of Saskatchewan. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Geography (1986), a Bachelor of Physical Education (1990), and a Master’s in Biomechanics (1993). In 1994, he and his family settled in Cochrane, Alberta, which remained their home.
Paul met the love of his life, Céline Orieux, in 1984 at the U of S Ballroom Dance Club. They married in 1990 and honeymooned in Yugoslavia. Their relationship was built on deep mutual respect, unwavering support, open communication, and genuine affection. Whether dancing, camping, traveling, or simply enjoying quiet moments, Paul and Céline were true partners. Their devotion and care for each other were unmistakable. Paul's role as a husband was marked by thoughtfulness, steadfastness and a wholehearted devotion to Céline.
Paul was a family man. A devoted father to Danielle and Stéphane, he built a home full of bedtime stories, song, engaging conversation, and support. He was there for them, available in small ways and big ways. He guided his children through triumphs and trials, always with warmth, patience, and wisdom. He is fondly remembered for his much-quoted advice: Stay Calm, Be Brave, And Watch for the Signs.
Paul’s resilience was forged early, surviving Hodgkin lymphoma at age 20. He then faced further cancer diagnoses in his 30s (Hodgkin lymphoma) and 40s (non-Hodgkin lymphoma). In his 50s he survived a heart attack and later a double bypass and heart valve surgery. He became a role model to many for his ongoing courage to thrive in the face of adversity. Paul didn’t wallow in his woes or become bitter from the setbacks and course changes that his health challenges presented. Instead, he observed, analyzed, assessed, and evolved. He chose to look on the bright side, and committed himself to living well.
His passions were as varied as they were deep: sharing his love of nature and sport, restoring a 100-year-old log cabin, researching travel itineraries, photographing family travels, playing trombone with Band on the Bow and Riverside Jazz, listening to CBC radio, painting miniatures, and cheering on Canadian biathletes. He was an engaged mentor within the biathlon community and nurtured a data driven approach in Canadian high-performance winter sports. His expertise and passion left a lasting impact.
Paul was a lifelong learner, forever curious about the world. Book lined shelves filled his office, ranging from history to science, biographies to novels. He believed in education’s capacity to promote critical thinking and continuously endeavored to learn. He was genuinely interested in the pursuits of others and was always ready with earnest encouragement, thoughtful questions, and attentive feedback.
Weeks before his passing, Paul and Céline traveled through Italy, the Netherlands, and France. While doing what he truly loved, Paul fell ill, developed pneumonia, and due to complications died peacefully in Caen, France.
Paul is deeply loved and dearly missed by Céline, his wife and best friend of 41 years; his children Danielle (Roman Auriti, Gabriel) and Stéphane (Grace Rae); his brother Michael (Maureen [Krol], Nastassja); his sister Andrea (Micheal Ward, Rachel); many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his mother Betty (2016), his father Dan (2022), and his father-in-law Al Orieux (2019).
Paul’s remarkable life will be celebrated on September 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Beaupre Hall, near Cochrane, AB. Address: 264257 Beaupre Creek Road, Rocky View County, AB. Guests are kindly asked to wear vibrant colours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Society. Or hug those you love. Take a walk. Feel the grass under your feet. Enjoy the simple pleasures.