Remembering Paul Truex, Guelph Rotarian

We are extremely sad to announce the passing of Paul Truex (May 17, 1938 - January 22, 2022), shown here with his beloved late wife, Jean. Both were legends in their lifetimes, who undoubtedly made the world a better place, and whose influences will live on.

What an amazing, humble, loving, power couple Paul and Jean were!

Paul was a deeply loyal and active Rotarian for 43 years after joining the Rotary Club of Guelph in 1979. He served as Club President from 1987-1988, as District 7080 Governor in 2001-2002, held various District Officer roles, and notably, was a Paul Harris Fellow many times over through his regular donations to the Rotary International Foundation.

These details barely scratch the surface of Paul's profound influence as a leader and role model within Rotary and our community. He was and will remain legendary, within the memory of our club and our city.

He was known for generously donating his accumulated "Rotary PHF points" to recognize others with Honourable Paul Harris Fellow awards. This gesture reflects his enormously influential approach in life, which was to magnify the chance of success by going out of his way to support, encourage and recognize the efforts of others. He did this with grace and gentle persuasion that made others feel they had come up with great ideas by themselves!

After learning that Paul Sr. had been admitted to Hospice Wellington in mid-January, in the final stages of his battle with Parkinsons, the Rotary Club of Guelph devoted its weekly club meeting on Friday, January 21, 2022 to recognizing Paul Truex Sr. His family reported that he was peaceful and comfortable in the wonderful care of Hospice Wellington, and that he was grateful for visits he'd received from dear friends, plus many messages and cards. In honour of Paul, this special club meeting was attended by several past District Governors, Rotary friends and former business colleagues.

At a time of sadness, the meeting was an uplifting celebration of a life well lived by Paul Truex. Member after member at the zoom meeting recalled how Paul's mentorship had positively influenced their lives and efforts, and made them feel special.

Appropriately, the club meeting was about The Power of Rotary, and how many good works would not have gotten off the ground without Rotary and Rotarians being behind them. Two such examples were featured: The Grove Hubs in Guelph-Wellington, for youth mental health, and the Food4Kids Guelph charity, providing weekend food bags for children in need of food support. As explained by Cyndy Moffat Forsyth and Terrie Jarvis, Paul had played a significant part in each of these. We feel sure that Paul would have approved the focus of our club meeting being on The Power of Rotary, and not on himself. That's how he was.

Paul's son, Paul Francis Truex ('Pablo') had arrived in Guelph from the States to join the family and close friends at Paul Senior's bedside. Paul Junior spoke eloquently at our club meeting (very reminiscent of his dad's oratory skills!) about how the Rotary Four Way Test was a Living Document in the Truex household. Even something as simple as a child stating, "I need a hot dog" would elicit dad Paul asking: Now, is that the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

In our sadness about Paul's passing, we will forever remain grateful that his life touched our lives. Paul and his beloved Jeanie are reunited once more.

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO J. PAUL TRUEX

by Hal Jackson, presented at the Rotary Club of Guelph on January 28, 2021

We were all saddened to learn last Saturday evening January 22, 2022, that our dear friend Jay Paul Truex had completed the physical journey we call life. A son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, Paul was the consummate family man. Meaningfully, this influence extended to friends, Johnson & Johnson colleagues, the family of Rotary, and the Guelph community. I was privileged to be part of his life journey as a friend, Johnson & Johnson colleague, and Rotarian.

Paul in HR terms was a “people person.” He delighted in seeing activities initiated, carried out and completed through others. His satisfaction came from the growth and development of those he had helped facilitate. He did not always seek to be a champion, as much as a developer of champions. It was fun to watch him “work a room.” Seeking out those he did not know to understand their passions and skills, ultimately working to find or connect them to the tools that could help them forward. Networking of newfound contacts with others of like interest or ability was always the end game. Characteristically, recognition and even success of a job well-done was acknowledged in a follow-up, short, hand-written note from Paul. I am sure there are those here that can remember receiving such a note.

Gamesmanship was a feature of Paul that I particularly enjoyed being a part of, as well as an observer. You would come away wondering if you may have been “hustled.” You may have had advantage, only to end up losing from a score point of view, but winner from the experience. The impish grin upon a JPT advantage was legendary in my mind.

The annual Truex Florida vacation was not complete without visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando. In particular, EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was required touring. This Disney theme park was purposely left unfinished and allowed to be enhanced as new learning and ideas came forward. This approach describes Paul's approach to people development and project facilitation, always room to grow and experience new ideas, ultimately to make a difference.

It has been said “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth” (Shirley Chisholm). Paul is fully paid up and in considerable surplus. That surplus can be equated with legacy, the complement of those who have been developed, mentored, influenced and encouraged to make a difference. They are active in the community and more broadly. To paraphrase the Rotary 4-Way Test, Paul’s journey has been true and fair to all concerned, while in the process, goodwill and better friendships have resulted with the outcome of being beneficial to all concerned.

Paul was a dear friend, respected colleague and an admired Rotarian. It was rare, in my community travels, that the name Paul Truex was not recognized, a tribute to his community spirit and involvement. I will miss his wise counsel and our conversations.

Finally, I am reminded of a beautiful piece of poetry by Mary Elizabeth Frye and effectively scored to music by Canadian composer Eleanor Daley as a piece in her choral Composition “Requiem,” performed a number of times by the Guelph Chamber Choir. The piece is entitled “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep.” The lyrics are:

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Paul’s legacy will live on. He is now with his beloved Jean. “Well done thou good and faithful servant” (The Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:23).

Rest in peace!!

C.H. Jackson, 28/01/2022

OBITUARY

TRUEX, Jay Paul

May 17th, 1938 – January 22nd, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Jay “Paul” Truex on Saturday January 22nd after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Reunited with his beloved wife, Jean who passed away in April of 2021.

Much loved father of Torii Nelson (Rick), John Robert Truex, and Paul Francis Truex (Donna). Treasured grandfather of Ricky, Taylor, Renee, Kennedy, Xavier and Hope. A brother and Uncle to Kniffen, Stella and Koch Families. Cherished friend to many – honorary member of the Bayer family (Jean and Dick). Paul will be fondly remembered by many relatives, Friends, neighbours, Rotarians, and colleagues.

Paul was born in Lakewood, New Jersey and spent his childhood living in Lakewood and Ossining, NY. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1957 where he served in Okinawa Japan and competed on the Air Force Men’s tennis team. After graduation from Rutgers University, Paul began his career with Johnson and Johnson in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The family relocated to Montreal before moving to McNeil Consumer products in Guelph where Paul served as Vice-President of Human Resources until his retirement in 2000.

His belief in “Service Before Self” and “Fairness to All” epitomized his contributions to the Guelph Rotary Club as a member, Club President and eventually Rotary District Governor. Paul provided support for a number of community charities and organizations including Hospice Wellington, River Run Center, Guelph General Hospital, United Way, Guelph Hydro, Guelph Spring Festival, and the 1-2-3 Go early education program spearheaded by his wife, Jean. A true statesman, Paul’s greatest passion was helping others as a mentor, coach, and straight shooter. His support of the personal and professional goals of those who knew him was relentless. A giant amongst men, a hero to our family, and an enduring legacy to be remembered

Dad passed away peacefully listening to messages of love and humour from friends, colleagues, and the community he loved while his favourite Disney music played softly in the background.

The entire family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Angels of Wellington Hospice, Sarah, Holly, Dustin, and Marie who filled his days with love and comfort. Special thanks to Laurie McKeeman Coulson and Robert Taylor who supported Mom and Dad over the past years.

A memorial is being planned for early March. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to be made to Hospice Wellington. A place where one’s final days can be spent with dignity and peace.

A tree will be planted in memory of J. Paul Truex in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.