Paul Gerard Bowes

Paul Bowes passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at the age of 65, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Paul is survived by the love of his life, his wife Laurie, and many extended family members, including Jason, Kayla, Ryan, Emily, Tristan (Abby), Megan, Madison, Trinity, Haliegh, Chayse, Ryder, and Oakley. He was predeceased by his brother Rick (Beth) and is survived by his sister Mary Ellen (Tom) Oates, nephew Jeff (Melissa), nieces Jenny and Jessica (Eric), and great nieces and nephews Abby, Jake, Ava, Daphne, and Marilyn.

For nearly four decades, Paul was one of the most respected leaders in wheelchair basketball and Para sport. Beginning in 1988 with the London Forest City Flyers, he built a remarkable coaching career that would take him across Canada and around the world.

Paul served as assistant and head coach with Wheelchair Basketball Canada during one of the program’s most successful eras, contributing to Paralympic gold medals in 2000 and 2004 and a World Championship gold in 2006. Over the course of his career, he helped prepare ten Paralympic teams and attended five Paralympic Games, beginning with Atlanta in 1996.

Beyond international competition, Paul was passionate about developing athletes and building community through sport. He worked extensively with youth and development programs and supported veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces through the Invictus Games, Warrior Games, and Soldier On Canada.

Paul’s impact was widely recognized through numerous honours, including induction into the Wheelchair Basketball Canada Hall of Fame and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame, the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Off the court, Paul dedicated 33 years of service to the MTO, where he built many lasting friendships throughout his career. He and his wife Laurie spent years fostering rescue dogs, welcoming dogs in need into their hearts and home. He also cherished a round of golf with his dear friend David, who he always beat.

Those who knew Paul best will remember him best for his kindness, humour, and unwavering belief in others.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospice for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Paul and his family.

Family and friends are welcome to drop in anytime during Paul’s Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 29 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. at Northview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London. Brief words of remembrance will be shared at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the London Forest City Flyers wheelchair basketball program, Happy’s Place Retirement Home for Dogs, or St. Joseph’s Hospice in London.