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Paul Plimley

May 18, 2022

Paul Plimley

Paul Plimley

May 18, 2022

Paul Horace Plimley, March 16,1953 to May 18, 2022, aged 69, from Vancouver B.C., who was known and beloved by many around the world, sadly passed away in St. John Hospice, UBC, from a short and intense battle with cancer. He will live on in the hearts of his mother Claire, siblings Mark (Laurel), Suzette (Nigel) and Denise; and also his four nieces and nephews, Noriko Plimley, Julian Plimley, Emilie Clarke, and Kyle Clarke.


Paul had a far reaching and deeply powerful impact on the improvisational jazz music scene, having been a composer and musician since his teens. He was one of the prime movers and leaders of the improv jazz movement in Canada in the 70’s, paving the way for many more musicians to follow who shared his love for inspiring and daring creative expression, which helped provide a way for deep connections to be forged with other like minded artists in other countries. His commitment to his own unique style of writing and performing gave him the global reputation of being one of the most intuitive pianists and vibraphonists from Canada, as followers of his work will confirm. He loved both the joy and challenge of setting the spirit of music free, while his perspective was drawn from all forms of jazz, blues, European classical, some rock and world music, as well as from his interest in philosophy, literature, history, art and astronomy.


He was highly appreciated as a teacher also, and so memorable as a person to all who met him. He had an expansive personality, an exceptionally curious mind, and a fierce interest in all aspects of living. He was as interested in whomever he was speaking with as he was in his own art. He always had something insightful to say, or a light hearted comment to share. Paul was playful and experimental, quick witted and fond of the illuminated road less travelled. He was the best of the best, both stubborn and kind to the end, and so it must be said, although painfully obvious, that he was taken from us far too soon. He will be sweetly remembered, forever revered and substantially missed for a very very long time.


A huge thank you to his entire healthcare team; you all make the world a better place. Also enormous thanks to his friends and colleagues who helped make Paul’s life both deeply meaningful and tremendously fun.


One of his many favourite poems:


Sigh for me, night wind, in the mighty leaves of the oak.

I am tired. Sleep for me, heaven over the hill.

Shout for me, loudly and loudly, joyful sun, when you rise.


(Wallace Stevens)



Paul supported The Council of Canadians, and Doctors Without Borders, so please feel free to send a donation in lieu of sending flowers. 


You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.

Add Message of Condolence


Messages of Condolence

I wanted to send my heartfelt condolences to Denise and the whole family.  When I think of Paul, I think of sunshine and smiles and a little mischief.  I am so very sorry for your loss. 

~ Lisa Estrin Yeoman


My dear brother's passing is still such a terrible shock. I will always treasure the many memories I had with Paul which include much laughter and ideas and people that were of interest to us both. He was a man I could talk to about literally anything. Things that were deeply meaningful and very personal. I will love and remember him for the rest of my life. He will continue to be a great influence on how I live my life in my remaining years. 

~ Mark Plimley


The message of Paula’s passing from this world came to me from a friend.

I was touched by the obituary and everything that was said. Reading it brought Paul back into my memory very clearly. I can almost hear him speak now In his all embracing energetic voice. 

May you all be comforted in knowing that he continues to be here but in a deeper presence. Mark and Denise, my love to you and extended to the rest of all your family.

Machteld

from Jerusalem, Israel


~ Machteld Peters


So very sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I remember so well his warmth, caring and a deep courage too. And of course his exuberance and joy in living, which came through his music as well. Heartfelt condolences to the family.

~ Shoshana Levin Fox


I just heard the sad news; many fave moments, extending back to our mid-teens and more recently, often late night classic films, but one memory stands out - a frantic (will we get there?) road trip with Mark to Washington state to catch the beloved Firesign Theatre perform live. 

Paul was of course unique and touched so many people, but that's both the modality and inevitable result of living a life committed to art and free-minded, free-hearted exploration.  Next notes I play will be for you Paul.

~ ERIC INGLIS WYNESS


Just a quick note to thank everyone who left a message here. It is very much appreciated and thank you for remembering Paul. 

~ Denise Plimley