Burnaby city councillor Paul McDonell dies at 81

BURNABY (NEWS 1130) — Burnaby city councillor Paul McDonell passed away Sunday, and the local government is mourning the death of its second member in less than a month.

McDonell, who was serving his fourth term on council, died in hospital at age 81 after complications from knee surgery.

Mayor Mike Hurley says McDonell was a dedicated public servant, and a fixture at community events.

“His nickname was ‘Mr. Burnaby,'” Hurley says. “He really connected with folks and he really played a big role in the community.”

Hurley says McDonell had been having health problems before going into the hospital about two weeks ago, and that his family was with him when he died.

“At least that was a small easing for the family, that they were able to get in and hold his hand, and be with him while he passed.”

As a councillor, Hurley says McDonell launched a community mural project and the city’s Christmas parade, and made an effort to connect with youth as well as seniors.

A retired firefighter, McDonell was first elected to council in 2008.

“He was an activist long before that,” Hurley says. “He was really engaged in his community and he’ll be badly missed by us all.”

In his bio, McDonell said, “I have always been a people person. I was given a social conscience early and have always felt that life is like a honeypot – if you need some take it, if not, put it back.”

In the past, he served on the boards of the United Way and the Muscular Dystrophy Society. At the time of his passing he was on the board of the New Vista Society, a non-profit providing healthcare and housing to seniors.

“I met wonderful people and saw first-hand the social issues we face,” he wrote about his experiences working these with non-profits.

McDonell’s passing comes just weeks after his colleague Nick Volkow died from cancer on June 21.

“It’s a very very sad day for our city, it’s been a very sad month. Our city has lost two really good people, and two leaders in our community,” Hurley says.

He notes the city hasn’t been able to organize memorials or tributes to its lost councillors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s so difficult to do memorials right now and to do them justice because it’s very limited what you can do. But that’s up to the families at the end of the day. We will support the families in whatever they want to do, whatever they want to see we’ll make sure we’re there for them.”

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today