Harold John Paddock Ph.D., M.S.M.
May 18, 2020
Obituary
Departed the physical world after a brief illness on a clear and bright May 18 (Victoria Day), 2020. Born in Beaumont, Long Island, in western Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland, Harold was the only son and middle of six children of the late Reverend Joseph Pliman and Charlotte Maud (Rideout) Paddock. Predeceased by his parents, parents-in-law, eldest sister Gladys Schofield, adopted brother Ernest Heath, brothers-in-law Ernie Schofield and Ward Starkes, sister-in-law Indi Guram, and close friend Edwin Short. Grateful for his long life, and that he lived to celebrate one final Spring birthday are his devoted family: loving wife of many years and best friend Pramila; steadfast son and trouting companion Mark; daughter-in-law and good luck charm Phoebe; loyal daughter and Scrabble partner Sheila; caring sisters Iris (Raymond) Pardy, Stella (Ward – deceased) Starkes, June (Garnet) Warr, Audrey (Art) Reid; brother-in-law Paul Guram; Nieces Audrey Jean, Anne, Marilyn, Karen, Jennifer, Tara and Meena; Nephews Glenn, Don, Gary, John, Paul, Todd, Ian and Owen. Also, cherished university colleagues including John Hewson, Vit Bubenik, and Larry Smith, special friends Gordon Quinton and Ralph Stewart, and those in his regular coffee group, in addition to other friends and relatives.
Educated in a one-room schoolhouse in Beaumont, he completed High School in Toronto, where his restless father had relocated the family. As a Memorial University student, he received the Governor General’s Medal for academic excellence. He was one of three Canadian Naval Officers selected to train cadets at the Ghana Military Academy in West Africa, where he taught navigation, and was Director of Studies. This was followed by a Master’s degree in Dialectology at Memorial, and a doctorate in Experimental Phonetics from the University of London, England. After teaching English at Acadia University for two years, he accepted a position in the newly-created Department of Linguistics at MUN, where he taught for 30 years. During this time, he was the recipient of several Canadian government research grants through The Canada Council and SSHRC. His research contributed to the Dictionary of Newfoundland English, and he spent many years dialect mapping the province. He also completed fieldwork on English in the Wessex area of southwestern England, and on relic French in the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey. A natural teacher and passionate speaker, he encouraged his students, and in turn, was inspired by them.
He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2016 for his role in founding the MUN Dialect Atlas of Newfoundland and Labrador project, which serves as a significant historical and cultural record of our traditional regional dialect distribution. A published poet in both standard English and local dialects, he was a sensitive and emotional spirit with a deep appreciation of the beauty of language. His comforting presence and unique voice will be forever missed. He was raised surrounded by love, and passed this on to his own family.
Gratitude is extended to Dr. Susan King and Dr. Suzanne Drodge for their excellent care. Cremation has taken place. Due to the COVID-19 public health advisory, there will be no visitation at this time. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carnells.com.
In the words of one of his poems:
And I John
Alone on an island
See a New Land
Where all is alive and one,
Where the stone given in lieu of a loaf
Becomes bread,
Where the roses grown in lieu of a life
Become fish,
Which leap for joy
From streams of veinless blood
In the dusk
Become dawn.
So sorry to hear about the recent passing of my neighbor. Every time I saw him out and about completing chores outside we’d always engage in a lively discussion. I remember a story he told me whilst on a Navy ship in the Pacific and the adventures that ensued accordingly. He was a strong, sensitive and deeply considerate man with anything i did for him during our long winters. I’ll miss his kind gentle spirit deeply.
So sorry to hear about Dr. Paddock’s passing! He has always been on my list of great thinkers! An amazing scholar and Professor! His way with words was second to none!
My sincere condolences to Dr. Paddock’s family.
Dear Family.,
I was sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Paddock was an amazing instructor who fostered a love and enthusiasm for language in me. He wrote me a beautiful recommendation for Grad school and always encouraged the best from his students. After 25+ years, I still recall how fondly he spoke of his wife and children, trials of home ownership and the joys of living. I have not seen a dragon fly ever in the past 25+ years where I did not recall his class about all the names for them in NL or hear the word- “bes” for a NL variation of “to be” and think of his love of dialect. I am certain he will be remembered fondly by many. Thinking of you all.
Aah, what can I say, except that Harold Paddock was a LEGEND! I had the pleasure of taking several Linguistic courses from him – thriving on his lectures on dialects of Newfoundland and Labrador; and sweating out analyses of fundamental frequencies and spectrograms. He was an amazing scholar; a passionate lover of language and an enthusiastic professor who immediately instilled in me, a love of dialectology. His funny stories and lectures were always engaging and his respect for students was immense. Newfoundland has lost a great one, for sure. Condolences to Harold’s family, and to his friends and colleagues at MUN. He will be truly missed.
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Paddock’s passing.. He was a wonderful mentor and truly cared for his students.. Nothing was ever too much trouble. He always had time for your questions . Dr. Paddock fostered my love of language and in turn my passion for teaching.. I will forever remember his kindness and guidance he provided to a young student.. Your talents will be missed.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Paddock’s passing. He taught me several Linguistic courses at MUN. He was an outstanding professor and definitely my favourite. He had a tremendous impact on his students and was a positive influence in my life. My condolences go out to his family.
Dear Pramila, Mark, and Sheila,
It is difficult to imagine a world without Dr. Paddock’s lightening quick mind, curiosity, creativity, scholarship and conversation. He was open to all, and offered friendship and insight in equal measure. My father, the late James L. Miller, recognized a fellow Newfoundlander raised in the sublime, and they formed close bonds as neighbours and friends as they clambered over marsh and bog. Your loss is the greatest, but please know he is mourned and missed by so many whose lives were enriched and enlivened by knowing him.
Janet Miller Pitt and family
My deepest condolences to Harold’s family.. He was very
kind to me and an inspirational colleague during my early
years at Memorial. I send my love to Sheila who was both
my student and friend.
Aileen Macdonald
Dear Mark, and also Pramila and Sheila though I don’t think I had the pleasure of meeting you in person,
Many many condolences for your loss. Harold made an indelible impression on me, as on many many others. Even though my vivid recall is generally terrible, I can clearly remember many moments of Harold talking and teaching.
Harold’s lectures were probably the first time I truly heard the social justice message of modern linguistic science, that there’s no such thing as ‘good’ English, just powerful people’s dialects and everyone else’s dialects, and that every dialect has a history and a genius of its own.
Here’s some particular moments I remember. He taught me about the contradictory uses of ‘after’ in two different dialects of NL English. The Irish-English-derived Avalon dialect has an ‘after perfect’, where ‘I’m after eating’ means ‘I’ve finished eating’; the Dorset/Devonshire-English derived Great Northern Bay dialect has an ‘after-immediate-future’ where ‘I’m after eating’ means ‘I’m about to eat’. So you could get some confusion!
He laughingly talked about how the Indo-Europeans and their descendants all had big hairy noses because they had been nomadic herding people. The animals on the trail would kick up tons of dust so he said it was adaptive to have a big hair-filled nose (like his, he said) to help filter the dust.
I remember a story about Newfoundland Tourism hiring him and his father to take a photographer out in a dory to get some shots from the water. They waited for a sufficiently sunny day, and headed out. The photographer had them take off their layers of coats and sweaters, so they’d be bare-armed in their t-shirts for the photo shoot, making it look like a warm summer’s cruise on the water such as you might be able to take in such balmy climes as Massachusetts. He said they froze their ***es off, and I learned that you can be lied to by a photo.
He also saved me from myself one semester in I think my fourth year when I had enrolled in his historical linguistics course and then just checked out after attending only a couple of weeks, absorbed in the Muse or just being a flake. At the end of the semester, when I realized I’d missed the drop deadline by a mile, I had a tearful interview with him and head Sandra Clarke and they let me take an incomplete rather than giving me the F I rather richly deserved. I managed to do some kind of job of working my way through the material over the summer on my own and with his forbearance got through the course. Without his willingness to help out with that mistake I might not have gotten into graduate school at all, nor be a linguist today.
Anyway, Harold was larger than life, and I’m lucky I got to have him as a teacher. Thanks for everything, Harold.
What a remarkable man and mentor. Harold was. I had the privilege of studying under him in several linguistics courses. he was thoughtful, engaging, and always made students feel as if they were colleagues in a shared linguistic adventure. He helped to reformulate my understanding of language.
I am sorry for your loss, but also grateful to you for sharing him with us his students. A little piece of his wisdom and compassion lives on in each of us.
I was saddened to learn of Dr. Paddock. He taught me numerous courses when I completed my major in Linguistics. at Memorial. He was a wonderful teacher and I enjoyed his classes immensely. I have so many takeaways from his courses that I recall to this day. My sincere condolences to all of you. I will always remember him fondly.
I’m so sorry to hear of Dr. Paddock’s passing. He was truly a wonderful, creative, witty and (especially to us kids) patient man. I’ll always remember feeling welcome at the Paddock home, and enjoying the occasional anecdote or moment of wisdom. Pramila, Mark, Shiela, and family: please accept my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.
I was saddened to hear of Harold’s passing.
He was certainly a kind and gentle soul. I’m hoping your memories will help you get through this difficult time.
My condolences to you and your family.
Dear Pramilla,
It’s a long time since I met Harold or you, but I always remember the time when you came to dinner just before Harold’s sabbatical in the UK, where his search for elderly people with strong Devon accents led him to meet one of my Great Uncles.. He was a good friend and help to Leila in her linguistics days, and to me on the rare occasions we met later. I was proud to be able to call him a friend and was so sorry to hear that he was gone. My thoughts are with you, its not too bad to have a lifetime’s memories for company.
My sincere condolences go to Harold’s family. Harold was a wonderful colleague. Each time we met, we had an engaged conversation, and I came from it with some lasting benefit. He represented to me what university should be: a meeting place of minds for teachers and students. Rest in peace, Harold!
Hans J. Rollmann.
I remember Harold as a friendly colleague. I enjoyed conversations with him about many subjects, specifically when we shared our love of poetry. I admire his beautiful poems and I will remember him through them. My condolences to his family and friends.
Harold was a wonderful colleague and friend, always generous with his time and engaged with the way people talk. Having a conversation with him was an enriching experience. Ideas beamed from his eyes. His journey from a one-room school on the shores of Notre Dame Bay to Memorial by way of the University of London was truly remarkable. He possessed a wealth of knowledge which did the university much credit, garnered national awards, and benefited generations of students. While there was much he might have boasted about, Harold imbued a sense of humility. His life-long love of dialect will live on in his scholarly publications and poetry. Our condolences go out to his family.
Don Nichol and Mary Walsh
Our heartfelt condolences go to Pramila and all his loving family..A leading light at Memorial University for many decades,Harold ‘s passionate advocacy for ,and contribution to ,Newfoundland culture was an inspiration to colleagues and students alike.Through his teaching, research and poetry ,he opened up new ways of thinking about and appreciating our world..His wisdom and humour will be missed.
Michael and Annette Staveley
My family is saddened to learn of Dr. Paddock’s passing. I have a fresh memory of running into Harold at Tim Horton’s a few months back; he insisted that I have coffee with him. It was always such a pleasure to talk to him, and learn about his passion for writing. Sincere condolences from myself and my Mom.
What a treasure it is when a spark of kindness alights in this world. Once, we both arrived at the same time in a parking lot outside Staples. I told Harold about a program I had seen, about animal intelligence, and one of the examples was a border collie that understood over 200 words. Harold didn’t reply with examples of other smart animals, but paused, and thought, and said, simply: “can you imagine the frustration … of knowing over 200 words and not being able to say one of them?” We wish him, with confidence, happy journeys.
Dear Pramila: Sincere condolences from myself and Maureen. Always enjoyed interesting conversations with Harold.
I am saddened to learn of Dr. Paddock’s passing. It is indeed a tremendous loss for the province and the general intellectual community. I have many fond memories of attending his classes during my time at Memorial. He transmitted much wisdom and knowledge to so many students over the years. The memory of his passion and commitment lives on in those of us who became teachers ourselves. He certainly inspired a great number of us.
Dear Pramila,
Sorry to hear about Harold’s passing. Our condolences and sympathies to you . We pray for you to have the strength to bear the loss, and for the departed soul to Rest In Peace.
Dear Aunt Pramila, Mark and Sheila
Although there are many miles between us on the physical plane, there is no separation in the grief we share with you and the love we send to lift you up. The vibrancy, intellect, creativity, warmth and humanity that Uncle Harold lived in life, lives on in all of you to shine out into the world. My mother (Gladys) used to tell my brothers and I that her arms were, and always will be, around us. I know that Uncle Harold’s arms are around you now, just as Gladys’s arms are around my brothers and I. May that thought bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead, and always.
Dear Aunt Pram, Mark and Sheila,
I’m sending our deepest sympathies from the Schofield family. Our mom (Aunt Gladys) was so very proud of her brilliant, brave and pioneering brother. And I think our dad (Uncle Ernie) instantly felt a very special intellectual bond with Uncle Harold when they met.. As one of his several nephews, I’m eternally sad that I had so little time with him. But, in another sense, it almost didn’t matter because, as one of his sister’s sons, I immediately felt welcomed and embraced by him during the visits we had. Rightfully, he was so celebrated and recognized for his accomplishments of the mind. But, as his young nephew, I immediately felt the power of his heart and his characteristic Paddock warmth. He had a real charisma that didn’t stem from any kind of arrogance, but from his warmth and the genuine interest he showed in you. He must have been an amazing teacher, and there are many testaments to that here. We’ll always cherish our memories of him. Sending our love from across the miles, and praying for your healing,, comfort and peace, especially at this difficult time.
Having heard the sad news., I have reflected on many years of being connected to Linguistics in various ways: on undergraduate courses with Harold, a kind and passionate teacher who inspired his students; on graduate studies and beyond when some of his teaching techniques, perspectives on English and Harold’s unique examples were incorporated in my own teaching; and on my thankfulness for graciously being included in the linguistics group where Harold played such a pivotal role. Beyond brilliant analyses, his breadth of knowledge and his discerning observations, I will miss and gratefully remember his humanness, wisdom, and his poetry of voice. Christa
We would like to offer our sincere sympathy to the family.
Jerome and Christa Beaudoin
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Harold’s passing, which I extend to you, Pramila, and to the children. I will always remember the convivial lunches with Harold at the old Faculty Club at MUN. He was a fabulous raconteur, with an irrepressible sense of humour. He will be sorely missed.
Ah, my favorite Lingusitics Prof has passed on. Dr. Paddock was quirky, intelligent and passionate about Linguistics and this province. He was kind and had such an amazing memory. Years after I completed my degree, I ran into him at Churchill Square. He was quick to have a chat and recalled in great detail a time I impressed him with my answer to some problem he presented in class. I ran into him again another time at Tim Hortons with my nephews and he insisted in paying for our order. He was lovely and he was a character. Our province is better because if him and will be little less bright with him gone. God speed Dr. Paddock. Condolences to the family.
Pramilla and Family, we were deeply saddened to hear of Harold’s passing.. We enjoyed times shared with you both and will miss them. Hold dear the wonderful memories you shared.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all at this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sid and. Betty xo
I am sad to learn of the passing of this wonderfully interesting and thoroughly kind and generous man. As academic colleagues we frequently ate lunch at the same table, and all of us there relished Harold’s companionship and take on things. May his gentle thoughtful spirit flourish in the next world. All of us who knew him will miss him greatly.
I first met Harold when we were both in the Navy, and stayed in touch ever since. He was a fine man and a good friend — and very funny when he chose to be. I will miss him.
.
Dr. Paddock was one of the most memorable and remarkable profs that I encountered during my time as a student. Funny, engaging, sincere and curious. I adored his classes. My condolences on the loss of this remarkable man.
A wise and wonderful professor ! A truly exemplary teacher ….definitely one of the best I encountered during my years at MUN. Rest in peace.
So sad to hear of Harold’s passing. His help and guidance was invaluable in my task of completing a MA in Linguistics as a “mature student” . He was a great lover of the Newfoundland language and instrumental in preserving the knowledge of our many beautiful and remarkable dialects.. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
We were so saddened to learn today that Harold passed away. Patti and I send our heartfelt condolences.
I have fond memories of all the time I spent at the Paddock home when I was growing up in the East End. He was always very kind and patient towards us. You’re in our thoughts.
Take care,
Jerry Bannister
Halifax, NS
So sad to hear this news. He was one of my favourite professors while I studied Linguistics at Memorial. My condolences to his family.
Michelle Murphy MUN Grad 1994
Everyone remembers their ‘favourite’ teacher from high school. Me, not so much. But this man, this amazing linguistics Professor, he is who I remember well. He was brilliant, yet humble; well travelled and well versed, but a true Newfoundlander who loved his province and the people. He was so proud of our dialect, and was keen to analyze the English language as well many Newfoundland dialects in perfect (and sometimes excruciating) detail. I hung on every word spoken by this man. His wit was like no other. He was the glue that secured my love of linguistics and the motivation and confidence to pursue my career in Speech-Language Pathology. He was so passionate about his work and truly saw the potential in all of us budding SLPs. He wrote my reference letter when I was applying to my Masters program, and he told me it was an honour for him to support me in any way he could. He was certainly one in a million. To his dear family, I’m sure he will be greatly missed. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know, he will also be missed by the hundreds of students who were so very blessed to have met him. Rest easy Dr. Paddock.
Sincere condolences to Dr. Paddock’s family and friends. I was very fortunate to have been taught by him in several linguistics courses. He made the giant university feel smaller, and made me feel connected in his classroom. I think of him often – his intelligence, kindness, wit and compassion. Please know your loss is shared at this time.
My sincere condolences to family and loved ones. I met Dr. Paddock once in the mid 80s and I’ve never forgotten him. He had that way about him. I used to work for a small company that provided typing services and he came in with edits to a paper. He opened up a conversation with me about my accent and pinpointed exactly what part of the province I was from which was fascinating to me. It was evident that he loved his work and he loved talking about it and he did on that day. Just that one conversation made me remember him. Over the years I’ve thought of him when meeting someone new if I wonder how their dialect came about; what history is behind it or what some of the common sayings from their area and such. I’m curious about these things because of him. May he rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to the Paddock family on your loss of Harold. I have many wonderful memories of Harold from the years that I worked at the Linguistics Department. Tonight I dug out my well read copy of “Tung Tyde” to once again share some of his ‘dreadful joye’. RIP, Harold.
Dr Paddock, life is so full of wonders, and you are one of them. I feel privileged and pampered by God who gave me a chance to meet you, a man of incredible gentleness, energy, compassion and enthusiasm. And I know that you are not gone. You will remain forever with us, those who remember you, and when I open the book of your poems, I am sure to hear again your voice which still gently roars in my ears. No, you are not gone. Impossible.
Pramila,
I am so sorry to hear of your Husband’s death. He taught me phonetics while at Mun and I can honestly say he was an amazing teacher and genuine person. Thinking of you and your family.
Joan Davis Whelan
A good friend and a sad loss to the community. May he Rest In Peace.
Pramila,
On behalf of mom(Clare Power) and me , I wish to express our deepest condolences To you and your family on the passing of Harold.
Dad and mom loved visiting with him and held him in very high esteem.
I know that losing a loved one is difficult enough but during this pandemic it is certainly harder.
May all of the memories that you shared with him bring you comfort at this time. God bless. Peggy Connors
I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Harold Paddock. I got to know Harold through Tim Hortens where he met almost every morning to do the crossword puzzle with his friends. Harold was a Gentleman in every sense of the word. I will never forget that strong, clear voice that turned the head of almost everyone at the coffee shop. I had the pleasure of having many chats with Harold, and I will truly miss that. Harold arrived at the funeral home when my 41 year old son passed. In August. He read two poems, one for me and one for my husband.. He was a pillar of strength for us, and will truly be missed. Rest Easy. My Friend! Gone but never forgotten!!
Dear Pramila:: That Harold had died came as a terrible shock. We were looking forward to our next group lunch and didn’t even know he was ill. We have lost a unique and proud Newfounderlander. He was very proud of his roots and spent the 40 + years that I knew him explaining its culture and the complexities of its language. I have lost a friend, colleague, and mentor. We are so sorry for you, Mark, and Sheila.
Bob and Sylvia Hollett
This is such a loss, and to be felt by so many; he was a living legend, especially around GBS and in academic circles everywhere it seemed.
I extend heartfelt condolences to all family, friends and any who knew him, in particular his sister, June, who is also part of my father’s relations.
Dear Pramila, Mark and Sheila,
Harold’s peerless teaching, his talent as a raconteur and a poet, his love of Newfoundland and his insights into its unique patterns of speech — all this and more made Harold an unforgettable mentor and colleague. Our heartfelt condolences to you and all your family.
Sending much love to you, Aunt Pram, Sheila, and Mark, as you mourn. Mom has kept me updated over this time. I have fond memories of Uncle Harold, especially hearing his stories about the past and growing up, and about all the interesting dialects of NL. I suppose it’s where my interest in language stems from, being an SLP now. Take care and deepest condolences. Jennifer Corey (Reid) and family.
I knew Harold at MUN when we were both officer cadets in the UNTD, part of the Royal Canadian Navy. That was in 1956-1958. I was discharged from the navy in the summer of 1958, while Harold continued on to obtain his Commission. He was quite possibly the most intelligent person I ever met, and he augmented his intelligence with a sharp sense of humour. We were friends for a time but lost touch when I left Newfoundland in 1961.
My sincere condolences to his widow and family.
RIP, Paddy. It was an honour to have known you..
Tom Curran
Ottawa
Dear Pramila, Mark and Sheila,
My own sorrow that the world would lose such a being reminds how deep your feeling of loss must be as you begin to align your lives without the treasured man I was graced to know as a friend and colleague and admirer.
Knowing words could hardly suffice, I hesitated to summarize my thoughts, but after viewing Lin Paddock’s eloquent memorial, here are some thoughts I had earlier expressed on facebook…. Please forgive my inadequacy in not capturing many additional dimensions of Harold’s life which I witnessed often in my office talking with those who had just been buoyed by his spirit…
Sadness, much to say, many places to begin… I never asked Harold myself, avoiding questions that push into complexities where volunteer thoughts can be best, but one wonders about the dimensions of inquiry in Harold’s mind about the wisdom/outcome/promise/indeterminacies of confederation. Why do I wonder? Because Harold, launched from Long Island, found success in school, found success in a foreign culture, achieved high rank and responsibility in the Canadian Navy, thrived academically at University of London, gained vast admiration in teaching and research professions, published a piece fearlessly and uniquely plumbing the complexity of language evolution (top prestige publisher), oversaw dialectology attaching to Inet technology, received the Governor General’s Award, etc. That list could be extended, e.g. to his expertise in sound spectrography, a branch of PHYSICS in the hard sciences, which NOTABLY is an accomplishment almost not ever noted in the POET. My point? Simply that his successes out in the world might plausibly have made him wonder why anyone would ever think that character and talent from a smaller place might have trouble standing alone and succeeding out in a larger context. In case this sounds political, please read again understanding that it is a tribute to Harold, leaving to the side unanswerable mysteries about the slippery slopes of history. The question isn’t so important as what it brings out about the man.
Much has been lost this week. May Harold rest in peace under grace as deserved.
Pramila & family: so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. Deepest sympathy for you all at this trying time.
Pramila, Mark, and Sheila;
Remembering Harold J. Paddock – Patriot, Scholar, and Teacher
NL has lost one of the most brilliant minds and one of the most culturally significant statesmen that this Province has ever produced. For me growing up in Robert’s Arm, Harold’s military and scholarly accomplishments reverberated across the Green Bay South area with great pride, because one of our own could compete with such tenacity on Provincial, National, and International levels. Harold was and always remained a son of Long Island, an island Outport, even though he lived most of his life in St. John’s. (I would be remiss if I did not add that Long Island itself is culturally significant to NL, given the amount of military service and academic achievements from such a very small Outport population). Like the call to service of his Father and other young men from Long Island in WWI with the NL Regiment, Harold was also a NL and Canadian Patriot. In being selected by the Canadian Navy and serving on one of Canada’s first forays into peacekeeping support with the Military Training Support mission in Ghana, Harold had a lasting teaching impact on the Ghana military. For those of us that have served, a deployment of 6 months is long, Harold spent three years on that Ghana mission, yes, that itself was quite an accomplishment! I asked him about that mission a couple of years ago, and he said “Ghana wanted him to stay and the Canadian Navy wanted to promote him, but he was tired after that amount of time in the African heat” – so as a break he set off to undertake his PHd in Linguistics! He told me that he was offered positions in various US universities, but his love of all things NL, drew him back to Memorial. From his linguistics teaching at Memorial, Harold diligently researched and laid the foundation of mapping the dialects of NL and the dictionary of NL English, a treasure trove of a cultural legacy for all of us. He was also recognized and contributed as an expert across international linguistics forums. I remember asking him how does someone from a one-room school go on to attain his Phd in London, and in linguistics no less, he laughed and said “his Mother instilled a love of reading in him and from there he developed a voracious appetite for reading.” Since my return to St. John’s after my own naval service, I had the pleasure of periodically sharing a meal and “great yarns” with Harold, and he was always so giving with his time. From each visit, I left better informed as Harold’s understanding and insights on global politics were unrivaled. I remember my last visit with him and Pramila at Christmas, Harold told me that he was working on deciphering ancient stones in Scotland and that he was confident of an eventual break through– retirement just gave him more time to research and to contribute. Although his earthy research is now ended, Harold’s linguistic work is a legacy for all of NL. To close, my sincere condolences to Pramila, Mark, and Sheila on the loss of a caring husband and father, my special thanks to you as well – for sharing Harold with all of NL for an endowment of cultural riches.
We send our deepest condolences to Harold’s family.. As friends of Audrey and Art we spent some occasions in Harold’s company. His humor and his story telling always meant a good time with Harold.. His kind and gentle nature endeared him to many. We are so sorry to hear of his passing.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Harold was my teacher for more than 25 years. He taught me when I studied at MUN and he became a fixture in my life, both in and out of school. I learned so much from him; not just linguistics, but on a wide range of topics that caught his voracious curiosity. Every time I came home to Newfoundland for a visit, I met Harold for lunch to catch up, and I continued to learn from him. Those lunches were always one of the highlights of my trips home. I will miss him a lot.
Thanks for the stories. Thanks for the laughs. Thanks for the kindness. Thanks for the debates and discussions. Most of all, thanks for your friendship. I miss you.
To Pramila, Mark, Shelia and families. I have been very privileged to have met Harold. I did not spend enough time in his presence. I remember the first time was at the beach in Robert’s Arm. He came down and greeted my father, Lloyd and helped to pull up the boat. I was a youth.
Many years later, Harold was kind and caring to my mother, Edith, while she was at the Miller Centre. He did visit her and brought her some Mary Brown’s.
He inspired me when I first met him. i was impressed to read some of his published poems and to see his name on the Dictionary of Newfoundland English.
To many he was a teacher and a great leader. To a few he was a cousin or similar family member.
To the few above listed, the lady he chose and the 2 that called him dad, you knew him the most.
You have many memories. Yet, it is still sad given that a few short months ago he was full of life. My you be blessed at this time of loss as you mourn. This is like winter. But, spring will come and so will summer in full bloom. You do have enough memories to last until you meet Harold on the other side of eternity. Bless you all. Ray
Pramila and Family, sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Harold . It has been many years since we were colleagues at the Dept. of Social Services . I can still recall your immense pride Harold‘s many accomplishments . A wonderful gentleman, may he Rest In Peace.
Peter Harvey
Langley, B C
Dear Pramila and family,
I was saddened to hear of Harold’s passing. I have many fond memories of him – his good humour, his entertaining stories at dinner parties at our house, his intellect, his academic excellence, and his kindness and generosity towards his students (I was lucky enough to have been one of them). I am so very sorry that we cannot gather together to talk about him and show our support for you. Today I was in touch with a few former linguistics students via Facebook, and the consensus was that those of us who had him as a teacher, feel very fortunate and grateful to have had that experience. Sincere condolences to you all.
Dear Pramila and family,
Please accept my sympathy on the loss of Harold.
I knew Harold as a colleague at Memorial and as a poet. His liveliness and his enthusiasm for Newfoundland culture and speech and for poetry led to intense conversations over coffee at MUN and at poetry events.. I admired his passion for life, his humour, his deep connection to Beaumont and its people, and the verve of his poetry, especially his vernacular poetry.
The world is a smaller place without Harold Paddock, but I believe that his poetry, a reflection of his spirit, will live on.
Dear Pramila: I will be writing you a note in a little while, but I wanted to tell you how dear Harold was to me, and to all in our small group of what we called ‘traditional’ linguists. Harold was far and away the best teacher I’ve ever had; his wonderful theories sent me down some of the most rewarding paths toward my PhD. He always made me laugh. He will be sorely, sorely missed. I send sympathy to you all. Affectionately, Sarah Rose
Dear Pramila, . We are so sorry to hear of your dear husband’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time, and also to all of your & Harold’s family, friends, & acquaintances. Our thoughts are with you during your sorrow.
Roy & Barbara
I will always be indebted to my brother-in-law John for the selfless help he gave to myself in England, and to my parents in Canada, all with such humility and dignity. We loved his instructive and scholarly conversations about history, the English language and its origins and dialects, not to mention the tales of incredible experiences of his life. It has been an honour to know such a brilliant and kind person who will be greatly missed. Thinking of my sister Pramila, nephew Mark and niece Sheila at this sad time, with love ,
Poppi (Paul) Guram
Dear Pramila sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Pramilea and family,
So very sorry to hear of Harold’s passing.. We first met as students at MUN in the 50’s and have been friends since. Most recently I really enjoyed his company and conversations at our MUN Retiree breakfasts. My sincere condolences.
Dear Pramila
Very sad to here of Harolds passing
I have many fond memories of him during coffee time at A&W
He was truly a great Newfoundlander
Sincerely
Ranil
Dear family,
I knew Harold through our work at MUN. I got to know him a little more through our breakfast group each month. I was fortunate to always sit close enough around the table to be regaled by Harold’s many stories, both locally and from his travels. A very interesting man. We shall miss him at our table.
Dear Pramila,
Keeping you in my thoughts at this sad time in your family’s life.
Sincerely, Pamela Snow
To Pramila, Sheila, and Mark, with deepest condolences on the loss of your loving husband and father. I was so sad when I heard this news. Harold was liked by all his students over the years, he will be dearly missed. We will keep him and you in our prayers and hopefully we will see you in the future. Take care, your friend Lidwina, Cape Broyle.
Our deepest sympathies to you during this sad time, to all Harold’s family and friends, and especially his daughter Sheila.
Jean-Marc and Danielle Lemelin
We are so very sad to hear that our dear Uncle John has passed away. We have such vivid and fond memories of him, especially as children. We particularly remember one cold and snowy Christmas period, and one summer we spent together in England. We would listen, captivated, to Uncle John’s stories. He had an incredible way of telling jokes and tales, and we were always spellbound. It was a real treat for us to listen to him, and to have him in our lives. We remember him as a very kind, thoughtful and brilliantly erudite man. It is such a loss for all who knew him.
Our thoughts are with our Auntie, and our cousins Mark and Sheila. We send our love and our deepest condolences to you all.
Tara Guram and Meena Tostivin
Truly , a great human being. . His work and contribution to the Province was outstanding. My sincere condolences to the many who were close to him.
Brian Peckford
To Pramila and to June
So very sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. What a terrible and sudden loss, made all the worse for the loneliness in which you must grieve. Please know that others care and support you at this sad time.
Heidi and Derek Janes
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. Our deepest condolences to June and the Paddock family. Fond memories of my mom reminiscing with Harold about her early years in Beaumont.
I did a Newfoundland Linguistics course with Dr. Paddock many years ago at MUN. I learned alot. So sorry on your loss to his family
I had the pleasure of Harold’s company every noon hour at Tim Hortons. Crossword puzzles and tales of his interesting journeys through out the world. My condolences to his family.
Pramila, my sincere condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I met Harold in the UNTD in the late 1950’s. I was from Ontario, Harold was from NFLD. The cadet “troops” were organized on a regional basis—with a few exceptions. The highly formalized Navy tried to put all the “difficult” cadets in the same troop, and I was soon transferred to the Newfoundland troop. We were a perfect-fit, and Harold and I soon forming a special bond. His was a brilliant and creative mind, super-sensitive at finding the humour (and irony) in any situation. We met again the next summer training session in BC. That time period ended my “navy” days (Harold stayed on), and it was many years before we saw each other again, although we still kept on a sporadic, and intense, correspondence.
I will end with a story that demonstrates what a special person and friend he could be.
I didn’t see him again until the 1970’s, at which time I was briefly in NFLD, travelling with my family and another family, in tent trailers (4 adults, 5 kids). We ended up in a campground near St. John’s:and I decided to phone Harold. He recognized my voice immediately and said “come on in”. I replied that there were 9 of us, un-showered and smelly, but he repeated the invitation. We arrived shortly afterward, were greeted by Harold and Pramilla (who I was meeting for the first time!) They threw a pile of clean towels in the middle of the living room floor, and let us all shower, then Harold regaled us with lore about the cod-fishing schooners (and Newfoundland). He then whipped up a batch of “Fisherman’s Brewis” for the whole group, and spent the rest of the evening giving us a “dialect-tour” around the coast !
A night nine visitors will ever forget—nor will we ever forget Harold.
My sincere condolences to you and your family Pramila. Reading the obituary this morning showed me what a wonderful, kind and gentle soul you married. I could always hear the love in your voice when you spoke his name I’m so sorry my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
TO: Mrs. Paddock and Family:
My sincerest condolences on Harold’s passing; how quick life can change. Living right across the road from the Paddocks, we had many a good chat; he was such a personable man and a great conversationalist.. Our chats usually happened during times when we were out mowing our lawns. He was the epitome of a scholar and a gentleman. He will be missed. Rest in peace Dr. Paddock.
Dear Pramila, Mark and Sheila,
I share your sorrow during this difficult time when you lost your husband and father, my dear friend Harold. I will cherish the memories of times spent with Harold as his colleague at the Department of Linguistics, his penetrating observations and analyses of all the subtleties of Newfoundland English, his colorful life stories and his poems; and most recently the last several years of our seminar meetings. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May his soul rest in peace.
Now there goes a man who had a way with words, on so many levels. My condolences to June and family.
Pramila,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. This is such a great loss for you. I know all your friends and fellow bridge players are thinking about you during this very difficult time.
Deirdre
Pramila..
I am so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing.. My condolences and my thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. He was a gentleman and a real scholar.
Tom Dale.
To Harold’s family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father Harold and I stayed at the same boarding house during our first year at Memorial University, 10 Spencer Street near the old Memorial. We remained lifelong friends. He was also good friends of my sister and brother in law, Grace and Dawson Anthony here in Roberts Arm. He always visited them on his way to Beaumont. I last saw him when we had dinner together at my cousin Rupert Short’s home a few years ago. He will be greatly missed by his sisters, nephews and nieces as well as you his immediate family. Rest in Peace Harold.
So very saddened to hear of Harold’s passing. We met around 1957 at MUN, where we discovered that we were distant relatives and were from the same area of NFLD. We had many coffee times together and I admired his deep interest in everyone he met. He was greatly loved and respected. May the God of all comfort be with you Pramila and your family.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Harold’s passing. My sincerest condolences to his family and to his many friends. Harold’s passion for the dialects and languages of his homeland was a profound inspiration for me as a linguistics student at MUN. He was a charismatic teacher, a friend, fellow poet and my thesis advisor. I will always remember his many acts of kindness and compassion, and for his brilliant insights. His presence on earth will be missed. RIP Harold.
A teacher and conversationalist nonpareil. Rest well, Harold.
Pramila,
So saddened to hear of Harolds passing.
He was certainly a gentle soul,
Hoping the memories will help you get through this difficult time.
My condolences to you and your family.
Barb
Audrey, June and Paddock family. I recall meeting Harold many times at MUN during my time in the Registrars Office in the early 70’s I saw in him then attributes of his dear parents who were great friends of my father. RIP Harold , my sincere condolences. Mel Earle
I remember Dr. Paddock from several Linguistics courses at MUN in the 1970’s. He was one of the great professors. He combined phenomenal knowledge of his subject matter with great interest in relating to and connecting with his students and he was truly kind, and inspirational and effective. As I began a career as an educator his example and influence stayed with me. Thank you Dr. Paddock.
To Harold’s family:
My sincere condolences on Harold’s passing. I have many very fond memories of my time in at MUN. He was such a kind and wonderful man, and the kind of professor who really made you enjoy learning. I loved his stores and his humour. I have often thought of him since then. Was very sad to hear the news today.
Wishing we could all be together at this sad time but our memories will sustain us in the weeks, months and years ahead. Our brother will be greatly missed. Over the years we enjoyed wonderful and interesting conversations and lots of laughter.We celebrate his amazing life.Our love to Pramila, Sheila and Mark.From sister Audrey and brother-in-law Art
Pramila, Mark and Sheila, I am so sorry and so sad to hear of Harold’s passing. He was my father’s lifelong and best friend. Dad always said that no matter how long they went without seeing each other, it was just like time had never passed when they got together. I believe that bond was so strong because they both shared the same gentle, kind, and deep spirit. Harold used to joke that when they were young, dad had the looks so he had to have the wit, ha. Witty he was… My favorite memory is when Harold was at our house once and It was getting late, so he said he should be going (he was staying at his brother’s). However, some deep philosophical topic opened up that engaged dad, so he said “I’ll walk with you over to Ern’s”. The next day Harold dropped by again and mentioned his legs were aching. I asked why, and he said “likely because Edwin and I walked each other home six times until 3 in the morning!”
Harold’s intelligence, his work, his teaching, and most of all, his care and kindness has reached far and wide and has touched this world in a most wonderful way. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
His greatest love and pride, and his favorite topic of conversation was always his Pram, and his children. I’m so sorry for your great loss. I hope that pain, confusion and loss are very soon replaced by peace and precious memories.
Sidonie
My Dear Pramila, I am so sorry to read about your dear husbands passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I hope that your wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Barbara
Sincere condolences to Harold’s family. We were so saddened to hear of his passing. Remembering his stories of Long Island, so thankful for the memories he passed along at tributes he gave at mom and dad’s funerals. Such a sad loss. Thinking of Harold’s family at this sad time.
Condolences to Harold’s family. He was my Cadet Captain when I was a first year cadet and his lectures in navigation were a model that I tried to follow. We only met occasionally the last few years and it was always a joyful reunion.
Sorry to hear about Harold’s passing away. I didn’t know he was ill. My prayers for his soul to rest in Peace and you to have the strength to bear this loss.
My condolences to all of Dr. Harold’s family at this sorrowful time. I had many great profs at Memorial and Harold was one of the best, one of my favourites. Whether he was talking about Beaumont , Chranna (how he spelled Toronto), England (London or the West Country), Ghana, India, wherever, he was an incredible storyteller, a humourist and an equally great educator. He will be missed by so many. May he rest in peace.
Aunt Pram, Mark and Sheila;
It is with great sadness I write this note to all of you, though with that comes a love and an admiration that is without equal. Uncle Harold is a gift and my time with him was a constant intake of knowledge. I learned more about Newfoundland and my local history from him than from any other source. More importantly, I learned the history of our family and what was always clear to see from his smiles, laughter and enthusiasm was his love and appreciation for his family.
Without Uncle Harold, I don’t believe I would have gotten to know Uncle Ern as well as I did. I followed Mark’s lead with spending a week or so for several summers with Ern at home in Beaumont. Uncle Harold and Ern’s relationship was a model for how brothers should behave with one another. It should be said too, that his love and care for his sisters was deeper than most and likewise should be sought as a good example of what it is to be a sibling.
Perhaps what I cherish the most are the stories of Fa (my grandfather). Whether it was building the house in Springdale or of his time in the Great War, all came with emphasis on the fun and the good that came from those experiences. So, with the many fond memories of fishing, food and the best yarns a boy could every be exposed to, I send you all my most heartfelt warmth and love. Miss you and wish we could be there with you.
Love,
Owen, Jenn, Emma & Liam
Harold always was so concerned and thoughtful whenever we encountered troubles. As late as last fall he went ‘the extra mile’ to care for us. Garnet and I cannot express fully our sympathy and loss. We send our love for him and to you at this strange time when we would rather be with you in person. We salute you for your lifelong care and love for him.
Growing up close in age to my only brother gave me the advantage of learning from him. From early days his love for the written and spoken word as well as an uncommon appreciation for others in his life gave me my own guideposts. Pramila, Mark and Sheila, know that we are there for you. Sister June and brother-in-law Garnet
We share your grief! Harold may not be physically with you, he will be with you in soul.
Harold is a scholar & a gentleman. He is kind/soft spoken!. Our condolences to Prameela, Sheila, Mark & family.
Very sad to learn of Dr. Paddock’s passing. He was a friendly, quick-witted neighbor and always a gentleman. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I extend my condolences to Harold’s dear family and large circles of friends. Knowing Harold and working with him was one of the great joys of my time with the Department of Linguistics at MUN. A hearty laugher, he encouraged laughter, and we are all the better for it. He encouraged everyone with his words and work, and with the delight he took in all he met.
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He was such a pleasure to sit and listen to him tell many stories and his views on different issues and talk about days gone by. He was so very informative on EDUCATED MATTERS and a very quite spoken man. He will be greatly missed. To all the family, may the memories of your loved one provide you with comfort and may the support of loved ones and friends help to ease your sorrow at this difficult time. You’re in our thoughts and prayers with heartfelt sympathy.