All of us across the Can-SOLVE CKD Network are saddened by the passing of Paul Duperron. Paul was a Can-SOLVE CKD patient partner who made many contributions to kidney health research through his involvement in six research projects. His commitment to improving the health of those living with kidney disease was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Paul was also a key contributor to planning the annual CANA/Can-SOLVE CKD Joint Symposium. At the 2018 symposium in Vancouver, he spoke passionately on his experience of kidney disease symptoms, giving voice to an important patient perspective.

Beyond his work with Can-SOLVE CKD, Paul was actively involved with the Prince George Chapter of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch, recently serving as a board member. In this role, he worked tirelessly to offer support to patients and their caregivers and participated in fundraisers such as March Drive and the Prince George Kidney Walk.

Paul was a strong believer in the importance of patient involvement in research and treatment. In the face of health challenges, he devoted his time and energy selflessly to do whatever he could to improve the quality of life for other patients. “I have high hopes of there being a cure for kidney failure someday,” he wrote in his introductory message to fellow patient partners. All of us share this hope and will continue driving towards this goal inspired by Paul’s memory.

We are collecting messages to pass on to Paul’s family. Please feel free to share your memories and condolences in the space below.

Please join us for a celebration of life for Paul Duperron, Saturday June 8, 2019 (11-3). Ceremony starts at 11:30 am with refreshments after.

Hart Pioneer Centre
6986 Hart Highway
Prince George, BC
Interment at Prince George Cemetery at 3:30

It was such a pleasure to work with Paul on CanSOLVE initiatives. He was always so thoughtful, interested, and dedicated to improving experiences and outcomes for people with kidney disease. We are indebted to him for his generous contributions. With condolences to his family.

Matthew James

Our deepest sympathy to Louise, Guy, & the rest of the family

Alf & Denise

Paul and I were friends for many decades so we had lots to talk about when we got together. A couple years ago I was able to spend an evening with him during his dialysis treatment which lasted several hours. There were so many things I didn’t know about kidney disease until that evening. Paul explained every step, every instrument reading and exactly what dialysis was doing. Paul was always so positive, before that night I didn’t realize how hard that must have been and how hard it is to live with kidney disease. I continue to share my experience from that evening so more people know how important it is to continue research on kidney disease.

Rod Duncan

My brother Paul was a very wonderful person. It warms heart to see and hear how many agreed. His sudden passing was a shock to myself and my other brothers Lou, Andy and Joe. My husband who considered Paul a brother will miss him as much as I will. I will miss him forever and I only hope that my parents have him firmly wrapped in their arms Thanks to all who have posted condolences. I will keep in touch with Dianne who has been a part of our family for 48 yrs

Louise Piquette

Paul had a great sense of humour. I appreciated that he found time to laugh at my family’s antics and comment on our daily struggles with kids and now teens. He will be missed

Paul will be sadly missed by many people who remember his for his kindness, his lovely smile, his generosity and his Diane. Paul telling me about dancing with Diane as one of his favourite things made me happy, and reminded me that it’s the people we love who matter most. My heart and big hugs go out to Diane and to Paul’s family at this sad time. With love, Karen

Karen Philp

My deepest sympathy to Paul’s wife and family. I was privileged to have known him and worked with him through Can-SOLVE CKD. His work and dedication will not be forgotten.

Chantal Boucher

Many thanks, Paul (and Diane), for your commitment in bettering the life of those living with kidney disease. Paul always inspired me with his good cheers and honesty in the conversations we had. He was often curious and asked great questions. May his legacy, positive spirit and high hopes live on as we work together toward better kidney health for all. With thoughts and prayers,

Helen Chiu

It was a pleasure to get to know Paul in his capacity as a patient representative for our CAN-SOLVE project. He was a brave and feisty fighter for improving life of individuals along their journey with kidney disease. He had a major impact on our project design and the study would not look the same today had he not made such important contributions. He will be greatly missed by our entire group – in Toronto and across Canada. It was a privilege to work with him. Sending my condolences and thanks to his family.

Dr. Heather Reich

I am sorry to hear about the passing of Paul. I chatted with him in Vancouver and found him to be an inspiration for people living with kidney disease and a strong advocate for patient involvement in research.

It was an honour to meet and work with him.

Tiffany Bell

Condolences from the Victoria Chapter of the Kidney Foundation.

I had the pleasure of working with Paul on our Can-SOLVE CKD project and I appreciated his enthusiasm and passion for improving the lives of individuals with kidney disease that was readily apparent by his level of involvement in Can-SOLVE CKD and KFOC. Last year we revised an informed consent form for our study, the last thing he did was sign it and and tell me that he was then ready to participate in it as soon as possible! I will miss his sense of humour and gentleness as he supported not only our project but also my development as researcher new to clinical trials. Our research team at PHRI will miss you Paul and we hope to continue on with our work with the grace and commitment that you taught us.

David Collister

I was so saddened when I heard of Paul’s passing yesterday.I had never met Paul personally but as Patient Partner with Can-Solve CKD we participated in many conference calls the past 3 years and could tell how dedicated he was to Kidney Disease.Paul and myself were at the beginning of the Empathy Project this has shaken me as on Kidney Days in Calgary I was to speak as Patient Partner, which I did but was grieving as I spoke. I send my deepest condolences to Paul’s family at this time and our thoughts are with you.

Sincerely,
Robert Buzinski

Paul will truly be missed @ CanSolve, I loved spending time with him & his wife Diane, he was an inspiration to all of us!

Cathy

Paul was an inspiration. His quiet energy and persistent support gave a voice to many kidney patients. With the support of his wife he was a true force. We will miss you Paul. Very much.

Susan McKenzie

As I reflect on my interactions with Paul, I am reminded of his inner strength, resiliency and the grace with which he managed his kidney problems and the need for dialysis. He was such a passionate supporter for people with kidney disease, and seemed to have limitless energy to support CanSOLVE CKD projects. As with Michael Gladish, Barb LeGay, Roger Hillier and other people with kidney disease who have passed, I will keep Paul in my thoughts as we continue to work together to improve the lives of people with kidney disease.

Braden Manns

Deepest condolences to the Duperron family. Paul has been truly inspirational in his leadership and motivation in contributing to advocating for better care. I was always amazed at how organized Paul and Diane. I will remember him as someone that asks the hard questions and through them, it’s how we innovate. He will be missed.

Mila

Dear Diane and family, we are so saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. I am truly left without words to tell you how truly sad to hear this news. I think back on our first meeting of you and Paul in Halifax at the first Can-Solve CKD meeting and knowing how much You,Paul,Ken and I share the same passions to help prevent, support and advocate for kidney disease patients. Paul will have left a lasting legacy of his advocacy for people with kidney disease. I will always remember Paul’s beautiful smile.

Carol Connolly

So Sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He will be greatly missed.

Dwight Sparkes