Paul Stanford Gotto
June 6, 1947 – September 3, 2025
Born in the Cottage Hospital, Bovey Tracey, Devon, England to Jane Chaffey Gotto and Mark Stanford Gotto. Educated at Douie Hill School in England. After finishing school Paul arrived in Canada to visit his Maternal grandparents for the first time, and decided not to go back to England.
Growing up in England, Paul was involved with the Boy Scouts where he earned his Duke of Edinburgh award and became a Queen Scout, where he went to Africa and helped set up a First Aide Station at a Jamboree. His father being in the British Navy gave Paul a chance to travel and live in Malta and Ghana where his parents were stationed for a number of years.
Paul settled down on the Saanich Peninsula with his family, until he met Gail and after a six month courtship were married in February 1969. While working at Westcraft Windows and attaining his Class A First Aide ticket, he had the opportunity to apply for a job with the Provincial Ambulance Service in 1974, and the start of a new career. Paul started out as an EMA I, EMAII, EMAIII and the on to being a Paramedic. Paul was also initial in setting up the Flight Ambulance Service in Victoria, and became a Flight Medic for a number of years.
Half way through his career, Paul had the opportunity to join the Managment team of BCAS where he became a Unit Chief in Victoria and then a Regional Manager for the Kootenay Area. While in the Kootenays he spent some time hunting and fishing with his two boys. After a couple of years he was brought back to Victoria to work out of Headquarters where he was involved and in charge of the Regional Directors as well as involved with Labour Management Negotiations. Paul also went with a contingency of Medical Staff to Singapore, where they helped set up their Ambulance programme. Paul became to Executive Director of the now Emergency Health Services where he retired after a thirty year career. The last time Paul wore his uniform proudly was at the Fallen Paramedics Memorial Service on May 6, 2025.
When Paul retired, we moved to Woodwynn Farm to help his uncle, and were there for almost twelve years. Paul and Gail spent their time boating the Gulf and San Juan Islands, Desolation Sound and The Broughtons for a number of years, he also slipped in a trip to Alaska with a couple of his buddies. Paul spent time hunting with his son Chris and doing the Bonneville Salt Flats with his youngest son Mike.
Paul and Gail also spent time travelling to places like Mexico, Costa Rica, The Panama Canal, Bahamas, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, Singapore, Bali, Turkey, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. The past eleven years they wintered down in Southern California, where they made some great friends, but were always happy to arrive back home.
Paul leaves behind his wife Gail of 56 1/2 years, with his two sons, Christopher (Sarah) Michael (Cristina). Grandchildren Tyler(Alysha and little Ellie) Michael Logan(Kat) Taylor, Jacob, Hailey(Jordan). Brothers John (Doris) Julian – nieces Penny (Todigan) Jill (Mark and Sawyer). Sister-in-law Helen and niece Sarah (Orien) (Aiden and Keely) Brother in law Doug (Susan) Cousin Frances (Dave) and family. Many nieces and nephews in Scotland. He will be sorely missed.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Paul on September 23rd at the Saanichton Fair Grounds – starting at 1:30 pm