U of M loses beloved bus briver to heart attack
Faculty and students share words on Paul Willsie
COURTNEY MACQUARRIE
Paul Willsie, a University of Manitoba shuttle bus driver, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Willsie, a respected Vital Transit employee who was contracted out to the University Shuttle Services, ran the bus route on the Fort Garry Campus on weekdays. His sudden passing came as a shock to family, friends, and members of the University community who knew and appreciated the enthusiasm he brought to his job every single day.
Willsie died of a fatal heart attack, the second one he had suffered this year. In addition to heart-related health problems he also suffered from gout and had taken time off from driving earlier this year for medical reasons.
Norma Carswell, the manager of Parking and Shuttle Services, had kind words to share about Paul and his time working at the university.
“He took an interest in everyone, and knew his regulars on a first-name basis,” said Carswell. She described the fun and enthusiastic approach Paul took to his job and called him “a great ambassador to the university and for the Shuttle Services.”
Fellow driver John McCartann shared similar sentiments on Paul’s life. “He was a great guy, still young, and loved sports, travelling, and his family. Everyone at his funeral service had nothing but the best things to say about Paul, and even though he was somewhat closed in sharing the details of his life, he made sure everyday at work to connect and empathize with bus passengers in a fun-loving and caring manner.”
Students felt the same way about Paul, always acknowledging him as they got on the bus with a friendly “hello” and almost no one left without thanking him.
“It's people like him that make the university a better place,” recalled University 1 student Penny Wong. “The best thing about Paul was that he would never leave anyone out in the cold, and squeezed as many students as possible onto the bus so that no one would ever get left behind.”
Many students recall the month of December when Paul would sport a Santa hat, trying to get everyone into the holiday spirit. The pride Paul took in his job was evident, and his entertaining and fun personality shone through each and every day.
