Paul has lived in the Toronto area most of his life. His grey hair is a witness to raising six teens and having nine grandkids. He studied at U of T and took several theology courses at Trinity College, but literature has always been a great love. For over a decade, he facilitated a book, poetry, and movie group at Redeemer's Common Table. He retired from the civil service a number of years ago—a career that included five years as Vice President of CUPE 1750. Paul has an abiding interest in the writing, poetry, and art of the Trappist monk Thomas Merton, and currently serves as the President of the International Thomas Merton Society.