In Memory - Paul King

This tribute is to a man, Paul King, who has gone from our lives for close to one year now.  He is so missed by us all and not a day goes by that a thought of him doesn’t develop in our minds, I’m sure.  In every chair I sit at, I can imagine what he would be doing at that time of the day.  We had many wonderful times together with our family, friends, and relatives.  He prepared me for that sad day in many ways and I didn’t even notice at the time.  He is the man that could reach me to teach me about love, life, respect, compassion and most of all, patience.  He never spoke a mean word about anyone and always tried to help others in need…if he could.  I always knew we would have to part someday, I didn’t think it would be so soon. 

“I’m not ashamed to say this, I was only twelve and he was fourteen when we looked at each other and we smiled, almost 50 years ago at that.  From 1962, Valentines Day to the same holiday in 2012, we belonged to each other. On his 1st anniversary after his death is when we separate forever I’m told.

With this tribute, I wanted people to know that during Paul’s teenage years is when he made his mark with his athletic talents before stricken with RA.  We can never figure out why things happen the way they do, but sometimes, things aren’t fair.  With his sports, he never bragged, he never showed off, he just did his job.  In Salmon River, he was a member of the Varsity Track team and succeeded in setting a record there for the 100-yard dash. He also played football and hockey while he was a student at SRC. During his first year of skating with the Shamrocks, his name got out to the community, “this young guy can skate and he’s fast!” 

I remember when he was asked to play on the men’s team from Ahkwesahsne and the Long Sault League. A year or so later, he was being scouted by an NHL team. If you knew Paul, you’d remember that he was a quiet person and didn’t want to leave his comfortable place with his family at that time.

After our marriage, we worked very hard together while clearing land. We made our home in Tsisnaihne and met so many wonderful people. With two young children then, Paul began to play softball as a pitcher with the SNYE BUMS. Again, he became popular with his fast and strong pitching style, so much that young kids imitated him and wanted to be just like him. Many more good memories were born to add to all the others.

At the wake last year, many of Paul’s friends stopped over and shared some stories of him. If only you knew how much that helped us during that painful period, niawen.

Erin Oakes talked about how PK would rig up his own gym in his father’s barn using weights and other raw materials. He worked out daily, which resulted in him to be one strong man. Erin and PK would skate on the river until 2 or 3 in the morning sometimes. PK would say, “I hid some tires so we can skate some more.”

Mike Benedict remembered that the North Bay All Native Tournament was probably the last time he saw PK skate. The pain was setting in now. Mike smiled as he said we were all so shy that we changed our clothes in the dark. Two couples shared a room, Kings and Benedicts.

Bill LaFrance recalled when Paul was young and living in Kanatakon, he would go to visit his brother Jerry who was Bill’s neighbor.  When the young kids knew he was coming around they would run over to go and see PK.  To Bill, it was like Mohammed Ali was coming to town, the kids were so excited.

Ron Swamp said Paul used to pull him on a sled on the ice as he skated. Ron said, “It’s the fastest ride I ever had.” 

Karonioteh said of his Uncle...”I used to like to listen to him when he talked like Donald Duck.”

Mike Sunday was a Snye Bum teammate. He came to the wake and he asked me the age of Paul. I said 64. Mike shook his head in surprise and began to talk about Paul’s good softball plays. Mike then said, “When I get up there, maybe we can play some more softball.”

Wayne Thomas told about the times he and his teenage friends used to play in the village, a game called “Pom Pom Palaway.” It was like a hide and seek game. Anyway, Wayne remembered Paul getting picked up by someone in a car and told the guys he had to leave.  Next time he saw Paul he told him he was getting married.  When Wayne saw him again, he told the guys he was having a baby.

Memories of an ex-team mate.

Written by Ronald Thomas on March 2, 2012

Back in the mid sixties, we had a senior men’s hockey team participating in the Long Sault Hockey League.  The teams were all from local towns from St. Andrews, Ingleside, Long Sault, Williamstown, King George/Cornwall, St. Regis and Cornwall Island.

It was a very tough competition as most of the teams consisted of ex-Junior and ex-Senior players. As all the games were held at Long Sault Arena and it had natural ice, our season was a condensed 20 game schedule.  Most times we had to complete the season in Cornwall, which had artificial ice

Our first season was not successful and served as a test to improve the team with an influx of younger players.  We began scouting the local high schools and came up with five recruits and Paul Jr. King was one of them. He was seventeen years old and he skated like the wind, and was a member of the Varsity team at Salmon River Central School.  In fact he was scouted by several Jr. “A” hockey teams.

Needless to say, our next season was more successful with the combination of seasoned veterans and a bevy of young skaters. We ended up in the league championship series only to lose in a seven game series.  From then on, we commenced to win three championships in a row and Paul was a major contributor.

Later on in the 70’s, we entered into the Aboriginal Natives of Ontario provincial series.  Other teams were from Deseronto, Golden Lake, Nippissing, Wikwemikong, Sault St. Marie, etc. By then, Paul and the new recruits were seasoned veterans; they enjoyed much success and compiled an impressive array of Championships under their belts.  During these travels through Ontario, Paul Jr. was always quiet and a complete gentleman.  It was an honor to be associated with him.  He was a proud representative of Akwesasne with his skill and sportsmanship.

It is with grief to note that we have lost another great athlete and he will be missed. “Whenever the powers of authority decide that Akwesasne needs a Sports Hall of Fame, Paul Jr. will be one of the most deserving inductees.” 

Written by Ron Thomas and the King family expresses a huge amount of appreciation back to you.

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Just a little note from Mrs. King: Hold your loved ones close and whisper in their ear, tell them how much you love them and tell them you’ll always be there for them.  Take time to say you are sorry, please forgive me, niawen or it’s okay.  If tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regrets about today.

He left us with beautiful memories and his love is still our guide. 

Sesi, Aaron and family, Leanne and family, and Dawn and family.

Plus “Honey” his dog.