Brothers,

Brother John Bell, Beta Sigma #16 recently reported that Brother Paul Buffett, Beta Sigma #2C had passed away. There was no funeral or celebration of life. Here is Brother Bell’s eulogy to his dear friend.

I am pleased to provide a simple tale that captures the man. Established in 1965. Paul was a charter brother (#2) of the Beta Sigma Chapter at Alderwood Collegiate in West Toronto.

The memorable event happened more than 60 years ago – just one of several recollections that defined Paul Buffett. We met as teenagers and remained close friends for the remainder of his life. Paul lived that life without a mean bone in his body. He was an exceedingly kind, caring, and gentle man.

I remember the day a dog ran across the road in front of his moving car. Paul, still a teenager, slammed on the brakes, too late. One of his tires ran over the dog. Paul pulled over to the side of the road, hopped out of the car, and looked down at the dead dog. As Paul picked up the animal, tears streamed down his cheeks. He walked to the closest house with the dead dog cuddled in his arms, his grief evident. Seeing this stranger’s sorrow, the owners grieved for their dog and for the man who had terminated its life.

I moved to Vancouver at the age of thirty, so our time together was reduced substantially. He came to visit us a few times, and I looked him up on occasion when I was in Toronto on business.

It was a privilege to call Paul Buffett a best friend. This privilege extended to his family – particularly his father, whom Paul referred to as “Percy Pie-Crust.” For three years, Percy gave me a morning lift into downtown Toronto where I attended Ryerson University. It was a morning journey with conversations I enjoyed immensely. Percy became my friend and my daily entertainment. My parents became good friends of the Buffetts. I was delighted to know that.

Paul, now gone. The memories, not so. Rest in peace old friend.

Brother John Bell, Beta Sigma #16