In Loving
Memory

Paul Leonard Begin

April 26, 1938 – September 11, 2023

Paul Leonard Begin, age 85, of North Chesterfield, Virginia passed away on September 11, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandpa, and friend who will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Paul was born on April 26, 1938, in Barre, Vermont and spent his formative years in Hoosick Falls, New York. He went on to attend college at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, preparing him for a long, successful career that started in marketing with Milliken & Company in New York City and ultimately positioned himself to own his own business, Paul L. Begin & Associates, which focused predominantly on improving hotel operating efficiencies. But perhaps Paul’s most gratifying employment came post-retirement when he helped his wife, Christine, start an in-home childcare business, A Sense of Pride. Paul was not shy about taking a hands-on approach as a “surrogate grandpa” to the hundreds of children who would attend the school over its 21-year history. These children all grew up to love “Mr. Paul”.

As a father, Paul will be remembered for his teasing sense of humor, acknowledging accomplishments, and ability to make friends wherever he went. Memories from family camping trips, sand dunes, sailing, and Hoosick Falls will stay in our hearts, along with him. As a husband, Paul was a rock.  He was even-tempered, eternally optimistic, and could handle the toughest of situations with calmness and grace. He loved deeply and never missed an opportunity to insert humor into any situation. His hearty laugh was contagious and a trademark to all who knew him.

Paul’s faith in Jesus grew each year along with his base of life-long Christian friends. Paul especially had a heart for incarcerated strangers as evidenced by his many years of volunteer work with Kairos Prison Ministry. He had a particular fondness for his many Bible studies, church dinners, and singing in the choir. Paul loved to sing, dance, and listen to music. If he wasn’t doing any of these, there’s a good chance you could hear him softly humming a tune.

Paul made the decision to be baptized during his last year of life on September 18, 2022. In Paul’s own words, “I was baptized as an infant but that was my parent’s decision. As an adult, I want to be baptized to express my faith and desire to follow Christ as my Lord and Savior.” His favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6. Paul trusted in the Lord with all his heart and strength and now we can confidently say he is with his savior, Jesus Christ for all of eternity.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Raoul and Albertine Begin, and his brother Kenneth. He is survived by his wife, Christine, his children, Sue, Bill, and Katie, his stepchildren Greg, Heidi, and Suzie, his 12 grandchildren, his sisters Shirley and Beverly, his brother-in-law Ed, and former wife, Barbara. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, especially his little dog, Annie, who was a fixture by his side in his final years.

A memorial service and reception will be held for Paul’s family and friends at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond, VA at 11:00 AM on September 25, 2023.