KIRWAN , Paul Joshua Kirwan

Kirwan, Paul Joshua – At the age of 25, went home to his Savior surrounded by his family on Saturday the 16th of August after a courageous six-year fight with cancer.

Paul was born April 5th, 2000 in Windsor, Ontario. He grew up in a homeschooling family in North Ridge near the Dairy Freeze, moving to Essex at the age of five. He completed his grade 12 at Tilbury High School.

Paul loved his church community. He came out on Sunday mornings for the main service and enjoyed meetings with the young adults on Tuesdays. Paul took advantage of many opportunities to serve by volunteering his help. He joined a group from the men’s ministry, meeting weekly for a discipleship study focused on truly following Jesus. His walk with the Lord was a blessing to all who witnessed it and encouraged many others in their own faith.

Paul was diagnosed with cancer in July 2019. He fought that cancer with determination, courage, strength, and unwavering optimism. Shortly thereafter he and his four brothers formed a “brother chat,” which became a central source of strength, drawing the five brothers into a closely knit bond.

He was an exceptionally hard worker who enjoyed construction and working with his hands. Despite repeated interruptions due to cancer, Paul returned to work whenever he could. In 2023 he began his carpenter’s apprenticeship and even launched his own renovation business, Kreuzen Carpentry, which he successfully operated until his final recurrence in December 2024.

Paul enjoyed the outdoors and camping, especially the yearly Kirwan Thanksgiving gatherings at Presqu’ile. His final camping adventure was a 5-day winter trip with his best friend and cousin Thomas near Elliot Lake in February of this year. Compassionate to the core, Paul spent countless hours helping those less fortunate, always willing to lend a hand at homeless shelters and soup kitchens.

Paul fulfilled a dream in 2021 by owning a motorbike. He spent many hours riding, visiting friends and family, or heading out on evening drives across the county. Special thanks to cousin and best friend Thomas and buddy Trevor, who provided Paul with a welcoming home these past few years.

Paul is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Carl and Evelyn Kogel.

At Paul’s request, cremation has taken place. Memorial visiting at Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233) on Thursday from 2–4:40 pm and 6:30–9 pm. Memorial Service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11 am.

In memory of Paul, donations can be made to the Downtown Mission.

A very special thanks to the hospice team. They went above and beyond in their 24/7 availability, care, compassion, and management. We could not have completed this journey without you. We also deeply appreciate our community nurses Charlyn and Candice who cared so deeply for Paul. Thank you.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Reid Funeral Home.