Paul joyfully entered into eternal rest on January 6, 2024. Son of the late Martha and Viktor Kroemer and brother to his late sisters Adelheid Kroemer and Irmgard Fellhofer in Austria.

Paul was his wife Dorle’s Schatz for 51 years, and her loss in 2014 left a deep void in his heart. He will always be lieber Papa to his daughter and son-in-law, Michaela and Charles Dickison, and beloved Opa to Mikaela, Claire, Stephanie and Liam. Paul treasured the love and kindness of his dear friends and the many interesting conversations he shared with everyone he met.

Paul’s childhood memories in Germany were bleak as his family was left devastated and homeless during and after WWII. They escaped the brutal post-war Russian zone under the cover of night and made their way to Vienna, Austria, where they were given sanctuary in a convent.

Paul attended the Technological Institute in Vienna and apprenticed with a telecom manufacturer that also made portable radios. The education and skills he acquired helped him obtain an immigration visa to Canada. Paul arrived in Halifax in October 1953, only to discover that the employment he was promised in Hamilton was reneged. With only $80 left in his pocket, he scoured the region for work. He finally found a job in Toronto with Northern Telecom, took a night course in colour television and then chose a pay cut for a more interesting job as a lab technician, working on protypes of electronic measuring devices. In 1957, Paul opened his own shop, Kromer Radio, in a tiny storefront downtown that grew to become one of the leading home and car electronics stores in Toronto.

Dorle and Paul met in January 1961 through a fun circle of German friends and were married on Feb. 1, 1963. They worked tirelessly day and night to build their business while raising Michaela and actively supporting many church and charitable initiatives. In 1998, Paul and Dorle took over Renewal Ministries’ Toronto Lift Jesus Higher Rally and, together with an exceptional team of fellow volunteers, they organized the largest annual gathering of Catholics in Canada for the next 17 years.

Paul and Dorle finally retired in 2012 and moved to Kingston to be closer to Michaela, Charles and their grandchildren. After Dorle passed away, the loyal companionship of his sweet German shepherds brought him great comfort. Even as his body declined in later years, Paul’s mind remained sharp, and his interest in the world and concern for others endured.

Paul’s inspiring vision, intense work ethic and deep faith created a potent force for good in both the community and business world. A good and faithful servant, he touched countless lives with his generosity and unwavering support. Above all, he lived to lift Jesus higher.

Papa and Opa, we will miss your quick wit, profound insights and most of all, your tender heart. Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh.

The family invites visitors to James Reid Funeral Home on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm and again on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 9:00 am - 10:30 am. Please enter through the rear doors into the Reception Centre. 

Due to limited space, please RSVP to attend the Mass at Holy Family Parish on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm. You can RSVP by clicking the button under the Mass details below or calling James Reid Funeral Home at 613-544-3411.  For those not able to attend in person, you can register to attend via livestream by CLICKING HERE or the link below. This will be followed by a Reception to be held at River Mill Restaurant at 1:30 pm.