Paul Edward Oliver

It is with profound sadness that the family of Paul Edward Oliver, loving husband of Wendy Lou (Noble) Oliver, wish to announce his passing which occurred unexpectedly on July 28, 2021. Born in Saint John on September 25, 1953, he was the son of Rosetta (Dobson) Martin and the late Edgar Henry Oliver.

He was employed with Saint John Ship Building Ltd. For over 25+ years and Bourque Industrial. He loved his motorcycle; computer games; chess master; and was very handy around the house and often helped his many friends with their projects. Above all else he was a loving husband and father who cherished his family and pets. Throughout his Karate career, he was able to travel the globe and he enjoyed life to the fullest!

His passion in life was Karate which started in 1972. He attained Shodan (1 st degree) in 1977, Nidan (2 nd degree) in 1980, and his Sandan (3 rd degree) - directly from O'sensei Chitose in 1982. In 1984 he was the first Maritimer to become “The National Champion” and won the National Sportsman Award. He was inaugurated as Karate New Brunswick's Chairman of the Technical Committee in 1985. At the National Champions in 1989 he was recognized as the most consistent winning competitor of the Nationals for 10 consecutive years. In 1990 he achieved Yondon (4 th degree) from Chito-Ryu Soke Sensei Chitose. In 1992 he became trained as one of the first Technical Master Course Conductors for Karate (NCCP) and was named head of the KNB Coaching Committee and was upgraded to Chito-Ryu Shidoin (Certified master Instructor). He retired from active N.K.A. Competition within Canada, after 14 years. In 1995 he was selected as the Canadian National Coach for Chito-Ryu World Campanionships in Japan and became the first Canadian to ever win the Soke Cup becoming World Chito-Ryu Grand Champion. That year he was named as “Male Athlete of the Year” for the City of Saint John and the first karate athlete ever to achieve it. In 1997 he attained the title of “Shihan” from Chito-Ryu Soke Sensei. In 2000 he became the first Karateka in New Brunswick to be inducted into the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame. In 2001 he attained 5 th Dan in Japan from the Sohombu Technical Committee. He was elected President of Karate New Brunswick in 2002. 2003 saw him selected as NKA Coach of the Year at the Canadian Nationals and in 2004 he was selected to be a Karate Canada National Coach. In 2005 he founded a new karate style Shintora-Kia Canada which became recognized by Karate Canada. In 2006 he was elected as NKA-NCCP Chair and attained WKF Godan certificate. In 2007 he wrote the New Coaching Program for Karate that was conditionally approved by the Coaching Association of Canada, elected 2nd VP for the NKA, selected to chair both the NKA-LTAD Program, Long Term Athlete Development and the Athlete Assistance Program, coached Canada's first World Junior Kumite medalist, designed both Kyu and Udansha Technical Manuals for Shintora-Kai Canada and was promoted to 6th degree By Tsuruoka Sensei in 2008. In 2009 he attained WKF Roku Dan Certificate and wrote the Two Pathways for Karate for the Government of Canada. 2010 was the last year as Karate Canada National Coach. In 2013 he attained the 7th Dan Kyoshi from Tsuruoka Sensei and started the McCarthy Sensei seminars in 2016.

Besides his loving wife he is survived by his children; Luke (Amanda) and Tara Lou, his beloved dog Ollie, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Shirley Jack.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424).  Following cremation, visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 between the hours of 6:00 pm - 8:30pm. Donations in memory of Paul may be made to the New Brunswick Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Children's Wish Foundation or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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