News & Updates

Saying Goodbye to Paul Mackenzie

Posted on Sep 28 2017

On Sunday, September 24th Paul Mackenzie, 78, passed away following a battle with lung cancer. Paul, perhaps best known locally as the beloved Paula the Clown, was a fixture at Squamish Days for over 50 years.

Following his retirement from clowning in 1999, Paul Mackenzie took centre stage as Squamish Days Show MC, taking over from long time voice of Squamish Days Al McIntosh. Paul hosted the shows until 2014 when he then passed the torch to Armand Hurford. Though Paul did come out of clown retirement – in true Paula fashion! – to help celebrate the Squamish Days 50th Anniversary in 2007.

Paul also loved participating in the World Championship Chair Carve event, which he continued to attend every year even after he was no longer show MC. Paul’s signature chair, with the step back, was sought after by all in attendance and continually raised money at the event.

Paul’s dedication to loggers sports reached much farther than just Squamish. While most Squamish locals think of Paula the Clown as a Squamish Days Loggers Sports tradition, many other communities around BC, Washington State, and the world had the pleasure of taking part in Paula’s lumberjack clown antics. Paul’s final appearance as Paula the Clown took place in Hoquiam, Washington at the Loggers Playday event just a few weeks ago – another event at which he spent many, many years entertaining the crowds.

Paul Mackenzie was a valued member of not only the Squamish Days family, but also the entire loggers sports community, and he will be greatly missed.