Paul Eljean Knoll

Paul Eljean Knoll passed away suddenly in Calgary on October 24, 2025. Paul is survived by his daughters, Toddene (Witold) and Elizabeth, his son, Lyndon (Rachel) and his brother, William “Bill” of Cobourg, Ontario. He is also survived by grandchildren Antonina, Natalia, Felicja, Justina, Lorenzo, Chantal, Maria, Amelia, Giorgio, Phoebe-Paula, and Zipporah. Paul had two great-grandsons, José and Antoni. He also leaves former wives Jackie and Michelle.

Paul was born on March 5, 1936 in Toronto to Kathleen Rodgers. Kathleen managed to raise him during the Great Depression with the considerable help of her sisters Margeurite and Joyce

During World War II, Kathleen met Alfred (“Bill”) Knoll of Chezacut, BC and they formed a lifelong attachment. After the war, they lived in Toronto for a few years and then Alfred, Kathleen and Paul went out to a ranch in a very remote part of B.C. There, Paul fell in love with Western Canada, an affection that lasted the rest of his life. Alfred, Kathleen, Paul and infant William returned to Toronto in 1950.

Paul found work in Toronto driving transport trucks. He was a crew member on a tanker that sailed to Venezuela and back and also visited Greenland.

Paul went back to school and trained as a draftsman. It was also at this time that he began his involvement with Judo. Paul had always been interested in the martial arts, and felt that Judo would be a positive influence on his children.

In 1975, Paul and his family relocated to Calgary. There, Paul found work in the oil patch, where he remained for the rest of his working life. In Calgary, he continued his involvement in Judo, as a competitor, instructor, coach and referee.

Paul was the founder of the Ishi Yama Judo Club and the Rocky Mountain Invitational Judo Tournament. He held the rank of 6th degree black belt (Rokudan) and was an International Judo Federation “C” Referee. Two of his students, Keith and Colin Morgan, became Olympians. Judo Alberta honoured his contribution to Judo by making him a Life Member.

Paul was a good man and lived a good life. He will be sorely missed.

As per Paul’s wishes, there will be no funeral. However, a Celebration of Life will take place in the future on a date to be announced.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Eljean Knoll, please visit our floral store.