Paul DEARING Priest

Dearing Priest passed away peacefully at Hospice House in Fredericton on the evening of August 17th, 2022 at the age of 87. P. Dearing (P.D.) was born at home on January 7th, 1935 in Sisson Ridge, Victoria County, NB. He was the firstborn to the late Maria (Spence) and Watson Priest. He spent his early years in New Brunswick and then moved with his family to Ontario. His only sister Pearle and his younger brother Ron, both living in Ontario, remained in his life until death. Dearing loved to reminisce of their childhood and their phone calls brought a smile to his face.

In addition to his parents, Dearing was predeceased by two brothers Durling and Raymond. Dearing had many Priest cousins in NB and enjoyed keeping in touch. The story is told that he drove into Temperance Vale in 1957 to be with his late Uncle Raymond and his young family, who were pastoring a local church. Dearing bought the General Store from Ora and Myra Bartlett and made the Vale, his forever home! Ora and Myra were his adopted-by-love parents, and he cared for them until their death.

On December 31st, 1958, he married Betty Ann MacFarlane and with that marriage, her family became his. He loved the Earl and Nora MacFarlane family, dearly. They went on to have 4 children: Stephen (Tanya); William (Wes/Bec); Nathan (Carla) and Susanne (Mark). He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren–all were active in his life. He greatly mourned the passing of daughter-in-law Lynn Priest and grand-daughters Norah Sue Slack and Crystal Lee Witty.

Known as Paul by business folks, while running the General Store, he started a bulk fuel delivery business called Paul Priest Enterprises. He sold the store in the late 1970s but continued to be the ‘oil man’ until he was 64 years of age. He was known around Nackawic and surrounding areas for delivering oil to homes, businesses and wood workers. Dearing loved God deeply and reverently. He was a faithful attendant at Temperance Vale United Pentecostal Church. Dad lived the Word. He was an example of the expression ‘Still Waters Run Deep’. He had great wit, twinkling eyes and a kind smile. When he spoke, folks listened.

Visiting hours were 2-4 p.m. on Friday, August 26th, 2022 at the Temperance Vale United Pentecostal Church, 34 Pike Hill Road, Temperance Vale, NB and the funeral took place at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Ralph Fowler and Rev. Wayne Schriver officiating. Grandson Griffynn played Amazing Grace on bagpipes as the family were seated. Dearing's daughter Susanne delivered a eulogy. Music was provided by Nancy and David Arbeau. Interment took place at Temperance Vale Cemetery followed by a reception at the Temperance Vale Community Hall

Since he loved to see children go to summer camp, the family suggests any donations in his memory be made to Bannon Camp at [email protected] or payable online on our Website 'Make a Donation'.

Pallbearers were grandsons: Lucas, Mike, Jon, Jordan D., Jordan P. and cousin Ron King. Honorary Pallbearers were granddaughters: Katie, Makala, McKenzie, Ashlynn and Bronwynn.


Arrangements by Flewelling Funeral Home, Nackawic, NB.
www.flewellingswan.com