Former Cobourg police deputy chief ‘will be remembered with great respect’
By reporter Natalie Hamilton
Members of the Cobourg Police Service (CPS) joined Paul Eddy’s family and friends at a recent celebration of life in Cobourg to honour the force’s former deputy police chief.
Eddy passed away on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre in Cobourg.
He was 84 years old.
Eddy dedicated more than 30 years of his life to policing and to serving the Cobourg community, CPS chief Chris Leather told the Independent.
“Throughout his career, he earned the respect of his colleagues and the community through his professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Leather.
Eddy officially retired in 1996.
“A career in policing is ultimately about service, and one of the greatest legacies an officer can leave is inspiring others to follow that same path,” said Leather. “We are especially proud to see that legacy continue through his grandson Const. Jeremy Eddy, who now carries on his family’s tradition of service with the CPS.”
Leather said on behalf of the members and staff of the CPS, he extends his “deepest condolences” to Eddy’s family, friends, former colleagues and all those who knew the former deputy chief and those who served alongside him.
“His contribution to our community and to the CPS will be remembered with great respect,” the chief said.
In a town release, officials also noted that in recognition of his distinguished service, Eddy was awarded the Police Exemplary Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada in 1985 and received the First Bar to the medal in 1996, marking his three decades of service.
Eddy was the beloved husband of his first wife, the late Betty “Boo” Eddy, and his second wife, Cash Eddy, his obituary reads. He was the cherished father of Don (Phyllis) Eddy, Scott (Sharon) Eddy and Wendy Smith and stepfather to Randy (Jenny) Richardson, Dan (Tammy) Richardson and Greg (Wendy) Richardson. He was also the loving grandfather of Jessica (Jeremy Savoie), Jeremy (Jessica Wynn) Eddy, Christine Eddy, Ben (Toriann) Eddy, Dana Smith and Erin Smith, and a great-grandfather to Anna, Oliver, Grayson and Janessa.
His obituary also stated he was the dear brother of Mary Bertin (David) and brother-in-law to Judy Eddy. Eddy was predeceased by his siblings Jim and Pete.
“He will be dearly missed by his cousin, Garnett.”
In addition, Eddy will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Town of Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland said “our community has lost a pillar” with Eddy’s passing.
“Beyond the badge, Paul was a man who understood the true meaning of community,” said Cleveland, in a social media post.
“He didn’t just serve Cobourg; he built a legacy of service that became a cornerstone of his family. Seeing his children and grandchildren continue that commitment to our town is a testament to the values Paul lived by every day.
“He showed us all that service isn’t just a job – it’s a responsibility we owe to one another.”
Cleveland said he’ll remember Eddy for “the quiet strength” he brought to the community and “the example he set for all of us who strive to make Cobourg a better place. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and a town that is better for his presence.”
Eddy’s celebration of life, which encompassed words of remembrance, occurred on Sunday, Sept. 6, at MacCoubrey Funeral Home in Cobourg.
Cleveland also requested the Town of Cobourg lower its flags to half-staff Sunday in recognition of his lifetime of service during the funeral.
A livestream of the words of remembrance is available on the funeral home’s website at www.maccoubrey.com.
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