A much-beloved icon of the annual Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival has died.
Paul Mackenzie, whom many knew as Paula the Clown, passed at the age of 78 after battling lung cancer.
Mackenzie was a fixture at the event for over 50 years.
“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,” reads an email from Amy Fast, president of the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Association.
Aside from clowning, Mackenzie was also generous with sharing his other talents.
After he retired from clowning in 1999 – though Paula did make a return in 2007 to help celebrate Squamish Days’ 50th anniversary – Mackenzie returned as the MC for the event, taking the helm from Al McIntosh.
Mackenzie’s voice boomed over growling chainsaws and cheering crowds until 2014.
He was also a force to be reckoned with at the World Championship Chair Carve, where he could be found crafting his signature eye-catching chair.
He attended the event every year, even after he was no longer the loggers sports MC.
“Paul’s dedication to loggers sports reached much farther than just Squamish,” wrote Fast. “While most Squamish locals think of Paula the Clown as a Squamish Days Loggers Sports tradition, many other communities around B.C., Washington State, and the world had the pleasure of taking part in Paula’s lumberjack clown antics.”
Mackenzie's death was also acknowledged by the District of Squamish.
“The District is very saddened to hear about the passing of Paul Mackenzie, beloved Squamish Days Loggers Sports icon, aka Paula the Clown,” said Mayor Patricia Heintzman in an emailed statement. “We offer our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends, as well as the extended Loggers Sports community near and far who are mourning his loss. Paul’s commitment to community and to bringing joy to his audiences extended over 50 years. He will be dearly missed.”
Mackenzie made his very last appearance as Paula the Clown just a few weeks ago in Hoquiam, Washington, at the Loggers Playday event – another show where he spent many years entertaining the crowds.
***Please note this story has been updated to include a comment from Mayor Patricia Heintzman.
