(April 7, 2006)

Skate Canada is saddened by the loss of Paul Wirtz, who passed away at the South Lake Regional Hospital in New Market, Ont. on April 6, 2006. Paul lost his recent battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Paul had been coaching for over 25 years and was one of Canada's most successful competitive coaches producing a number of national medallists and champions.

During his career, Paul coached numerous national and international competitors including some of Canada's top pair teams: Kristy and Kris Wirtz, two-time national pair champions and 6th in the 1999 World Championships and Elizabeth Putnam and Sean Wirtz, Bronze medallists at the 2003 and 2004 Canadian Championships.

Paul was Level 4 certified in the National Coaching Certification Program and was coaching at the Thornhill Skating Academy in Thornhill, Ontario. Besides skating and coaching, Paul was also a breeder of champion Great Danes.

Skate Canada extends its condolences to Paul's family and friends.