10/02/2026
With great sadness, we share the passing of Paul “Fireman” Fullerton. Paul passed peacefully at Brantford General Hospital. His journey here has ended, and he continues on in the ways only Fireman can.
Known to so many simply as “Fire,” he was a lifelong Harlequin: player, coach, board member, and always a fan of rugby and the Quins.
You’d find him at games, talking with former, current, and next-generation players. Fire was known for a good song—and sometimes an inappropriate one. He organized the infamous Fireman Tent Parties in the ’80s and ’90s and led the club’s social scene for years.
He coached junior and senior programs, always ready with support and advice. It might cost you a b**r, but the advice was coming. He established “Boosers Corner,” contributed to this year’s new water cistern, and started the Million Dollar March to help meet the club’s capital needs. We’re honoured to continue it in his name—a name he never wanted for himself.
In recent years, Fire focused on giving back to the game, the kids, and the club. That’s a lesson we shouldn’t soon forget.
He lived outside the lines of “normalcy,” drawing people to him like moths to a flame. He always had a joke, a song, or, in later years, some strange trick with his IV bag. He wanted people to laugh and enjoy the moment. Most often, he succeeded.
Fire’s probably already with Kenny, George, Steener, and Goodrow, a cold MGD in hand, singing the songs I wouldn’t let him sing these past few years. There’ll be rugby and tactics to argue about (I did mention Kenny, right?). Goodrow will correct him on the laws, George will put him through fitness, and Glenn will quietly take it all in before showing them up. Brantford Rugby. Here or there, I don’t imagine it changes.
The Men open their McCormick Cup campaign against the Barbarians this weekend. Nothing would make Fire happier than another sip from the Cup. We have plenty to play for: each other, our families, our coaches, Kenny, Goodrow—and Fireman.
Bad day to be a Barb.
Wherever you are Saturday, hoist a pint, sing a limerick, and, as he loved to say:
SOCIABLE!!!!!!!!
Paul “Fireman” Fullerton. Rest in peace.
