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Paul Weldon Spafford

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Highland High School University of Utah

Paul Spafford Obituary

Paul Weldon Spafford 2/19/64 ~ 1/13/07 Paul Weldon Spafford, 42, died suddenly January 13, 2007, at home of pneumonia. He was born February 19, 1964 to Marilyn Fowles and Reed Sterling Spafford in Salt Lake City, UT. He attended Highland High School in Salt Lake City where he played on the baseball and golf teams, and he was also a cheerleader. He served an LDS mission to Hong Kong. He married Kathy Martineau in the Salt Lake Temple on April 28, 1987. They later divorced but remained close friends. He received his Bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Utah (member of Sigma Chi) and his Masters degree from the Thunderbird American Graduate School of International Management. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, most recently serving as Elders Quorum Secretary. We all loved Paul. His charismatic smile, good looks and immeasurable love for others, combined with his excellent wit and sense of humor, caused everyone who knew him to say, "I love Paul". He loved and was so proud of his two children, Jake and Abby. He had many talents, including singing, playing the piano, writing, and cooking. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed all sports. Paul had an excellent way with people and most recently loved his work at a charter school. He was preceded in death by his brother Michael Sterling Spafford and his sister Joni Whitney. He is survived by his children, Jake and Abby; parents; sister, Susan (Dale) Buxton; brother, David Reed (Susan) Spafford; brother-in-law, Hal (Janie) Whitney; many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday, January 19th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 20th, 12:00 noon at Corner Canyon 7th Ward, 13366 S. 1300 E., Draper, where visitation will be held from 11:00-11:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Deseret Foundation, 8th Avenue & C Street, Salt Lake City, UT, 84143 or to the Utah Autism Foundation, 10584 So. 700 E. Suite 244, Sandy, UT 84070

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Published by Deseret News from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Spafford

53 Entries

Barbara Crouse

February 1, 2007

Sterling and Marilyn,

I just learned of your loss and wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gary and Debbie (Burnett) Doxey

January 28, 2007

Dear Spafford Family,
You cannot say Paul's name without smiling. He was one of the funniest guys I have ever known. He kept us laughing in class, during Madrigold performances,and on the high school track as he cheered. We all loved him for his wit and kindness. May the memories you have of him be especially bright. Our love and thoughts are with you.

Dave Quist

January 23, 2007

Sterling, Marilyn and Family,
We were very surprised and shocked to see that Paul had passed away. I can remember him coming home from the hospital to his home on Olympic Way; his coming "up the hill" to Mom and Dad's house for ice cream. What joy it is to know that we have a small understanding of this mortal life and what lies beyond for us. May you find peace in the knowledge that the day will surely come when families and friends can and will be reunited.

Dave and Diane Quist

Becky (Burnett) Busath

January 23, 2007

Dear Dave & family,
My Mom let me know about Paul's passing and my brother, Ken, sent me a link to his obituary.

I am so very sorry for your great loss and hope that the healing time will be quick for you all. For those of us who are blessed to have the Gospel in our lives, just knowing what lies ahead for us after death is somewhat of a comfort, at least to me, and takes away much of the uncertainty that the rest of the world experiences when they lose a loved one. I wish you and your family much peace and comfort.

Fondly,

Chandra Anderson Roberson

January 23, 2007

Dave,
My heart goes out to you and your family. The loss of a loved one is quite a journey. Thinking of you and sending love and support.

Bonnie Mortensen

January 21, 2007

I had the pleasure of meeting Paul a few short months ago through our jobs. At our first face-to-face meeting he brought be flowers and homemade brownies...who couldn't instantly like him? Although we didn't know each other long, we became fast friends. He was dependable, witty, and always ready with a smile. I will miss his phone calls and his "baking night" updates. My prayers are with his family and friends at this time.

Benjamin Ollenberger

January 21, 2007

Paul,
You left something in me and everyone else you met that is unexplainable. I love as my best friend and alwaws will. I will never forget the times we've shared and I now know all your great quailitues I'm missing now that I am not talking to you every day. I will miss you and and I will Love You Forever.

Benny-O

Bill Abbott

January 21, 2007

I had the pleasure of living with Spaff in two different areas while we were both missionaries in Hong Kong. The first time was during my very first month as a new missionary. During this trying time, Paul made the very difficult cultural transition bearable for me.

The second time we lived together was about 6 months later. Spaff was the district leader of our 6 man apartment in Shatin. The 2 months I spent in Spaff's district were some of the most enjoyable and successful of my mission.

I remember many nights when Spaff would come home with a surprise for the whole apartment. One night he came home with cake mix and showed us how to make a cake in a wok using steam (we didn't have ovens in our apartments).

One P-day we came back to the apartment and Spaff had arranged a barbeque for us on the roof of our apartment. He and another missionary had spent the day carrying rocks and dirt up to the fourth floor where they had built a fire pit on the concrete roof.

Spaff was a great listener. He was genuinely concerned about others and seemed to remember any personal detail he learned about someone. Even though I have not seen or spoken to him for many years, I will never forget him.

Dawson Oler

January 20, 2007

Dear Spafford Family,
We wanted to write and let you know the impact that Paul had on our son, Dawson. Paul was the coach of Dawson's baseball team this past summer. What wonderful memories we have of him at the baseball park. He was so gentle and kind with the boys and had such an enjoyable time with all of them. He taught them many things, but mostly he friendshipped them and made each player feel valued.He always had somthing positive to say. What a blessing as a parent for a person like him to be such a great role model for our boys. This isn't always the case in sports, but with Paul it was. He was a wonderful help to our family, many times driving our son back and forth to the practices if we were at work. He would call before every game to see if he needed to pick up Dawson. Dawson and Paul shared a love for music and they would talk forever about their favorites. Dawson would always brag about how loud Paul could blast his radio. Dawson loved being with him and felt very comfortable around "Coach Paul". As one of the "team Mom's" Paul always said "Let's do somthing fun!!". After one game we had a big Pizza party (which Paul mostly funded) and then had a big waterballoon fight. Paul was always the center of fun and we appreciated his willingness to coach the boys. It took a lot of time and effort, but we are today so grateful for the time Dawson (and our family) got to spend with him. He was an amazing person and all of his efforts will now become his rewards. Bless you all with the peace that you so deserve.
Sincerely,
Dawson Oler and Family

Lona Miller (formerly Hooley)

January 20, 2007

Susan, It was great seeing you again after nearly 15 years. My heart aches for you and your family and the kids. All my love, Lona

Lou Swaringen

January 20, 2007

Paul,
You are one of those rare people whom...If you didn't make an impact on someone elses life, you certainly left an impression.Thank you for sharing with the utmost cander, even if it may have been painful at times.Thank You for those private talks about how much we loved and cherished our children.Thank You for all the laughs,the hugs and the tears. Knowing you...You will be trying to watch out for all those you knew and loved.Thank You my freind. Lou

Darol Wagstaff

January 19, 2007

Dear Spaffords:

Many of our loved ones have passed over to the Spirit World and are engaged in the on-going work of eternal life. Let's stay connected to those who have passed on so that our united efforts on both sides of the veil will continue to build the Lord's kindom in a way that will be pleasing unto him.

Our family prays for your comfort and peace.

Thank you for the Spafford influence of strength and inspiration that has served and blessed countless people from all over the world.

Bless you always.

Love,

Max & Karen Turpin

January 19, 2007

Sterling and Marilyn and family-
So sorry to see in Deseret News that your son has passed away. Knowing his parents, he must have been a special person. We mourn with your mourning and rejoice with you that he has passed on from mortality to a better place and that you will see and be with him. He is having a grand reunion with his brother and sister and others. Our best regards to you from our Mission here in Coulee Dam, Washington

Nan Buxton

January 19, 2007

Paul could light up a room without saying a single word. I adored his vitality and humor, in fact, sitting here thinking about him makes me smile. I couldn’t have loved or cared about him more if he was my own brother – he will be greatly missed. Abby & Jake, you are great kids and he was so proud of you. Please know that my heart and thoughts are with the two of you, as well as the rest of the Spafford family.

Robert Calvert

January 19, 2007

Kathy, Jake and Abby

Our prayers are with you and your family. It has been too long since we saw you when you visited us in Denver. I was with two other missionary friends from Hong Kong when word of your loss arrived. We reflected that Paul was a man who loved life and always made each day an adventure. We have cherished memories of "Spaff".

May you find peace in the Gospel of our Lord.

The Calvert Family
Bobby, Lisa, Robbie, Caden, Chace, Croix and Calyx.

John Bilton

January 19, 2007

Sterling and Marilyn and Family,
Paul, Abby and Jake were in our home a few weeks ago and we so enjoyed their company. We are truly sorry for your loss and if their is anything we can do please let Jana and I know.

Love the Biltons

Dale Gledhill

January 19, 2007

Spaffords:

When Paul worked with me he was very reliable, so funny and smart. Everybody liked to work with Paul. I Will miss the smile and great sense of humor.

Lisha Bassett

January 19, 2007

To the Spafford family - Kathy, Jake and Abby
I met Paul 16 years ago on the trading floors of Fidelity Investments with never a dull moment. High energy, a constant passion and zest for life as well as a kind and gentle soul to everyone who came in contact and knew Paul. A constant friend and one whom I was fortunate to run into recently after the Holidays to catch up on golf, tennis tournaments in Palm Springs, his new job and world travel. He would always carry a picture of his family and proudly showed me his most recent pictures of Jake and Abby. We will all miss Paul as well as the endless stories that would light up a room full of laughter and fun.
May Peace be with all of you at this time. God Bless

Deron Hutchinson

January 19, 2007

Dear Spafford Family,
I'm so very sorry to hear of Pauls passing. But thank you so very much for sharing him with us. May you be comforted, and know that he still sings on in our hearts.
Deron Hutchinson - Messiah Gospel Choir

Heidi Sanchez

January 19, 2007

Spafford Family,
I knew Paul through the community gospel choir, we sat next to each other in the tenor section. He was one of my most favorite friends in the choir, I am saddened to hear of his passing. He brightened up everyone around him with his bright smile and great enthusiasm for singing and for life. I will truly miss him.
With Love,
Heidi Sanchez

B. Murphy

January 19, 2007

To The Spafford Family:

Paul was always so bright and cheerful at our "Messiah" rehearsals, in fact, I used to say "We can start now - Spaff is here." He loved to sing, and I could always see the JOY in his face, not only at rehearsals, but during the actual performances. He always had a smile, a kind word, and a hug for me. I am so sorry to learn of his untimely demise. I know that he is now singing in a Heavenly Choir. My life is enriched because "Spaff" was a part of it. My prayers go out to all of his family and friends. May God Bless & Keep You in this time of bereavement.

Steven Dunn

January 18, 2007

Dave, Susan, Sam, and Joey:

We are saddened to hear of the passing of your Brother and Uncle. Our thoughts are with you and your Family and pray you will find comfort from those who surround you.

With love, Steve and Robyn Dunn

Jill Calder

January 18, 2007

Dear Spafford Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I haven't seen Paul for years but remember him so well. What a funny, kind man. I'm so sorry to hear about his passing. He will be missed.

Paul Ashton

January 18, 2007

Dear Sterling and Marilyn,
We are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love Paul and Phyllis

Shaun Rasmussen

January 18, 2007

Paul,
I loved the days we had to spend with you up at the Buxton's home. You brought an energy that people loved to be around. You will be missed dearly. We will think of you often. P.S. I think you were the first pro ping pong player I had ever witnessed.

Dennis Johnson

January 18, 2007

I had the pleasure of working with Paul for a year or so. He became a friend during that time. We talked a lot about his life. I learned he had a deep faith in Jesus Christ with roots that came from his great family. I learned that everyone that knew Paul thought he was outgoing, cheerful and a great friend. He was there with his outstanding kids to help my wife and I move 2 years ago. We played golf many times as I marveled at how well he could hit that little white ball. As my cell phone log records, just last week we were talking about spring golf, ready to get back to a pastime we loved. But my best memory will be how much he adored his family, especially his children. I will miss Paul in my life.

Tom Muir

January 18, 2007

Paul set the standard for adolescent cool and wit. It was a great privilege to have grown up with him, and experience the constant comedy that was his essence. At least twenty years have past since I last saw Paul, but he surfaced many, many times in memories and conversations through those years, and not once without laughter or a smile.

My deep sympathy to Paul's family and the Spafford family for this untimely loss.

Steve Ostler

January 18, 2007

Growing up with Paul as my back door neighbor was a great adventure. We walked to school together daily, played basketball, went to many scout camps and laughed all the time. I remember going to Paul's home after school where we would mix up a cake mix and sit out on his porch eating the batter. Paul always loved people and made others happy. We will miss him.

Darcy Carlson

January 18, 2007

I'm shocked and heart broken by the passing of Paul.
A brilliant, Charming and fun loving man.
He will be very very missed!

Nancy Mascarenas

January 18, 2007

Dave & family -

Dave, I didn't know your brother, but in reading the notes from people, he sounds like he was just as much loved as you are by people, and was just as crazy as you are!! What a loss for his family and all of you. I wish you all peace in your hearts and the best of memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this hard time.

Take care!!

Nancy (Dimond) Mascarenas

Sonya Little-Jones

January 18, 2007

To the family of Paul Spafford,
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy and my prayers. I sang with Paul in Messiah. He was a great person and will be missed dearly. God bless and keep you during this time of bereavement.

Missy Ekstrom

January 18, 2007

Dear Dave, Susan, Joey and Sam,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Paul. Our thoughts and prayers and with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Ed and Missy Ekstrom

Bruce Veldhuisen

January 18, 2007

It is with great regret that I learned of Paul's death. I had not seen him since 1984 as a missionary in Hong Kong but I remembered him fondly. It is indeed unfortunate that I could reconnect with him only by his death.

Steven Wong

January 17, 2007

To The Spafford's,
My heart goes out to you and yours at this tme of sorrow. I remember the great times that Paul and the gang use to have playing baseball or basketball or just hanging out. Paul was always able to crack a joke and make everyone feel confortable. I'm not sure what he would say at this time but I would venture to guess he would crack a joke to let us know he is in a better place and that his spirit lives on in all of us whom have had the pleasure of his company. Love ya Paul

Wongo

Dave Allen

January 17, 2007

Dear Spafford Family,
I was so saddened to hear about Paul. I have not seen him in years, but he sure left a positive impression on all those he came in contact with. I still remember picking him up for school and having him explain why having a Pepsi was a good breakfast. He will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Dave and Loke Allen

Don & Mary Phillips

January 17, 2007

Dear Stirling and Marilyn & Family,
May Our Father in Heaven Bless and Comfort you at this time. We can't comprehend the loss of a child, but, feel the pain you must be going thru. Life is Fragile. Families Are Forever. We still cherish our Friendship of years gone by.
With Love and Friendship,

Scott Hunter

January 17, 2007

Dear Kathy, Jake and Abby,
We were deeply sorrowed to hear the news of Paul's passing. I loved Paul from the first time I met him in Hong Kong. Paul was my mission companion and among the closest friends I have ever known. He was so full of energy and enthusiasm and I loved his great sense of humor. Several of the best days of my life were spent with Paul. After our mission, we enjoyed playing golf, throwing the football, going to football games... He always brightened my day and made me laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Scott and Robin Hunter

Jodi Wheeler

January 17, 2007

I am so sad to hear about Paul and my heart goes out to his family. I had not seen Paul in years but I know he was so wonderful to everyone he touched and had a gift to make people smile. My prayers are with you.
Jodi Wheeler

Darren Colledge

January 17, 2007

I haven't seen Paul in a long time. Distance and circumstance I guess. I honestly hadn't thought of Paul over these years, but getting the call that he had passed has brought me to tears. Seeing his picture brought memories flooding back, wishing that I somehow could have stayed closer with him. He was brilliant with gaping flaws, and we loved all of him. God bless you Paul. I hope to meet you again someday. See ya Spaff.

Pam Brown

January 17, 2007

Jake,& family i'am so sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family @ this diffucult time. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Pam

Jen Hallam

January 17, 2007

Paul is my uncle, my friend, and an example of determination and enthusiasm. Missing him will be painful but seeing him again someday will be something I look forward to. All my love to Jake and Abby as you mourn your dad. Love you guys.

Thomas Brickey

January 17, 2007

Dear Spafford Family,
News of Paul's untimely death has spread from friend and brother like wildfire. It has affected most everyone in much the same way.
Paul, with all his human imperfections, was almost universally loved. He was cherished for his humor and unique, even neurotic personality. I'm not the only person who loved to be around Paul, just to see what he'd say or do next!
He LOVED to sing, to laugh, and make others laugh. His bright eyes, even in his darkest moments, sparkled with a love of life and enthusiasm for making others happy. He was a special friend to many. The obituary was correct in saying that nearly everyone who knew him can say, "I loved Paul".
Peace to his soul and to his children and family. I will sincerely miss my Pledge Brother, my Kustos, my Second Tenor in our Quartet, my patient, and my Friend.
I loved Paul. I'm so glad I knew him! His memory will always make me smile!
IN HOC

Phillip Bond

January 17, 2007

Paul was a good man who strived unceasingly for excellence. He will remain an example to me for that. I will miss seeing him at the Buxton’s mingling with a bunch of twenty year old’s, all the time no one aware that there was a twenty year age gap.

Cindy Salisbury

January 17, 2007

Dear Sterling, Marilyn and Susan,

I am sorry to hear of the passing of your son/brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Stephanie and Jerry McDonald

January 17, 2007

Sterling, Marilyn, Susan (and family), Dave (and family), Abby, and Jake. We are so sorry for your loss. We ache for you, and are praying for all of you continually. You will be in our thoughts and prayers for months to come. We know you will need contiual prayers in the days, weeks and months to come, for we too have tasted of the pain associated with loss. We love you and hope you can find some comfort in your time of grief.

Shari

January 17, 2007

I will always love you and your brilliant personality. You made me laugh, you made me cry, you kept me up late at night but you always left me smiling.

Teddy & Patti Daniels

January 17, 2007

Susan & Family,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Paul. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this trying time.

Rachel Ray

January 17, 2007

Kathy, Jake and Abby,
We am so sorry to hear about Paul. He was a great guy and we know he will be missed. You guys are in our thoughts and we are praying for you We love you guys!

The Ray Family

Robert Ycmat

January 17, 2007

David, Susan and Family,

We're sorry to hear of this tragic loss. I remember Paul well from years ago, especially his energy and enthusiasm. May you and your family find peace and solace in your knowledge of eternal families and the love of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Shalom,
Bob and April Ycmat & Family

Dan and Katie Boyle

January 17, 2007

Dear Spafford Family,
I always find myself smiling when I hear Paul's name mentioned or a song by Jame Taylor or the Backstreet Boys. I have this mental picture of Paul turning up the radio and singing to the top of his lungs. He always kept us all smiling & laughing.
We will miss Paul very much!
Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
With Warmest Regards,
Dan & Katie (Kener) Boyle & Family

Arthur Werner

January 17, 2007

I loved him like a brother. I missed him over the last few years as I suppose (and hope) that he was getting sober. We played lots of golf together and had many great times. We spent many hours talking about life and things that mattered. I trust he has finally found the peace that eluded him for much of his life.

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