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Paul Beaudry Obituary

Paul Joseph Beaudry

Des Moines

On October 12th, Paul Joseph Beaudry, beloved brother and friend, joined his ancestors in the hereafter. Like his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, Paul suffered from diabetes and its destructive complications. And, like his forbears, he completed his corporeal life as a devout and faithful Catholic.

Paul was born to Brunnell Wilfred ("Jerry") Beaudry and Henriette Corinne Beaudry (Tetreault) on August 10, 1961 in Des Moines and was baptized in All Saints parish, where he was subsequently a student, an altar boy, a crossing guard, a rectory worker, an usher, a bookkeeper and multi-faceted volunteer of all kinds. He was an officer in the Knights of Columbus and brightened countless lives during his 56 years in the parish.

He attended All Saints Elementary School in Highland Park and earned the Aquinas Key at Dowling High School before graduating with honors from the University of Iowa and permanently returning to Des Moines. He played the accordion and loved Navy stories, classic rock, and spectator sports, faithfully following his favorite teams from Dowling and the University of Iowa as well as his beloved Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

Paul was a pillar of the high school debate community. Known affectionately as "Blurb," he is fondly remembered and will be very much missed by the countless students and teachers whom he helped over the years. After debating for Dowling, he went on to work there as a debate coach and judge and was even hired to help rival Valley High School in West Des Moines. In addition to coaching and judging, Paul travelled with teams, ran debate tournaments and received awards for his contributions both in Iowa and around the nation.

Paul had far more friends than he knew, and although he never married, he was devoted to family. He was a faithful son who cared for his mother throughout her final days and a kind and thoughtful brother, uncle and brother-in-law. Paul had neither vanity nor malice and never once made an enemy of anyone. He could be frustrating but never hostile, and was compassionate to all who knew him. Blurb's example, if not his body, is indestructible.

He is survived by his brother, Carl Beaudry, his sister-in-law, Melissa Houghton and his nephew, Maxton Chance Beaudry of Fort Washington, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Paul's name to All Saints parish.

Online condolences may be made to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Services will be held on Monday October 23rd, 2017, at 10 a.m. at All Saints church, 650 NE 52nd Ave Des Moines, IA 50313.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Oct. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Anthony J Seliquini

October 11, 2021

Hey Paul. Was just thinking about you man. Hope you found peace brother.

Tony Seliquini

August 19, 2020

Was just thinking about you, Paul. It's good that you can still make me laugh even though you've been gone for going on 3 years. "Joy is in the ears that hear, not in the mouth that speaks. The world has few stories glad in themselves, and we must have gay ears to defy Despite."

Claradell Shedd

January 5, 2018

Prayers and thoughts to Paul's family and friends. Paul's All Saints Grade School 1975 class page: http://www.allsaintsgradeschool.com/pages/yearclass1975.html

Claradell Gergely Shedd
All Saints Grade School, Class of 1949

Carolina Munoz

December 6, 2017

rest in peace my dear Pau. I remember you every day

Carolina Munoz

October 27, 2017

Dear Paul, You were and Ángel that touched my life. Thank You for being my friend. God needed You in Heaven. My condolences to your family and friend.

Liz Heger Boyle

October 22, 2017

Sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I remember being simultaneously impressed and terrified by Paul when we were both on the Dowling debate team--I'm sure that's what he was going for! I was a year younger than him, and he was a great mentor to me and his other junior colleagues. It seemed very fitting that he later became a debate coach. My condolences to Carl and the rest of the family. I have fond memories of our times together.

Richard Puszczewicz

October 21, 2017

A truly kind and original soul. I had hundreds of wonderful random discussions with Paul (always, affectionately, Blurb to me). He was kind and engaging to all who came into contact with him. Condolences to Carl and family.

Omar Guevara

October 20, 2017

Outstanding critic and teacher, RIP buddy.

Fr. John Acrea

October 20, 2017

Dear family,

I knew Paul from Dowling High School and debate.

Know of my prayers and that I will offer mass for the repose of his soul.

God bless you all. Father John Acrea

Shannon Cooper Scheffel

October 19, 2017

Blurb was one of a kind and I was truly saddened to hear of his passing. He was a good man and we were lucky to have known him.

Robert Beisch

October 19, 2017

what a blow to the
debate community Blurb was part of many of our lives. He will live on in the memory of many. I pray for Blurb and his family. RLB

David Hingstman

October 19, 2017

Paul was always a great person with whom to argue, which is the greatest compliment one can give to a true debater. Blurb, we will miss you!

Karla Leeper

October 19, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Paul was a thoughtful, kind and gentle soul.

Dave Richardson

October 19, 2017

Paul was a stalwart in the HS Debate Community. He was a dedicated educator of many young debaters. He unselfishly gave of his time and talents to the activity he loved. I have many fond memories over many years. I treasured all the times talking about debate, philosophy and of course sports.

Shannon Watson

October 19, 2017

My deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time. Blurb was a good friend of my brother Jerry's and I fondly remember him and the rest of the high school gang coming over to play games at our house when I was a little girl. I also remember him as a parishioner at All Saints he was always on the balcony counting heads during Sunday morning mass. He was a very kind and caring man.

Jon Spurrier

October 19, 2017

All hail Blurb. He will be missed.

May C

October 18, 2017

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May the God who comforts all who mourn sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2

Mandie DeVries

October 18, 2017

I will miss him at the door of 10:30 mass and at the ticket table at the end of each Knights of Columbus meal where he counted the tickets. I will miss his always being there. Always.

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