Alan Donald Pauw Sr.

ALAN DONALD PAUW, SR. Entered life on June 14, 1920, in Grand Rapids, Michigan and entered eternal life on March 20, 2009, in Riverside, California. True to his outlook on life and devotion to work, when asked about retirement Alan would say, "I retire every night when I come home from work". His work ended peacefully around 2:00 a.m. on March 20, 2009 at Riverside Community Hospital. Alan was born to Dutch immigrant parents and was the eldest of their five sons and two daughters. He spent his youth in Holland, Minnesota. Alan earned his Bachelor's degree from Calvin College with a major in History. After graduation, he entered the Army and served in Europe from 1942 to 1946. After the war, he earned his Juris Doctor from University of Michigan Law School. In addition to a successful life-long dual career as an attorney and Certified Public Accountant, he earned a Doctoral degree in History from the University of Southern California. He was an avid Trojan fan who attended many USC football games and Rose Bowls hosting his family and friends. Alan Pauw, a Certified Public Accountant with Ross, Landis, & Pauw and an attorney with Pauw & Pauw Inc., was a prominent figure in Riverside's legal, business, academic, and civic endeavors, which earned him overwhelming praise and the respect of all whose lives he touched. He was known to have an unassuming personality. He spent much of his time listening with great patience rather than speaking. When he did speak, however, his words were timely and for the right reasons. He modeled the art of perseverance. Alan served twenty-eight years (1964-1992) on the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees. The Black Voice News (Hardy and Cheryl Brown Publishers) reported that during Dr. Pauw's three-decade tenure on the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees, he was a "strong steward and champion for growth and expansion of the college." He was instrumental in the Community College attaining the Moreno Valley and Norco Campuses, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, the Bradshaw Student Center, the Automobile Service Center and an Early Childhood Study Center. As a testament to his diligence and stewardship, the College dedicated the Alan Pauw Business Education Building on March 24, 1996. The Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce named Dr. Alan Pauw its 2005 Citizen of the Year. "He is the quintessential citizen of achievement," said Dr. Jerry Louder, President of the United States Pastor's Association. Jennifer Vaughn Blakely, Chair, The Group, stated he "exemplifies what service to one's community is all about." Alan was the founder of the Saturday Morning Toastmasters Club 797 and was one of the founding members of the Riverside East Rotary Club. He received the highest honor in the Rotary International Foundation for his outstanding contributions. Alan provided many hours of pro-bono work to non-profit organizations, assisting them in incorporating with tax deductible status. Rose Mayes, Founder and Chairperson of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Monument Visionaries, applauded Dr. Pauw for the legal and technical assistance during the seven years it took to realize the Vision of erecting a statue of Dr. King in downtown Riverside. In addition, he incorporated and assisted the Gandhi Foundation and served on its Board. Alan was a family man and a man of faith who valued his Dutch heritage. He was an active and life-long church member, and at the time of his death was a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church. He deeply missed his wife, Jan, after her passing, and in the final months of his own life was supported by the loving care of his daughter Mary. Alan Pauw was a gentle giant, full of loving kindness and a great philanthropist. Alan's wife, Jan, preceded him in death on July 4, 2007. He is survived by daughter Mary, a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor's in Nursing. She has worked as a Public Health Nurse and also as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist. Mary cared for and served all her father's health needs. Daughter Elizabeth has a Master's in Comparative Literature and a Master's in Speech Language Pathology. She works as a Speech Pathologist in Alameda, California. Alan's eldest son, Bob, graduated from Harvard Law School and was the Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard International Law Journal. Bob is an attorney and adjunct professor of law at Seattle University. His son Jack earned a Master's in Business Administration and a Master's in Economics. He is a Certified Public Accountant with a large firm in Seattle. Alan, Jr., earned a Master's in Business Administration and a Master's in Chinese Studies. He is an attorney in Louisville, Kentucky. Ted, the youngest son, earned a Master's in International Relations. He is an attorney and a Certified Public Accountant working for the Internal Revenue Service in Orange County, California. Alan's son-in-law, David, is a Microbiologist in Walnut Creek, California. Some of Alan's children have served as elders and deacons in their churches. Alan's daughter-in-law Amy is a professor at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. His daughter-in-law Jane is Senior Pastor a Rainier Beach Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington. His daughter-in-law Linda is an Interior Designer. Alan's daughter-in-law, Mei is a Social Worker Supervisor for Child Protection Services in Orange County, California. Alan is also survived by grandchildren Brittany, Noah, Zachary, Natasha, Tara, Clara, Andrea, Emily, and Cornelia, and great-granddaughter Lacie; brother Doug and sister-in-law Kaye; brother Don and sister-in-law Edna; brother Bob and sister-in-law Lu; sister Elsie and brother-in-law John Kok; and many, many nephews and nieces. Funeral arrangements by Acheson & Graham, Garden of Prayer Mortuary. Private graveside service at Olivewood Cemetery. Memorial Service open to the public April 4, 2009, 2pm at Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 1901 Martin Luther King Blvd. Reception at Straton Community Center Boardwell Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alan & Jan Pauw Scholarship Fund at Riverside City College District, Foundation Dept., 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92506.