Paul Turner Persons Jr.

PAUL TURNER PERSONS, JR.

Feb. 17, 1951 - Jan. 17, 2007

First and foremost a husband and father, as well as a committed son, brother, uncle, advocate, teacher, adviser, protector and friend.

Paul was invincible. All those who knew him were aware he could have died a thousand times and a thousand ways given his quest to explore and live life to the fullest. His physical strength and mental conviction saw him through. Paul was equally comfortable barreling down a raging river in his whitewater kayak as he was challenging the unjust. At various points in his life, you might have found Paul studying the political pulse at the peak of Nicaragua's unrest, researching jail conditions in Mexico, or standing between a perceived villain and a cause he was passionate to protect. He never looked at the size of the opposition just the need for justice. For the time he was here, Paul lived an enormously rich and full life.

Paul was born to Paul and Daisy Persons; the second of five children. His siblings are Janice Holve, Robert (Bob) Persons, Barbara Persons and Bonnie Persons. In addition to visiting his parents often, he made a point of telephoning them every Sunday evening for discussion of current events and playful banter. He assisted in ushering in his parents' 60th wedding anniversary on Dec 27, 2006 and made a wonderful toast (paraphrased) thanking them for unwaivering support and encouragement to each of their five children and especially to him, despite his unconventional and sometimes controversial path.

Paul attended CSU Chico and graduated with a degree in Political Science. He then attended New College School of Law. While attending classes he worked as a Vista Volunteer and received a scholarship from Howard University to assist people with low incomes. In 1979, he returned to CSU Chico to take a faculty position in Political Science.

He met the love of his life, Marcia Briggs, in 1981. This was when his life really began. Marcia was his best friend and soul mate. Marcia teaches in the marketing department at CSU Chico and is an accomplished designer and businesswoman. Into their magical union they brought a son, Ben and a daughter, Teresa. Despite extensive commitments to so many worthwhile causes, family was undoubtedly Paul's proudest joy and always his highest priority. He was so proud of both his children that he rarely wasted an opportunity to express it in a kind and understated way.

True to his own words, Paul worked hard and played hard. Paul wanted to effectuate positive change and did so in so many venues.

At work, Paul loved to teach and was a dedicated professor of Political Science at CSU Chico for twenty-seven years. Throughout his tenure, he consistently managed to challenge his students to think and question their assumptions. In addition, Paul was elected by his peers to serve on the Executive Committee for the CSU Statewide Academic Senate where, most recently, he championed the addition of a sustainability policy to promote the protection of natural resources for future generations. His goal was to see this policy implemented across all of CSU's curricula statewide. In addition to his classroom and administrative efforts, Paul acted as a supervising attorney for Community Legal Information Center (CLIC) overseeing the Environmental Advocates, the County Jail Law Project and Workers' Rights programs. On a more individual level, he aided countless students in finding their path including, in many instances, the road to law school.

Off campus, Paul was a fervent advocate for the Feminist Women's Health Center, ensuring the rights of women, children and families in the area of women's reproductive rights. He fought hard on environmental and open space issues that touched the community including substantial pro-bono work for a vast array of organizations. In his capacity as the former committee chair for the Legal Services Section of the California State Bar, he strived to make legal services more available to those who couldn't afford them. In addition, Paul was a committed advocate for prisoners' rights throughout the state.

At play, he loved adventures with family and friends. Paul adored flying his small airplane- rationalizing that it was often useful for work. When not using it for work, Paul, Marcia, Ben and Teresa often flew off for quick getaways around Northern California. Annually, the family expedition consisted of an extended whitewater rafting and kayak trip with friends. They were looking forward to an 18 day, 288 mile Grand Canyon rafting trip together in March. Paul also enjoyed cycling and rode several centuries including the Chico Wildflower. Paul, his brother Bob, Ben and Teresa often headed to Tahoe for a day of skiing and snowboarding. In fact, as recently as last Friday, Paul talked his brother Bob into playing hooky to enjoy a fun, cold day skiing together. Unable to resist the competition, Paul participated in the local softball and basketball leagues. He also coached soccer. Paul's latest addition to his quiver of toys was a BMW motorcycle. It took Paul months to muster the courage to tell his mother he would once again be riding a motorcycle.

Having lived life so fully and so intensely, Paul died suddenly and unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack at the age of 55. He was with us for far too short of a time, but he touched so many so positively and so profoundly.

Paul's family would like to thank the community, the university and all of our wonderful friends for their support during this difficult time as we move forward to celebrate, rather than mourn Paul's rich life.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, at the Bell Memorial Student Union Auditorium on campus. A memorial fund has been established at CSU Chico in Paul's honor. In lieu of flowers or to make a gift in commemoration of Paul, please send contributions to the Paul Persons Memorial Fund, c/o University Foundation, Calif. State Univ. - Chico, Chico, CA 95929.