Paul Turner Persons Jr.

Our hero forever!

I went to sit on the memory bench, near Butte Hall, for Paul Persons today, but alas it was being used by many students out in the beautiful morning, who were working on some big project. And, so as I searched for another bench next to Plumas Hall, I began to tell the co-worker I was with about the famous professor, hero, amazing human being this university and town admired, Paul Persons. His legacy lives on, and his spirit still resonates on this campus.

I am 13 years late but I am externally grateful for him. He and his paralegal, during 1981 or 1982 literally saved my life and freedom. I never got the chance to thank him. There are no words to describe my gratitude for him believing in my innocents. I owe him, Chico State University and his family the most sincerest thank you. May you continue to Rest In Power Mr. Paul Person!

Doctor Persons was my adviser, my professor as well as my director at C.L.I.C. He was a wonderful instructor and I learned so much from him. One memory that comes to mind:

I took a written final that I thought that I had done a terrible job on, though I did write from the heart. I saw him the following semester and he came up to me and told me that he was really impressed with what I had written. This was the first time that I felt competent in the political science field. It...

Marcia, Teresa, Ben and entire Persons Family - Paul was a wonderful and caring professor, advisor and friend to me while I attended Chico State from 1981 to 1986. His passion for protecting the rights of others has been an inspiration for me throughout my legal career. Thank you for sharing him with all of the students who made their way through the Political Science Department at Chico State.

Marsha, Teresa and Ben,
Our sincerest condolences to you. It would take a thick book to describe Paul and its chapters would be many. Most impressive to us was his kindness and generousity.
Susan & Pat Brush

I graduated with Paul and studied for the bar with him in 1978. I don't think I had the pleasure of seeing him but once many years ago. I have fond memories of him in law school and always had great admiration for his committment.

Marcia, Teresa, Ben and family,
Now and then one meets the acquaintance of a person who conveys a vigorous passion for living life. In my lifetime, none has impressed me more than Paul. Often said, “Happiness is not a destination; it’s a method of travel.” Paul personified this spirit. In the brief time we shared as neighbors, our weekly chatter always conveyed his love for family, commitment to what’s right, infatuation with the environment, and generosity. I’ll miss Paul and will...