ZABOR, Paul Alan
Age 60, of Austin, passed away on June 24, 2016 at home under the care of Hospice Austin, with his wife by his side. Paul Zabor was self-employed for 31 years as owner and mechanic of Zabor's Motorcycle Repair. Those who knew Paul respected and loved him for his honesty and hard work. He was as tough as they come, a trait he proved time and again throughout his hard battle against cancer. Paul was a devoted son, brother, husband and father, making sure his sons would grow up to be productive, hard working men, with firm handshakes and respect for others.

Paul was preceded in death by his father Robert C. Zabor of Greenwich, Connecticut. Paul is survived by his wife Gwenda Zabor, son Bobby Zabor and wife Lori Zabor of Houston, son Joe Zabor and wife Emma Zabor of Leander, and precious granddaughter Hannah Zabor of Houston. He is also survived by his mother Martha Zabor Kreger of Greenwich, Connecticut, brother David Zabor and wife Susan Zabor, brother Eric Zabor, and many amazing, loving nephews, nieces, in-laws and friends!

Paul was a private man who did not want a memorial service; his family will hold a private celebration with family and close friends. Please share memories with his family at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Paul with a donation to a charity of your choice, or one close to Paul's heart regarding animal welfare, wounded warriors/veterans, or cancer research.

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

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Jul. 1 to Jul. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul ZABOR

Sponsored by Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home.

55 Entries

Paul at work on the left

Dave Metcalf

August 1, 2017

Dave Metcalf

August 1, 2017

Dave Metcalf

August 1, 2017

Dave Metcalf

August 1, 2017

Dave Metcalf

August 1, 2017

Tony Lyon

February 24, 2017

I first met Paul shortly after he opened his shop in Austin, a real knowledgeable guy! I could write a lengthy page on all the positive interactions I had with him, his quality of work, his ethics and so on... I am disheartened to learn of his passing. Austin is a lesser place without him!

Michael Rieck

December 21, 2016

I knew Paul briefly as a kid; did not know him well. I am so sorry to learn about this. Peace and good wishes to all of you.

October 17, 2016

Thank you Paul, for all that you did for us. It was a pleasure having crossed paths with you. You certainly blazed trails for others to follow. Til we meet again. David Laurel (Austin, Texas)

Bill Z

September 7, 2016

I took so many bikes to Zabor I can't even remember them all. It took at least 10 years before he would even try to be nice to me. Finally, we became pretty good acquaintances and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him about subjects that would shock most of the people in Austin these days. I particularly liked when he told me about the lady who was offended by his posters in the shop, and how he handled it when she complained. I also liked to watch how he treated customers who tried to negotiate prices with him. I learned early on to trust him and to have complete faith in his work. I will do my best to keep his memory alive by aspiring to be more like Paul every day. Few people have left a lasting impression on me like Paul did. He was as good as they get.

Larry Hubbard

July 10, 2016

All that's been said here cannot be more clear......Paul was a hard working business owner w/an incredible work ethic. My shop used Pauls' expertise exclusively and I never had any problems. In todays "politically correct" world Paul would stand out as you knew where you stood w/him. He and Mark were the best thing that ever happened to the motorcycle community in Austin. RIP Paul & I'll share a cold MGD w/you when I get there.....

David H.

July 7, 2016

Paul, arguably, was one of the best "wrenches" in Texas. With his no BS attitude, you knew he was telling you what your bike needed. He will be sorely missed by all of the MC community.

David H.

July 7, 2016

Paul was one of the best "wrenches" in Texas. With his no BS attitude, you knew he was telling you what your bike needed. He will be sorely missed by all of the MC community.

Robin Whiteside

July 6, 2016

Paul was instrumental in making my business a success. I started doing business with Paul in 1982. He gave me confidence in buying any motorcycle, becuase he could "fix" them. He wasn't just a parts changer, he was a mechanic. If I needed it in a hurry, a six-pack of Miller Genuine Draft (in bottles) would make it happen.
I really miss him.
Robin Whiteside, Whiteside Motors

Michael Heil

July 6, 2016

Paul and I got along so well during a resto project of mine that I'd work on his pool equip and drink beer --- ALWAYS MGD --- a good man who will be missed by many ...

Al & Lynda Dehnert

July 5, 2016

Paul was the main reason I moved to Texas,He took me to Jalapeno Charlies for lunch and a beer the day we met.He was a true Hard worker that told it the way he saw it.We think about him all the time and will miss him forever.Thanks for the memories.

July 2, 2016

Paul taught me how to push motorcycles backwards. At the close of the day Paul would have to push all the motorcycles in. He'd straddle the front wheel, grab the handlebars and off he went. I saw him do a goldwing and a big twin this way. Thousands of times during his career.

Kit

July 2, 2016

Paul taught me how to push motorcycles backwards. At the close of the day, he had to bring all the motorcycles in. He'd get in front of a goldwing and push it while straddling the front wheel. Over the course of his career, thousands of times.

David Walker

July 1, 2016

I was so sadden to hear of Paul's passing. He was one of the great ones. He would bend over backwards to help us get our escort bikes back on the road or ready for a cross country trip. He also was extremely supportive of the Austin Police Motorcycle Division. We would drop off the bikes before a long road trip and say, check it over fix / replace anything that you find. We could always trust him to fix what was needed and/or tell us our tires or brakes were good for X number of miles. My older brother in Colorado was always jealous of our relationship with Paul.
Bye Paul, We'll see you on the other side and go for a motorcycle ride.

Frank Abernathy

July 1, 2016

I only knew Paul for a brief period, when I brought my two bikes to his place for repairs. He was a straight forward, no nonsense, man.

He will be missed.

RIP Sir! Fair Winds and Following Seas....

July 1, 2016

We love Paul, and we miss him. He was honest, kind, hard working, and he didn't tolerate idiots very well, but he could sure engage in some interesting conversation. You never had to guess where Paul stood on ant issue; he would tell you. You never doubted how he felt about you; you knew! Above everything else, Paul loved you, Gwenda, Bobby and Joe, and he loved deeply. Paul ALWAYS made Jarrod, Lindsay and Kyle feel welcomed, and he cared about what was happening in their lives. He loved our family. As we have reflected on our memories of Paul, our happiest memories center around his bar-b-que grill and family conversation. He loved us unconditionally and that has meant the world to us. His visit to Arizona in January holds a place in our hearts that will not fade. To see him one last time recently made us love him even more. He was so ill, but he came to see us. That was Paul. Even in his last days of life, Paul thought of others, talked about his family and precious baby Hannah.
We will never forget you, Paul. We were blessed to call you brother.
Scott and Cathy Barker

Andy & Karen Reeder

July 1, 2016

Seems everyone who knew Paul first meet him across the seat of a motorcycle, I know I did. I am one of the fortunate ones who crossed paths with Paul all thru my life. From Balcones Little League baseball to Anderson High School baseball and football where our sons played and went to school together. He was as honest and candid as they come and the world is a sadder and dimmer place with his passing. My families prayers go out to him and his family.

Lew Rompala

July 1, 2016

The original wild and crazy guy. A small group of us are from up yonder, move to the town of Austin in the 70's. MX on Friday nights and Sundays. I also remember Champ, his beloved dog, out under the trees at Krum's. Paul was always there at his shop, always fixing what other sold. What I will always remember about Paul was that he did it his way which was always the right way. A sad day and will spend the rest of it thinking about his impact on my life.

TAD Dukett

July 1, 2016

Truly a great guy, straight forward, honest, and a pleasure to know and be with. Looking forward to having Paul keep my bike(s) running in the here after & having a cold one. Bless the family.

Kristen

July 1, 2016

I cherished my visit to TX for Joe and Emma's wedding. Not only was it my first time in Austin, it was the first time I really got to spend any length of time with my Uncle Paul. I will forever remember going to the ranch and getting to see him in his glory, shooting snakes, feeding cattle, and getting a tour of his final resting place. Because we knew that it was possibly our last visit with him, I took in every moment and truly appreciate those memories. Rest in peace Uncle Paul!

Robert Giles

June 30, 2016

I'm really sorry to hear this, y'all.

Justin Smith

June 30, 2016

I left Austin in 2011 after getting back on bikes in 2006. Paul was the first guy I went to, and I immediately realized what a no-BS, great guy he was. Some people couldn't take his honesty, I loved it. Austin and our motorbike community is less for his passing and I'm really sad to hear this after following his battle.

Greg Swantek

June 30, 2016

It was my honor to have worked alongside Paul from June of 2005 until the shop's closing in December of 2013. He was an outstanding example of iron-sided work ethic coupled with a commitment to excellence and unshakeable integrity, qualities seemingly so lacking these days not only in many businesses but in many people as well. Always honest and direct, his manner was mistaken by many as "gruff." And while at times he enjoyed and even cultivated his "gruff" reputation, in truth and in deed he was a kind, patient, and compassionate man. This was evident to all who came to know him, and quite frequently he would share a good laugh with those who did come to know him at the expense of those who made such poor judgments of his character (especially if you brought him a twelve pack -not a sixer- of MGD in bottles- no cans, no "lite"). Not only is the motorcycling community worse off for his passing, so is the planet.
I was 52 years old when the shop closed and my close association with Paul ended. At that time I told him that if God were kind enough to grant me another 52 years on the planet and I accomplished half of what he had, I would consider my life a success. Rest in Peace, Paul Zabor; your deeds and your spirit live on through those you have touched during your time here.

Tom Bolke

June 30, 2016

Will miss you bro. Thanks for helping me with my first bike and always keeping me safe on the road. Best to you and your family.

Craig Lane

June 30, 2016

Miller genuine draft bottles , R.I.P. Paul.

David Chapman

June 30, 2016

I did not know Paul well. I was just a customer. But Paul was exceptional. Austin motorcycle riders depended on his knowledge, judgement and honesty. He is sorely missed.

Jerry Spoor

June 30, 2016

Within a few visits to his business Paul became much more than another businessman or mechanic. He is a man you learn to admire early on. Then he never disappoints you.

Mark Marshall

June 30, 2016

I was so happy to talk with Paul last year, he called me out of the blue to talk about old times. I worked for Paul for a few years 1987-1990. We put in crazy hours and had a lot of fun doing it. Paul was an honest business man that did his best at what ever he touched and provided an awesome service at a fair price. He loved his family and in a shy kind of way his big heart cared about those of us that worked for him. I wish I had the opportunity to visit Paul before he passed, I'm really sorry that he's gone.

June 29, 2016

Sweet Paul was so much like my beloved Dad-- both loved his ranch and cows, taught his family the value of hard work, rough around the edges but loved his family so much! Proud to call Paul our friend for over 20 years! Sending our love and prayers to Gwenda and the beautiful Zabor family.

Victor Sauers

June 29, 2016

Gwenda and family, so sorry for your loss and a great friend Paul has been to me. So many stories over the passed 35 years, all with fun loving memories and many practical jokes done to each other and many members in the motorcycle community.

As we got older and had a chance to ketchup on life, Paul always talked about is pride and joy, his sons.

To Paul, Well done my friend, well done...

Tommy Mitchell

June 29, 2016

Straightforward,,,,,,,yup scary straightforward....I was always somewhat afraid to draft Bobby Z just in case he didn't play in Paul's preferred position....Ha! A really down to earth hard working honest guy...God Bless you all...Coach Tommy M

Audrey Zieger

June 29, 2016

Gwenda,I am so sorry to hear about your husband's passing. You are in our prayers during this sad time. Love and blessings, Jack and Audrey

Paul's sign the day b4 it was removed

Jim Dickey

June 29, 2016

Old school and honest to a fault Paul was always a pleasure to see and do business with. The world is a little less bright today. My wife, son and I send our condolences to Paul's family.

June 29, 2016

Never in the 30 some odd years I knew and traded with Paul was I ever in doubt of his stance on things or quality of work. A great guy! I'll never look at MDG at the convenience store again without a chuckle of fond memory. Miss you Buddy.
Tim Keane (Austin, TX)

Dave & Pat Pingleton

June 29, 2016

Paul did his part to keep Austin weird. He'd cuss at Dave for bringing in those bleeping British M/C parts and then he'd show me pictures of the latest new born calves. Sweet and salty all rolled into one man.
He was enormously proud of Gwenda and their boys' accomplishments. He showed us the Austin Fit Magazine award article and smiled ear to ear when it was time to go to a college graduation or a wedding.
I hope that he is looking down on us with a cold beer in hand, some super hot salsa and homemade Christmas cookies for dessert.
In loving memory,

Steve Wright

June 29, 2016

God broke the mold with Paul Zabor!

I have never known a more hard working man of great conviction. I knew Paul from his motorcycle business as a customer since 1988. We developed a friendship outside the shop, and he invited my son and I out to his ranch, where at the age of 6, my son he earned his first dollar "helping" Paul with a fence he was putting up. He was "gruff" on the exterior- but I knew the man beneath- who was a devoted loving father & husband. As a friend or neighbor- there was nothing he wouldn't do for you.

You will be missed, Paul Zabor- rest in peace, brother.

Art Zeitz

June 29, 2016

Paul worked on my bikes for several years, earning my trust. Enjoyed when he shared his colorful and straightforward wisdom, much of which was too colorful to share in this forum. Good man.

Kyle Johnson

June 28, 2016

I always appreciated Paul's honesty in business and and in life. He didn't hold much back and I miss giving him a hard time when trying to have him work on my old 'junk' for me.

Rest in peace Paul, Austin misses you and Zabors!

June 28, 2016

Our hearts go out to your family. We are so sorry to hear about Paul.

Love,
Tommy & Bernadette

Vincenzo Murphy

June 28, 2016

My condolences to Paul's family. THe motorcycle community has lost a great person. Always helpful, I loved his attitude and he never messed up a bore and hone job. RIP Paul Zabor.

Mike B

June 28, 2016

So sad to hear. Paul will be missed for his wisdom and all that "special treatment" he gave everyone when in the shop. Thanks for taking the time when I first got started no 2 wheels.... GodSpeed

Jeremy Wolf

June 28, 2016

RIP Paul, you will be missed, thanks for being you and all your help over the time we knew each other.

Jeremy Wolf and family
Flash Motorbikes

Glenn S

June 28, 2016

I'm incredibly sorry and will miss Paul very much. I already have, and was devastated when he closed the shop. Paul was a very interesting and intense man who's friendship and business ethics I always admired and enjoy. Rest is Peace friend!

Mike Ryan

June 28, 2016

RIP Paul , you were one of the good guys and the first to help me when I started racing so many years ago...
Mike Ryan

brian graver

June 28, 2016

I will miss paul personally and in buisness... looked forward to viisting w him at shop, betting cases of beer on baseball.! He told me exactly where to go get his favorite beer when i lost!! Paul was a great guy to know....
condolences to the family
from all at team scream motorcycles

brian graver

June 28, 2016

I will miss paul personally and in a buisness sense.. looked forward to going to see him at shop and talking w him...

from all at team scream

June 27, 2016

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Ps 46 : 1

John Krenek

June 27, 2016

To know him, was to love him. I've missed the "special treatment" he always had in store for me when visiting the shop.
My heart goes out to all his family & loved ones.

Doug Paley

June 27, 2016

God speed....we well miss you Paul..

the Paley Family

Johnny Middleton

June 27, 2016

From the Austin MotoSports Association (AMSAclub.org) & myself our condolences to his family & close friends. Paul was a big part of Austin's motorcycle community for many many years, he will be missed.

Silva Bell

June 27, 2016

From your MD Anderson family we offer you and your family love, comfort and peace to cover you during this time of grief. May God keep you in his embrace. God Bless, GI Medical Oncology Research Department, Dr. Ajani MD, Silva Bell, Jackie Baker, Kim Ross, and other members of his staff.

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