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Paul Todd Obituary
A celebration of Paul's life will be held in early summer.
Paul was born Dec. 19, 1942, in Philadelphia to Alden and Jean (Goldman) Todd. He grew up in Washington, D.C., and graduated from the University of Denver with a bachelor's degree.
He worked for the Kalamazoo Gazette in Michigan as a cityside general assignments reporter from 1966-1975. He later worked as a public participation coordinator for the Southcentral Michigan Planning Council. He received his master of public administration degree at Western Michigan University in 1981. He served as an intern for the City of Battle Creek Planning Department, working with Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek, an inner-city social service agency.
He moved to Anchorage on Oct. 5, 1983, where he worked for the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau as the visitor services coordinator.
He married Mary Margaret Puksta on April 22, 1988. He received his paralegal program certificate from the University of San Diego in 1992. He had worked as a paralegal for multiple law firms since 1993.
Paul loved to volunteer and give back to the community. He umpired many softball games and directed many Amateur Softball Association of America women's slow-pitch tournaments, including the major state championships while in Michigan. He was a pitcher for the Xerox-sponsored Class D softball team from 1984-2004 in Anchorage. He had served as a skiing instructor for Alyeska Resort and Challenge Alaska Adaptive Ski and Snowboard School since 1987. In 1989, he became an Alpine Level 2 ski instructor, and had served as the director and secretary of the Professional Ski Instructors of America, Alaska Division, since 2006.
Paul is survived by his wife, Mary, Anchorage; and one brother, Philip "Flip" Todd of Anchorage.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Challenge Alaska, 3350 Commercial Drive, Suite 208, Anchorage 99501
Arrangements were by the Cremation Society of Alaska; www.alaskacremation.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Todd
Steve Howze
March 26, 2011
Paul was a great guy. We skied Alyeska, enjoyed dinner, and music. Paul made the World better place .
Cam Mocarski
March 14, 2011
Mary,
I am deeply saddened by Paul's passing. It was so wonderful to drive down to Challenge Alaska and teach skiing with him again. He would talk about the most interesting topics and make the drive to Girdwood seem like it was minutes away. He always had interesting things to say, and was a wealth of skiing information. His knowledge was endless. I also appreciated his sense of humor. Paul's dedication to skiing inspired all who he touched. His absence will be greatly felt throughout the skiing community. I will miss teaching with and learning from him. He had a way of always making you feel terrific! He was my friend who will be sorely missed. If there is anything I can do please let me know. You are in my prayers.
Beth Edmands
March 14, 2011
Paul was a true humanitarian for his volunteer work and a kind friend. I will miss him and all of us at Challenge Alaska will miss him.
Beth Edmands
Executive Director Challenge Alaska
Hilda Spires
March 7, 2011
Mary,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband. I have worked with you for years and know how much he meant to you. Please know you are in my prayers.
March 7, 2011
Mary,
For many years we have known you and Paul and have memories of times together. Paul was a good man, generous with his time for friendship and help, and great conversations. I'll always remember him rollerblading through the neighborhood with his smile and wave. We will miss him.
Love and prayers, Diane and Pete
Larry Daniels
March 5, 2011
Mary,
I also knew Paul through his work at Alyeska as well as through his volunteer work at Challenge.
I chaired the "Bier Garten" committee for Girdwood Rotary in the '90's when Challenge and Rotary took that program on. Paul was always so dilligent in his efforts to support the community and I always appreciated that in him.
Girdwood and Alyeska are better places for Paul's efforts. I will miss him.
Marilyn Leland
March 4, 2011
Mary,
You and I never met, but I met Paul through his work at Walker & Levesque and we discovered our common connections in Kalamazoo where I grew up. I saw him several times last summer at the Spenard Farmers Market where I'm a volunteer and we always had so much fun talking. I'll miss seeing him. Please accept my sincere condolences. He was a wonderful man.
marlene goldman spaner
March 4, 2011
Dear Mary,
My husband and I were shocked to hear the news about Paul. He will always hold a special place in our memory. If there is anything that we can do for you, please don't hesitate to let us know.You are in our prayers.
Sue Vandenberg
March 4, 2011
Mary and Flip, I am so sorry to hear that Paul has left us. He was very special to me and all his support throughout his years volunteering at Mt. Alyeska. He was always available for assiting during the USSA and FIS races and he loved everyminute. I will always treasure his friendship and support over the years.
Rachel Fairbanks
March 4, 2011
Mary,
I was shocked to hear of this devastating news. My heart and prayers are with you now during this difficult time. Your husband was a very special man, of which you know more about than the rest of us, but he was so smart and personable and will be sorely missed by many. He was a kind and gentle soul and when I move back I will miss looking for him on the slopes. We hope to be in AK for most of the summer. Please let me know when his celebration of life is. Thinking of you.
Ute Levesque
March 4, 2011
Dearest Mary, I can't begin to express the shock and sorrow we feel about Paul's passing. Unfortunately I didn't get to spend as much time with the two of you as I would have liked to, but the memories I do have are so pleasant. And there always seemed to be lots of food, conversation and laughter. I know Joe has always spoken highly of Paul, both personally and professionally. If there is anything we can do to make this difficult time easier for you, please let us know. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary and Paul at a Walker & Levesque gathering.
Karen Obermann
March 3, 2011
Paul at one of our office Christmas parties.
Karen Obermann
March 3, 2011
Susan & Harry Whitaker
March 3, 2011
My husband and I were so shocked to hear of Paul's death. We knew Paul from Alyeska and especially enjoyed working with him during the Forest Fair for many years - it simply will not be the same. We will miss working with him and seeing him around the mountain. Our condolences to you.
Deborah Collins
March 3, 2011
Mary, I am so very sorry to hear of Paul's passing. If there is anything I can do just tell me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Condolences,
Deborah
Kyle Kidder
March 3, 2011
Mary, I have never met you but I told Paul every weekend how much I appreciated the cakes that you would bake and he would bring into Challenge Alaska. I honestly will miss Paul and his passion for skiing.
Tom & Brigid Stersic
March 3, 2011
Mary:
We are so shocked to hear of Paul's passing and want to offer you all the support and condolences we can from such a far distance. Please know you are present in our thoughts and prayers. Brigid and I will always cherish the opportunity we had to reconnect with Paul and to meet you in 2008. The wine-tasting party at the condo was typical of Paul and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Having Paul visit us last year while he was in Traverse City was marred only by your absence, but we understand you had family obligations. During the years Paul spent at the Gazette I came to respect his professionalism and his delightful sense of humor. He will be missed. When you return to our neighbrhood, please contact us.
Sherry Goggans
March 3, 2011
Mary,
I am so deeply saddened to learn of Paul's death. Please know that love, thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
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