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Paul Panks Obituary
The life of Paul Allen Panks literally came full circle when he passed away unexpectedly July 5, 2009 two days before his 33rd birthday. He was born three months prematurely at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix on July 7, 1976, where he spent four months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was this fighting spirit that endeared him to us from the start, and helped him with the challenges he would face in his later years. Growing up Paul spent hours drawing, writing & creating computer adventure games, hobbies he enjoyed all of his life. He graduated from Chaparral High School in 1995 and earned a BS degree in Sociology from Northern Arizona University. Paul was preceded in death by grandparents Allen and Lois Panks, and Jim and Ann Williams. He is survived by his parents Gary and Judy, brother Brian, Aunt Jan McLaughlin (Jim), cousins Ryan McLaughlin (Sharon), Tim McLaughlin (Leann), Ethan and Mia McLaughlin, and the Loeffler family. He is also survived by Aunts Shirley Przylucki (Chet), Sally Higdon (Don), and many other loving family members and friends. A celebration of Paul's life will be held 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 15, at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ, 12861 N. 8th Avenue, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Paul's memory to: The Marc Center East Village, 924 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa Arizona 85201, Attention: Cheryl Anderson. Life will never be the same without Paul, who left us way too soon. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Panks
Andrew Aloha
March 12, 2022
Andrew Aloha
March 12, 2022
Mike Lee
November 13, 2009
I have been of the scene for a while moving house and all, but when I found out about Paul, this was a great shock and at such a young age.
He contributed a lot to the Commodore. I know he will be missed by all.
I am so sorry....
Mike.
RSFCers
October 19, 2009
Geez. 10-3-39, just when the Sun Devils were getting good. Them Huskies was easy. RSFC changed when you left, dood. You left a mark.
September 7, 2009
Paul was a respected member of the classic gaming and computer groups and I had the pleasure of "knowing" and dealing with him in the past. My condolences go out to his family and friends. -Frank Traut (Janesville, WI)
Jim Farley
September 6, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss. I knew Paul as "dunric" on Commodore related IRC channels and message boards. Friends are hard to come by in this life and I considered Paul a friend. I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Ginny Leason
July 25, 2009
Gary, Judy and Family,
Tim and I are deeply saddened by Paul's passing. We just found out and remembered the times of the our kids all playing together at Silver Creek Golf Club. Our prayers are with you. Tim, Ginny Leason and family
Bill Marsden
July 22, 2009
I did not know Paul, except in passing. We both had an enthusiasm for computers, especially the C64. We had more in common than not. He was way too young, and you have my sincerest condolences.
Bill Marsden, Garland, TX
Joe Bucci
July 22, 2009
I'm so terribly sorry for the Panks family's loss. Especially the parents. I have 3 sons, 1 older than Paul, 2 younger. I can't even imagine losing any of them. Please accept my Blessings.
Joe Bucci
Antoinette Klima
July 21, 2009
Dear Paul,
You were always part of our family and will continue to be so. We loved you and will miss you.
Love, Toni
Cliff Klima
July 20, 2009
Dear, sweet Paul.
I thought of you as the person who intellectualized cyberspace. Very kind and gentle soul.
You will always be part of our thoughts as we miss you.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Cliff.
Eric F.
July 20, 2009
Even though I didn't know you personally Paul, we exchanged a couple emails when I tested one of your interactive fiction game. I think you had the real craft of adventure.
I'm really saddened to learn you're no longer among us :(
Condolence to your Family and Friends.
Genrex
July 19, 2009
Rest in Peace Paul Panks.
I am stumped for words here. How appropriate he made his last topic on Lemon64 about getting comforted by angels. I guess he will never get to experience gauntlet on VIC-2 either.
I have been critical at times of his repeated posts. I am sorry Paul Panks. But I still have great respect for you. Largely due to the fact that you had the guts to speak about your illness openly and face criticism.
I really hope you are at a better place..... and meeting Jesus!
Jerry Perez
July 19, 2009
You live forever with the Commodore 64!
John Maccaro
July 19, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew of Paul through the commodore family.
He was a good guy. He was a friendly and mindful type. His words and postings will be sorely missed
Shane Wood
July 18, 2009
The world online will be a little less interesting! without Paul’s quirky and entertaining posts.
My thoughts and condolence go out to Paul’s Family and Friends as well as Paul’s online Friends.
Chris Cummins
July 18, 2009
I only wish I had gotten to know Paul better at Lemon64, he was a kind and caring person, and he will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Chris Paratech Cummins - Franklin, Pa
Oliver VieBrooks
July 18, 2009
I never had the chance to meet Paul in person, but I knew him online from our common interest in Commodore computers. He was always such a pleasant and friendly guy, and his postings on comp.sys.cbm revealed a quirky sense of humor that's all too rare in this world. I greatly enjoyed knowing Paul, and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. His games were enjoyed by people all over the world, and his humor brought a smile to my face on many a dreary day. My sincerest condolences to his friends and family.
Gerry van den Berk
July 18, 2009
I know Paul from his Commodore computer related activities. Paul was a friendly, loyal, intelligent and imaginative friend to all in the community and is greatly missed.
Sincerest condolences to his loved ones.
Sleep peacefully my friend.
Gaelyne Gasson
July 18, 2009
My sincere condolences to your family. Paul was a member of a Commodore mailing list that I moderate, and he touched many many lives of people all over the world with his writing and adventure games. I will miss his musings and ponderings on all things Commodore. May he rest in peace, and may you know comfort in this time.
Georg Fuchs
July 18, 2009
Paul, your ideas inspired many of our readers. Your contributions to the Commodore community and our magazine won't be forgotten. Thanks for everything.
My condolences to Paul's family.
Sam Gillett
July 17, 2009
I never met Paul in person, but like another who signed his guest book, traded many messages with him on a Commodore newsgroup. He was so young that it doesn't seem fair that he has been taken from us. May God rest his soul.
James Alexander
July 17, 2009
I too knew him through our shared computer hobby though I never got to meet him in person. He is missed.
David Mohr
July 17, 2009
Hi remember Dunric for many years on the lists and his disks that he sent to me of his Commodore 64 and 128 games. That he allowed me to put on our users groups monthly disks. He will be sorely missed.
Lord Ronin from Q-Link
Mike Moffett
July 17, 2009
Gary & Judy,
I am so sorry to hear about your recent loss. My family will have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Moffett (Cactus and Pine)
Robert Bernardo
July 17, 2009
My condolences on your loss. I am very sorry to hear of this. Though Paul was a long-distance member of our computer club, I had hoped to meet him one day, perhaps at our club's yearly computer show event in Las Vegas. He was one of the few who supported our hobby by writing and improving his computer programs continually, and he is to be commended for his diligence.
Sincerely,
Robert Bernardo
Daniel Mackey
July 17, 2009
I never met Paul in person but we sent messages back and forth in the news groups. He'll be missed.
It's a sad day for the Commodore community.
Rest in peace friend...
Mike T
July 16, 2009
I knew Paul through his adventure games. A part of him lives yet through these works of fiction and will inspire others even yet to be born. My sympathy and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Mike.
July 15, 2009
Gary and Judy,
From the hearts of all the nurses and doctors who cared for Paul when he was in our unit, we want you to know that we remember what a little fighter Paul was and how cute he was. He was a true blessing to all of your family as you well know.
May he live on forever in your hearts and memories.
St Joseph's Neonatal Unit
Wendy Urias-Smith
July 15, 2009
Dear Judy, Gary and Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. I'm sending you all my love, hugs and strength.
July 14, 2009
Gary, Judy, and Family,
We are thinking of you and are sending you our sympathy at this difficult time. David & Karen Holtan and Family
July 14, 2009
Gary, Judy & Family,
We know that words can never ease your grief, although it's always helpful to know that so many care and are with you at this difficult time.
Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you now.
Sincerely, Carmella @ Cactus & Pine
Judy Bowe
July 14, 2009
Dear Judy & Gary,
I'm saddened for you and your family. I am in California or I would have come to give both of you a hug.
Clarence joins me in sending you our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Fondly,
Judy Bowe
Barbara Mizer
July 13, 2009
Judy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry.
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