Cyril B Paumier Jr.

Cyril Benedict Paumier, 87 of Columbia, MD died peacefully on July 9, 2021 in Ipswich, MA. Cy was born in Canton, OH to the late Cyril Benedict Paumier and Frances (Fiala) Paumier. Cy graduated from Ohio State University in 1955 with a BS in Landscape Architecture and received a masters degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design in 1957. During his time in Cambridge he met, courted and married Eunice Joy, his devoted and loving wife of 52 years.

Cy's early professional ambitions were rooted in his home state of Ohio, first as the project coordinator for the Cleveland Urban Renewal Department, and then as Executive Director of the Canton Redevelopment Association. In 1964 he joined Johnson, Johnson and Roy in Ann Arbor, MI where he served as a principal until 1969. Upon his departure from JJR, Cy joined the Rouse Company where he served for three years as Chief Land Planner, overseeing and coordinating land planning, site planning and landscape design for the new city of Columbia, Maryland.

In 1972 Cy co-founded with three associates, Land Design/Research (LDR) where he served as a principal and led the urban planning department for over 30 years. His passion for his work was grounded by his belief that the creation of high quality public realms for people to live, work, shop, and relax allowed them to fully and authentically engage in their communities. His contributions to the formulation of urban design plans for city center projects spanned over 50 cities in the United States and the United Kingdom. Cy set forth these urban design principles and strategies in his book Creating a Vibrant City Center, ULI 2004.

Cy stayed active in his later years as an urban design consultant for the Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID) and as a senior urban design advisor with HNTB Corporation. His final and passionately held work was for the design of Symphony Woods in Columbia, MD. Initially engaged by Columbia Association for the design and redevelopment, it was a great disappointment to Cy and other community members to ultimately have a family theme park chosen over the more urbane park design developed by Cy and his cohorts. Cy lived in Columbia for over 50 years and was in his heart an original resident. He was committed to the belief that the city could, and should, enhance its residents quality of life.

Cy was predeceased by his loving wife Eunie in 2010. They shared a long and passionate partnership, sharing a mutual love of learning and curiosity about the world. They enjoyed extensive travel and adventures abroad, especially during their years living in Stuttgart, Germany. Cy is survived by his three daughters, Kimberly Hanna of Beckley, England, Terri Livingston of Long Beach, California, and Tami Paumier of Ipswich, Massachusetts. He was also a loving father figure to his Niece Kathy Heart and foster daughter Lee Shaw. He was grandfather to Amanda Livingston, and Hudson and 'Bing' Warren. He will be dearly missed by all.

Until his final days, Cy showed an unwavering care and concern for those around him, from his family and friends to his beloved caregivers who he relied on. Cy was known for his big heart, and was always quick to show compassion and kindness for others. He will be remembered for his beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, and kind and supportive words.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 am on October 30, 2021 at Christ Episcopal Church (Old Brick), 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD.