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Paul Matthies Obituary
May 17, 1921 -
June 14, 2014
Paul Matthies, known to most as "Pablo" passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the age of 93. Paul was a resident of Hermosa Beach for nearly all of his life and was proud to call it home.
Paul is the son of Richard and Lina Matthies who emigrated from Germany in 1914. He is the sixth of seven children. His first family home was the second of only two houses built on 28th street. He attended Redondo Union High School and graduated in 1940. He then joined the army and served as Staff Sargeant in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. His love of language allowed him to quickly learn the local language and was able to act as an interpreter along with his assignment to the 307th Ordinance Ammunition Renovation Company. He met the love of his life, Aneta and they married in 1949. They went on to spend 65 wonderful years together.
Paul was very active in the community serving on numerous boards and commissions. As owner of the Hermosa Swim Gym, he taught many a South Bay resident how to swim. Pablo is probably best known for his long career as a Los Angeles County Lifeguard. His athleticism and strength is legendary, especially in the dory surf boat. He was still competing and winning until his retirement in 1975.
Pablo loved to sing. He sang in his church choir and later joined the South Bay Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He was later approached by the Easy Reader to be their "Surfing Santa". For the next 25 years he delighted young and old as Hermosa's version of Christmas.
Paul is survived by his wife Aneta, sister Madeline, daughter Dinah Stovall and her husband Ken and their daughter Jessica, son Dan Matthies and his wife Nina and their two sons Marty and Mo with his wife Meghan. He also has four great grandchildren, Isabella, Logan, Aurora, and baby Brynn.
His life's celebration is planned for Thursday, July 17th, 2014 on the sand south of the Hermosa Beach Pier at 9:00 am. A paddle out will follow. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Matthies
Jim Jurekovic
July 30, 2014
Paul was a great man I last saw him at Mike Doyle's induction to Surf Walk of fame last year. My dad Tom Jurekovic was a good friend of his And like so many others I learned to swim at the Swim Gym 56 years ago , I pray God will bless the family
Sending love and sympathy to you. Looking forward to Heaven. Mom is at Pacifica in Chino Hills. Love to you. The Sowers Family Carol Richmond
Marcella Edwards/Sowers/Burch
July 17, 2014
Long time friend from Redondo Union High School,and Community Baptist Church in Manhattan Beach. Thinking of Aneta and family.
Jim Stockwell
July 17, 2014
I am honored to have known Paul and his family and will always keep him in my heart as the hero, the life-saver, and the strong arms that aided the weak. On behalf of Gene, Barbara, Bonnie, and Jim Stockwell, we wish warm love and peaceful comfort to Paul and his beloved family. What an honor it is to have had his friendship!
June 30, 2014
I worked with Paul in April 1988, in Redondo Beach's THE MUSIC MAN at Aviation High's auditorium. I was Harold Hill and Paul was one of the quartet. I enjoyed working with him very much, and was surprised that he knew my wife's family as they were all long-time residents of Redondo. He lived a good long life for which we should be thankful. Many condolences to the family.
James 4:8
June 27, 2014
Draw close to God during this time of sorrow.
June 25, 2014
I loved Paul... and he loved the world.
Scott Sellars
June 25, 2014
Thank you Paul for all you did for the community.Go with God.
Rod Murphy
June 25, 2014
Paul was and will continue to be a Hermosa Beach Icon!
Anna Stone Anderson
June 25, 2014
Very fond memories of the Hermosa Swim Gym. Thank you for teaching me to swim and helping me develop my love of water. God Bless!
June 25, 2014
My sympathy goes out to the Matthies family. I learned to swim at the Swim Gym in Hermosa and grew up with Dinah, many good memories of old Hermosa and wonderful families. Take Care. Love, Cheryl Cole
Susie Hughes
June 25, 2014
With sadness, deepest condolences to the Mathies family. With joy remembering Paul's life and the friendship he gave to so many, including Bob and me. I remember, while he was on duty, Paul bringing cups of coffee to us on the beach next to the Hermosa Pier, when Bob and I first met. Lots of Taplins and Paul's amazing rowing, but mostly Paul's friendship and humanity to all.
Steve Sevilla
June 25, 2014
Love and Prayers to the whole Matthies Clan
June 25, 2014
Danny and Nina--my condolences. Dana Caston Moore
Susy Schmolle
June 25, 2014
Say hello to my family, Paul. Warm wishes to your Aneta and the rest of the family.
John McCaull
June 25, 2014
Paul: Thanks for teaching me to be a lifeguard in 1951. I worked for you at the old Breakwater at the start of my lifeguarding experience. You were a great guy to work for. I will always remember you as one of the good guys.
My condolences to your family.
E. Kovach
June 25, 2014
Thank you for teaching my children how to swim. God bless your family. We will always remember you.
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