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Paul Brawner Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Brawner
Timothy Bailey
May 10, 2020
Truly a man of the highest integrity. Honored to have worked beside him and blessed by his friendship
Timothy Bailey
May 10, 2019
Best part of grief is remembering. The pain dulls with years but the memory of Paul lives brightly on
Pam Dean
February 20, 2013
The members of Paul's high school graduating class were just notified of Paul's passing. Paul and I became friends while sitting next to each other in our sophomore year biology class. As others have stated, he was a smart guy, down-to-earth and kind. I know your family misses him greatly. He is remembered with fondness.
Cheryl Fancher Fannin
February 20, 2013
Our Prayers are with you and your family.
Pam Bryan Williams
February 20, 2013
I knew Paul in Earl Edward Stewart's English IV Class. I moved to Putnam my senior year and sat next to Paul in this class. He was always so helpful and inspiring. He was just smart! And never acted like it. Just kind and helpful in everyway. I know he grew to become an outstanding man. I am so sorry for the family's loss.
Janice Newell Shepherd
February 20, 2013
Paul always seemed to be a well-grounded, kind man. I'm sure the family was blessed to have him as a husband and father.
Paul Lekawski
February 20, 2013
I just received word of Paul's passing and wanted to express my condolences to his family and mention that he will be remembered by the Putnam City High School Class of 1966. Paul was one of the smartest and kindest classmates both at Putnam City and Oklahoma State University. He is missed.
Bill Hinger
June 1, 2012
Dear Christina and Brawner Family: I am deeply sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I worked with Paul at HNB here in Columbus for several years before his departure to Minn. His office was less than 10 feet from me. We were both "early risers" which explains why we became good friends over the years. He was a good, honest, holy man with much integrity and a pleasure to work with. I will miss him very much. Please know my prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Bill Hinger
Rick Barton
May 25, 2012
Brawner Family,
I met Paul through RMA at an annual roundtable we both attended. (I met you, Cris, at least once at those events) During those sessions Paul's intellect and humor were always on display and I looked forward annually to seeing him. We just had that roundtable in late April and all of us there missed Paul--he had just changed jobs at TCF and no longer would be a part of our group. To learn of his passing through RMA is a shock. I will always have the foundest memories of Paul. You all have my sincerest sympathies and hope your memories will carry you through this most difficult of times.
May 23, 2012
Dear Chris and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Paul's sudden passing. Everyone speaks so highly of your dear husband and I remember you always did too. My prayers to you at this sad time and my deepest sympathy. May Paul Rest in Peace.
Pam Sather~Minnetonka MN
Mary Held
May 22, 2012
I worked for Huntington Banks for over 15 years and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Paul during much of that time. I remember Paul as respectful, kind, knowledgeable, professional and funny and as living his motto "to serve others" by helping and mentoring me. Although his passing surprised and saddens me and feels like such a loss, I'll always remember him and be so grateful that our career paths crossed. Huntington was fortunate in those days that Paul was there.
May 21, 2012
We just returned from out-of-town, and heard about Paul's passing. I am SO sorry to have missed the funeral. I was head of Commercial Banking at TCF in Minnesota for several years, and retired a little more than a year ago. I was looking forward to someday toasting (and roasting?) Paul at a retirement party. For a good part of my time at TCF, my office was next door to Paul's office. Every day, I witnessed the strong work ethic, the booming voice, the sense of humor and, most importantly, the obvious humanity that I suspect you have heard about from everyone.
Simply put, Paul Brawner was the best Chief Credit Officer that I ever worked with in over 40 years in banking (and I worked with dozens of them, including some at a couple of banks much larger than TCF). By design, there is often friction at banks between the line officers generating new loan requests, and the Credit Department. But I always thought of Paul as a teammate (and a great one). While he would sometimes decline a loan request, he was so likable, and I developed so much respect for his intelligence and point-of-view, that I would end up understanding and agreeing with him. In my experience, this didn't happen with other credit officers.
I once put together a list of the character traits that you would want in the ideal Chief Credit Officer. It included such things as intelligence, integrity, professionalism, fairness and consistency, being "approachable", being a good listener, the ability to be tough when necessary (while never personalizing criticism), and good human values. This is a rare combination of skills and abilities. In my 40+ years in banking, I encountered someone who embodied ALL of these qualities just once - and it was Paul Brawner. It was an honor and a privilege to work with this extraordinary man.
My Dad, who died in 1991, used to say "You come into this world with nothing, and you leave with nothing. True wealth is measured by the impact you have on people while you are here." Paul Brawner was one of the richest human beings I have ever met.
Bob (and Barbara) Scott
Terri Mason
May 21, 2012
Dear Cris and family, you have my deepest sympathy. It was an honor and a blessing to have spent time working under Paul, for whom I had such high respect both as a manager and as a person. You will be in my prayers. God bless you and keep you.
May 21, 2012
Cecilia and family - I was deeply saddened to learn the sad news. May God grant you and your family the strength and perspective to shoulder this terrible loss. Tony Lacot, Lorton, VA.
NaiChia Li
May 21, 2012
Dear Cris & family,
I've had the privilege to work with Paul at TCF for 4 years. Words cannot describe my deepest sorrow. Paul was a wonderful leader and a great gentleman. His passion for what he does and compassion for everyone around him is always admired. I have so many fond memories of Paul. His laughter, his funny stories, his kindness, his wisdom, his true leadership, and his integrity will never be forgotten. My adoration of Paul will never change. It's the saddest news to learn his passing. We'll be praying for you & family in this difficult time.
May 21, 2012
I was fortunate to serve on the vounteer board of Art Space Projects (a non-profit housing developer for poor and artists and their families) with Paul. He was always prepared and always clear in his vision and dedication to the duties he had as a board member and chair of one of ite comittes. He will be greatly missed, he was so clear in his explanation of complicated issues we faced as board members.
Lou DeMars
May 21, 2012
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Carolyn Byrne Hartmann
Sara & Bill Lykken
May 20, 2012
Dear Cris and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and Paul's loved ones.
You are an integral part of the Hidden Oaks neighborhood and we are here to support you today and the days ahead.
Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Candy Bowlsby
May 18, 2012
Dear Ana and family,
We were so saddened to hear about your Dad's passing. After meeting him at your wedding we could tell he was such an awesome man-so fun and funny! He will be greatly missed but hope your happy memories will be of comfort. Thinking of you all.
Glenda and Paul Hawkins
May 18, 2012
I was so surprised and saddened to learn of Paul's passing. We just never know what is coming next. I hope your memories will give you comfort - we will be thinking of you all. If there is anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask.
Henry Hormann
May 18, 2012
I worked for two years within Paul's department at TCF and in that short time, I learned countless lessons from him about how to be professional and take pride in your work. It's clear that he had that same impact on many other people, in addition to being a delight to be around. He led by example every day.
Paul was always kind and tactful and he often illustrated a point by using great wisdom with a dash of humor, or vice versa. He certainly seemed to live by his life's motto “to serve others” with amazing consistency.
He will definitely be missed by those who had the pleasure of working with him, so I can only imagine how tough it is on his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nicole Meyers
May 18, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Paul at TCF Bank for the last two years. As someone who was new to the corporate world, Paul always made me feel welcome. I will miss his laughter, his smile, and his stories. He was an unforgettable person. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Don and Cynthia Paynter
May 18, 2012
Cris, Cecilia, Rebecca and Ana--
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Paul's passing. So many memories from St. Agatha days come flooding back. Our sincere sympathies go out to you.
Don and Cynthia
Tim Amlie
May 17, 2012
Chris and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time! Let me know if I can help with anything.
Timothy Bailey
May 17, 2012
Paul will always be remembered for the values he lived everyday. Integrity, commitment, trustworthy, and honor were just some of the brightly polished 'medals' on his chest.
I pray God will be near to his family in their grief.
Barry Winslow
May 17, 2012
Cris: I don't have words to express my sorrow about Paul. As you know, he and I have been friends for more than thirty years. To my knowledge, no one at TCF has ever been less than extremely complimentary about Paul, as a banker and, more importantly as a person. He was the ulimate professional, who frequently had to make tough decisions but never made it personal. His personality and great sense of humor kept all of our spirits up even when things were tough. Henceforth, there will be a hole in my life, Paul was a great banker but an even better person.
I am very troubled that I can't attend Paul's services. I must be in New York City on Monday morning to give a speech at an American Banker Association seminar and must leave on Sunday to be there. I know you have three capable daughters to help you thru this terrible time but if there is any way Sandy or I can be of service, we would be honored to help.
God Bless
Mike Matheis
May 17, 2012
Similar to others from TCF who have previously signed this guest book, I too was and remain saddened by Paul's death. He was a good and gracious man, admired by many here. Paul's positive influence on his peers and co-workers was significant. Please add my condolences to the many being expressed.
Dave Cernak
May 17, 2012
Dear Mrs. Brawner and daughters,
I was so very sorry to hear of Paul's passing. All of the accolades for Paul on this link are so well deserved. Paul had a positive influence on everyone who knew him. You have my sympathy and heart felt condolences.
Karen & Jay O'Connell
May 17, 2012
Cris & the Brawner Family,
Words cannot express our sympathy to you and your family during this very difficult time. May the very fond memories of him keep you going in the days and months to come. All of the neighbors on Hidden Oaks want to help support you in whatever way we can. Please let us know what we can do.
Judy & Buz Goodrich
May 17, 2012
We are so sad to hear of Paul's death. We have such great memories of him. It was pleasure to know him, and we know his loss is devastating. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Josh Bailey
May 17, 2012
I didn't know him as "Paul", I knew his as "Mr. Brawner". The man's conviction, intellect and integrity commanded nothing but respect and admiration from his colleagues and I feel privileged to have worked with him over these last several years. May the Lord comfort your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Scott Campbell
May 17, 2012
I had the priviledge to work for Paul for the past 5 years at TCF. As a manager, there have been none better in my 25+ year banking career. More importantly though, I do not know if I have ever met a better person. Paul treated everyone with respect and kindness.
Todd Palmer
May 17, 2012
Paul was a great man and his genuine respect and compassion for others will be missed. It was truly a pleasure knowing and working with him. My sincere condolences go out to the family and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Iris Johnson
May 17, 2012
Dearest Cris, Cecilia, Rebecca, and Ana,
Paul was a kind and gentle man with a sense of humor and the gift of hospitality. He always made me feel welcome when we were at your home for media and school gatherings. My heart aches for you at such a great loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you travel this unexpected path.
Love,
Iris
John & Kathy Bode
May 16, 2012
Dear Cris and Family,
We are so sad to hear about Paul's passing. Please know that we are here
to help with anything you might need
With Love,
John and Kathy Bode
Ana and Jerry Benson
May 16, 2012
We have had the privilege of having Paul as our friend for more than 45 years. He was a part of our family. He had a gift of intelligence and warmth, of friendship and compassion, of honesty and trustworthiness. His passing leaves a great void in our lives. All of the Brawners, Paul, Cris, Cecelia, Rebecca, and Ana, will be in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Crista Warniment
May 16, 2012
Dear Cris, Cecilia, Rebecca, and Ana,
We are so very sorry for Paul's sudden passing. I have known you all my life and think of you as family; I know how much my parents care for you all too. I always enjoyed Paul's brightness and sense of humor. We enjoyed seeing you last August and I will always remember how much Paul made my little Mikey giggle by playing games at the dinner table!
Love to you all,
Crista, Danny, and Mikey Warniment
Andy Livingston
May 16, 2012
It didn't matter if it was a personal or professional matter Paul always made the time to listen and offer assistance. I learned a great deal from Paul which has helped me greatly in my professional life at Huntington. His smile and sense of humor were seen everyday. Chris and girls I send my deepest sympathy to each of you!
Mike Gallagher
May 16, 2012
When you think of dedication, intelligence, and wit one name always stood out - Paul Brawner.
Paul will certainly be missed here at TCF.
May 16, 2012
Rebecca and Family,
Your dad must have been a fine man to produce a daughter like you. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Gwen and Kathy
Paul Riehman
May 16, 2012
I was stunned to hear this news of Paul. Cris and family, my heartfelt condolences on your far too soon loss. I had the abundant privilege to have known and worked with Paul for 3-yrs.; a finer, more eloquent professional with a great sense of humor would be hard to find. The world needs more people like Paul in it.
J.R. Rausch
May 16, 2012
My deepest sympathies to his whole family. Paul was an outstanding person who always had time to help others. I enjoyed being mentored by him when I was in the credit department at Huntington Bank.
Teri Deaver
May 16, 2012
I knew Paul through his role as a dedicated volunteer board member. An absolute privilege to work with him. A good humored, positive, insightful and supportive leader who will be greatly missed. It was his genuine warmth, and kind, respectful way with everyone that will stay with me. Deepest sympathies to you in this time of great loss and grief.
Karie Toske
May 16, 2012
Paul will always be remembered at TCF as somebody who was always kind, caring, intelligent and of course humorous. Praying the Lord comforts his loved ones heart and blesses their life with treasured memories.
Jenny Sigsbee
May 16, 2012
Cristina, I am so very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your dear husband. May you feel surrounded by the heartfelt sympathy and love of your family and friends, including me.
Susan Fennell
May 16, 2012
Keeping you all in thought and prayer during your time of loss. May God comfort your hearts and bring you peace.
Lori Lotto
May 16, 2012
Without a doubt, Paul was one of the most admired individuals in our organization (TCF). His sense of humor, kindness and personable manner are just a few of the many positive characteristics that we will all miss. It was a blessing to have known him.
Sue Lombardi
May 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mark & Jean Sabre
May 16, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Diana Lee
May 16, 2012
I'll remember Paul as a true gentleman and one who always took the time to say a friendly hello to people of all ranks in the company. He will be missed by many of us at TCF.
Delsie Boyd
May 16, 2012
Paul will truly be missed. Such a great man to know and a fabulus sense of humor. I had the privilege to work with him a few years at Huntington in Columbus, Oh. My deepest sympathies to the Brawner family.
Barbara Shaw
May 16, 2012
Paul was a stellar human being - gracious, respectful and intelligent. His wit was incomparable. I am blessed and honored to have known him.
Jan Couturier
May 16, 2012
My condolences to Paul's wife and family. I worked with Paul at Huntington Bank. He was one of a kind. Paul once said "if only we could be cloned". I wish we could have cloned Paul. He will be missed.
Patrick Kelly
May 16, 2012
I know I speak for many in saying that Paul was both highly respected and loved by so many of his associates during his years at Huntington Bank. Paul always took the time to share his vast knowledge and he led by example in every way.
Chris, Please accept My deepest sympathy in your time of loss.
Patrick Kelly
Bob Henry
May 16, 2012
You could never meet a more honest man, who also had a sense of humor and could add levity to very difficult situations. We will miss his guidance. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
May 16, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers Rebecca from Tami, Madden and I.
Tami and Mark Ribbens
Earl Stratton
May 16, 2012
We will all miss Paul's great humor and compassion for others. My sympathy to his entire family.
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