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Paul Alan Shaghoian

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Buchanan High School California State University

Paul Shaghoian Obituary

PAUL ALAN SHAGHOIAN May 2, 1958 - Apr 16, 2004 Paul was the Director of Jazz Studies for Buchanan Educational Center in Clovis, Founder/Director of the San Joaquin Valley Jazz Festival, Co-director of La Sierra Creative Arts Camp, staff for Idyllwild School of the Arts Summer Camp, Yamaha Performing Artist, and California State University, Fresno Trumpet Professor from 1999-2003. He is survived by his beloved wife Laura; sons, Gregory Paul and Timothy Dane; mother, Rose Shaghoian; sisters Sharon, Susan, and Vicki; and brothers-in-law, David, Michael and Joel. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly and joyously remembered by family, friends, peers, and students. A Memorial Service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Fresno on Thursday, April 22, 2004, at 5:30 p.m. A Trust Fund has been established for the family. Contributions may be made to Buchanan High School, c/o Band Director, Mike Hipp.

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Published by Fresno Bee on Apr. 20, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Shaghoian

28 Entries

Marc Contreras

May 1, 2004

To the Shaghoian family,

I am very sorry for your sudden loss, and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was a student of Paul's during my four years at San Joaquin Memorial High School, and he left the same year I did. We were sorry to see him go, yet it was completely understandable that he needed to be in a place with better resources so he could make the best use of his talent. He was an accomplished musician, and I feel very fortunate to have been his student. I can still remember his words of encouragment before performances, which was just a simple "Do good!" He will be greatly missed.

Joseph Martindale

April 27, 2004

I'm sorry to hear about Paul's passing. He made a large impact in my appreciation for the art of music. I remember staying late at Buchanan High School some days just to listen to him play or watch him direct the band. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

Tim Price

April 26, 2004

My heartfelt condolences go to the Shaghoian family. Paul profoundly influenced me as a musician and as a person. In the few wonderful years we had performing together in Fresno, I was mightily impressed by his talent, and greatly admired his sincerity, humor and humility.

Last year, when we had a chance to visit briefly during the Reno Jazz Festival, it was as though we were picking up the strands of a conversation that we had begun seventeen years earlier. It was also obvious to me that he not only loved to teach, but that he loved the kids he taught. And that love was fully reciprocated.

Paul, I know that you are up there in that great jam session in the sky, and that you are making those harps swing! I am privileged to have known you, and I will remember you always.

Marc Breithaupt

April 26, 2004

Everyone always said that when you were at North Texas, you learned more from hanging out and practicing with the other students than from taking classes. Paul was always in the thick of things with learning. I always felt an insatiable thirst for knowledge of music and life coming from him. We all learned so much from him even if we were peers. Anytime I tell stories about my time in Denton, there is invariably a story involving "Shag". My sympathies to his family and I know that he is truly missed.

Steve Babcock

April 25, 2004

This is truly a great loss.

Frank Reed

April 24, 2004

Paul was one of the best friends I've ever had, and I've been blessed with many. We met at North Texas shortly after his arrival and became instant "Hangin' Buds". His energy and love of life affected us all and I feel lucky to have been so close. As a fellow trumpeter and member of Jake's "Secret Society", Paul was inspirational. Anytime you played with Paul it was like plugging into an electrical socket. He made everyone around him play better.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I hope he remembers to hug Jake & Dory and my dad for me.

My deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends.

Love,

Frank

Jesse Cannon

April 24, 2004

To the Shaghoian Family,

I am grateful for the opportunities throughout the years I was a music student in Fresno to be directed and taught by Paul in Honor Jazz and when he came to guest conduct at school. It was also an honor to play in bands with him upon occassion. I was never a full time student of his but he helped me to learn what it meant to be a musician. To show up, play your part, do it right, and have fun with it--to make music. I will miss him. I can not know what the family is going through but I will be praying for you daily. I pray that God will give you peace in this turbulent time.

Phil Marquez

April 23, 2004

My condolences to the entire Shaghoian family. I pray the love, peace and comfort of the Lord be upon you.

Daniel Valdez

April 23, 2004

My deepest sympathies go out to Paul's family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Ric Seaberg

April 22, 2004

Such an incredible loss to the entire music industry in Fresno. He has left such a legacy with each of his students, his 'style' will never be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

________________

Greg Taylor

April 22, 2004

I write this with a heavy and sad heart. Paul was truly one-of-a-kind. I'd like to offer my deepest sympathies to the entire Shaghoian family. I'm so sad at the loss of our friend.

Tami Kenyon

April 22, 2004

I wish to extend my condolences to Paul Shaghoian's family. I recently met Mr. Shaghoian at the annual "City Jazz" event at Fresno City College. I was touched by the manner of expression and intensity in which he conducted his students. They played fabulous music, and I was very impressed. I hope his kids do great in Reno! No doubt they will come home with more than just an award; they'll have a deeper respect and appreciation for music because of their loving and esteemed teacher. I have been hearing what an extraordinary musician and teacher he was. I feel a sadness as this community says goodbye to a man who left such a wonderful legacy of music behind. His love of music will be carried on by all those who loved him. I grieve for the family's loss and will keep them in my prayers. May God bless you and give you peace.

Tami Kenyon

Jay Fung

April 22, 2004

I was deeply saddened to hear about Paul. He will be missed by so many. It was an honor, a blast, and a memory-filled time, playing with him in After Dinner Mints. His friendship, wicked sense of humor, and amazing musical spirit will always hold a place in my heart. To Laura and his entire family, my thoughts and love are with you during this difficult time. I'll miss you, Paul.

Jay Fung

Dr. Ron Capps

April 22, 2004

I was deep sadness that I received a call Monday evening from my son Justin sharing the news of Paul's untimely passing.

Paul was the type of educator who allowed those fortunate enough to come in contact with him to enter his world and experience his joy and humanity. Paul's passion for music will live forever in the hearts and minds of the students and families that he blessed with his time and concern. Hopefully, those so blessed will take it on as a personal mission to share those qualities and spirits with those that they may come in contact with and those that were never fortunate enough to have encountered Paul.

As a father of one of his students, I know that JT (Justin Taylor) was fortunate to have had his guidance, inspiration and support.

To Laura and his family you have our deepest sympathies and wishes for the support of those arround you during this period.

Laura McBrien

April 22, 2004

We were so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Cari & Dan Boulton

April 21, 2004

We were deeply saddened to hear about Paul's passing. His passion and talent will be missed. The ISOMATA summer jazz camp will never be the same without him. Our hearts go out to his family.

David & Diane (Parker) Finney

April 21, 2004

I knew Paul when we were all students at North Texas. What an incredible musician and friend! It is such sad news to hear of this tragic loss. Please know that he still has a special place in our hearts here in Denton! Am sending my heart-felt condolences to all of Paul's family and friends. He will be missed.

Evan Yionoulis

April 21, 2004

My thoughts and condolences are with you all.

Evan Yionoulis

(I teach with Vicki at Yale.)

Bowen Family

April 20, 2004

Mr. Shaghoian will live forever in our hearts.

Kathleen Bowsher

April 20, 2004

I feel so lucky to have known Paul. He was such a wonderful musician and teacher, as well as a good man. It is such a shock, and sad beyond belief, to think that he will no longer be around. He had a profound influence on many young musicians in the Valley. My deepest sympathies to Laura and the boys, as well as Paul's mom and sisters.

Ellie Quattrin Dodd

April 20, 2004

Dear Shaghoian's,

What a loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Be assured that Kingsburg is grieving your loss. We are all here to support you.

Ellie

Sean Salehi

April 20, 2004

To the family and Friends of Paul

Paul was not only a long time friend of my family but he was also my trumpet teacher and mentor at Fresno State. Without Paul I would not be the trumpet player nor the teacher I am today. I am very sad to hear that Paul has left us, I will always remember him. My condolence goes out to his friends and family.

Paul thanks for everything......you will be remember and talked about in my classroom, ALWAYS.........Sean Salehi

Brian Brink

April 20, 2004

What great memories I have of Paul at North Texas. My first day on campus was Paul's also. Somehow we struck up an immediate friendship that continued until we left Texas several years later. He was passionate about his music making. We had many good times together. When the One O'Clock band toured California I had the pleasure to stay at his home with his wonderful family. Many memories of him and our friendship will last me a lifetime.

My sincerest expressions of sympathy are sent to his family and friends.

Beth McGuire

April 20, 2004

I send my love and support to you all. My thoughts and love are with you Vickie...

Beth

Jeff Thomas

April 20, 2004

To all of Paul's family and friends, I want to extend my sincere condolences and sympathy. I attended North Texas State with Paul and remember him as a close friend and a wonderful musicican. Most of my three years in Denton was spent either playing music with Paul or hanging out and having fun with him. He was a light in this world and one of the most energetic and fun loving people I have ever known.

I know that he has left a legacy of students and thier families who have been touched by his life. The world will be a sadder place without him, but a better place because he was here.

Goodbye Paul...Jeff Thomas

David Nance

April 20, 2004

Paul was a man that I always looked up to. I spent 6 years under his tutilage at Alta Sierra, Buchanan High, and Fresno State. I learned an incredible amount from that man -- not only about music, but also about life. Paul's tenacity and love for music was easily seen in the groups he conducted and the groups in which he played.

He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Shaghoian family and the rest of Paul's loved ones.

Mark and Anne Prather

April 19, 2004

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Shaghoian Family. His passing is a great loss to the community, and especially to his students, past, present and future, who will miss his outstanding dedication to young musicians. Paul, we will never forget you.

Clarence Acox

April 19, 2004

To: The Family of Paul Shaghoian

From: Clarence Acox,(Band Director Garfield H.S. Seattle WA.)

I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with during this very difficult time. You have my condolences. He will be sorely missed. I know I will.

Clarence Acox

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