Paul Schroeder Obituary

PAUL EDWARD SCHROEDER March 12, 1946 - July 12, 2009 Paul lost his long battle with heart disease, diabetes and arthritis on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at Providence St. Joseph's Medical Center in Burbank, California, at th e age of 63. Paul was born in 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. He spent his teen years attending Fairview High and Murray State University, where he was an athlete and sportsman, before being drafted into the United States Army Airborne Division, where his keen mind helped him to be selected as a cryptologist. Following the war, Paul finished up his education by graduating from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. He moved to California in the early 80's, where he attended the American Film Ins titute in Hollywood, and began a career in show business, first as a Teamster in motion pictures, working on the film 1941 with John Belushi and director Steven Spielberg. He went on to become a Technical Director, calling cameras on shows like Newhart, Seinfeld and Cybil at the then CBS/MTM Studios in Studio City. Due to the long and stressful hours, Paul decided to go into business for himself, launching KAB: The Satellite Store, one of the first consumer large satellite dish companies in Los Angeles, who were responsible for the majority of home and business installations of dishes in the San Fernando Valley. When technology moved forward, so did Paul, who owned and operated Hollywood Home Theater, building beautiful and renowned custom home theater installations from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border. Paul loved sports (closely following the St. Louis Rams, the St. Louis Cardinals and University of Missouri NCAA basketball), politics, academia but mostly movies. Not just as a viewer, but as a stute observer of the art of filmmaking. Paul loved the details from the direction, to the lighting, to the story-telling. In 2004, he even did a short stint as a movie reviewer with broadcaster Scott St. James on St. Louis radio station KTRS. He attended a weekly Monday night dinner, with friends, who couldn't wait to hear Paul's take on the latest films. Paul was a kind, thoughtful and passionate man, who was always there to reach his hand out to others. He was considered by all who knew him as one o f the most unselfish men they had ever known. He will be remembered by all of those whose lives he touched.

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Published by Los Angeles Daily News on Jul. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Schroeder

9 Entries

Gary Robertson

July 23, 2009

Paul and I met when I was 13 and spent a couple of years hanging out together. He often came by my house to play cards or chat or put our heads together to come up with something new for all of us in our social circle to do. I was a planner. He made the more serious side of me smile. And we playfully mixed with a particularly fun group of girls, the best of whom I was fortunate to marry. I wouldn't have thought to call Paul this then, but Paul was a bit of a provocateur. He liked to try and push the envelope of daring just a bit more than most of us very predictable guys did in those days. While never what I would call a real rebel, Paul would often suggest to do things that were a little more risky or out on the edge of what the rest of us would ever consider. Sneaking in places was big for him---swimming pools, drive-ins, and scariest of all, a lonely isolated mansion guarded by a caretaker with guard dogs.
So. . .on a fog shrouded Sunday night in 1962, Paul talked me and Jay Snider into going out to the Desloge Mansion out on Old Halls Ferry Road. The car ride out there in the mist, the trek across the property, the exploration of the underground ballroom and the carriage house - the whole crazy adventure scared the hell out of me, and remains with me still as the most single frightening night of my life.
Paul and I embarked to opposite coasts as young men, each pursuing directing. He went into film and television productions, while I chose New York and the stage. During the last decade we met several times, and he was clearly often dealing with some life threatening issues.
He never complained. Never. Despite the loss of much of his body's strength, he made his quiet way without complaint or the use of emotional crutches.
We found several opportunities to converse at length sharing thoughts about film, the stage, American history, politics, music, philosophy and religion. Both our lives had been well seasoned by then, and I found him always curious, a kind and good listener, and an unguarded and secure man.
His calm and his quiet valor in the face of life ending forces remains with me, and stands high in my regard as an act of character. His daily actions were a graceful testament to the best of the human spirit.
He shall be missed. More, he shall be admired. Godspeed, Paul.

Gary Robertson
Fairview H.S.
Class of 1965

Pam (Lovelace) Orbin

July 21, 2009

July 21, 2009

I had not seen Paul since High School and then a couple of years ago he came back into my life. It was as though that time gap hadn't existed. We picked up conversation right where we had left off. Paul hadn't changed one bit. He was still the sweet, loving, fun guy that he was in school. What most I remember about Paul is that whenever he was telling you a story, joke or something that had just happened, his eyes would open so wide, his voice was full of excitement and there was a magic in his eyes that made you hold on to every word he was saying. I loved him and will miss him. I feel very fortunate to have had him in my life. I know now that he is in peace and without pain.
We are all very lucky to have him call us his friends.

July 17, 2009

I first met Paul while attending Fairview High School in 1960 and got to know him better playing baseball and being invited to his club house on the Big River. I guess you can say that the way one plays sports is a mirror to how a person really is at the core of their being. Paul played with emotion and heart which is to say he was a compassionate person that showed in his behavior. I did get to spend a week with him as he was embarking on a career in L.A. in the film industry. I was happy to see him excited about his current journey though life. Good human being.

Bob Nagel

July 17, 2009

Phyllis is right on with describing Paul as having 'zest'...plus an instant laugh and ready willingness to laugh at any funny situation--such as: Paul and I sat parallel, in the last seats of our rows, in Miss Von Bastion's one-of-a-kind Chemistry Class. On this particular day, Paul and I were in more trouble than usual and Miss Von B's patience was wearing thin. It was at this point that a prank idea occurred...with a sudden burst of inspiration I slapped my own arm loudly and hard. It was a slap heard 'round the room! I dropped my head onto my desk face down (laughing hard) and simply pointed straight at Paul. Von B raced back, right to Paul, with her yard stick held high with the intent of walluping the hell out of him. Paul was laughing so hard he couldn't defend his very innocent self. I was laughing to the point of tears, which Von B interpretted as near lethal pain inflicted by none other than Paul. Paul could really take a joke and we always remembered this incident--me with a smug smile; him still with a laugh and a look of incredulity. God bless Paul. Nagel

Robert Heck

July 17, 2009

I first met Paul as the neighbor across the street, after we skipped school together and got caght we became real buddies. It was my brilliant idea to go through a huge puddle, with his Mom's car. We both recovered from that and went on to many adventures in high school. I will really miss my friend Paul. If he were to have an epitath it might say, " I hope when I die I will be missed and I pray I will be welcome in heaven." Well, my friend rest in peace knowing both are fact.

July 16, 2009

Paul had zest! He brought fun and laughter when he entered your life.
I admired him for heading to Hollywood and jumped up in a St Louis Theatre when the credits rolled and I saw him credited for technical work as a "gaffer" for a major movie. Loved that Paul, ever alive with the great memories shared of St Louis adventures. Phyllis Chandler Grey

Jeanie Robertson

July 16, 2009

I met Paul in 8th grade when he first came to Fairview. I have kept in touch through Judy Jackman and have prayed and sent lots of healing energy to him. He in kind has always asked about Gary and me especially these last few months dealing with Gary's illness. Paul was fun, really interesting to talk to, and extremely generous to eveyone. I remember one day, I think about 9th grade, when a group of us went over to Paul's house to help paint. There was turquoise paint everywhere! But what fun we had. I feel blessed to have been his friend. Jeanie Robertson

Judy Jackman

July 15, 2009

Paul was my best friend. He was always there for me even when I did not deserve him to be by my side. He was the most kind and giving person I have been lucky enough to know and love.
Judy Jackman

Judy Blandino

July 15, 2009

I went to high school with Paul. I will always remember his gentleness, knowing eyes and winning smile. Of course I also remember being grounded after we played that extra round of miniature golf and I got home after curfew. The look on his face...even today he makes me laugh.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Paul was one of a kind.

Judy Masterson
Fairview Class of 1967

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