Paul Kant Obituary
Paul died at the age of 83 after a decade of decreased mobility and physical pain. Paul was born in Kaunas, Lithuania and spent his early years living in a Displaced Persons camp in Germany. At age of 12, he immigrated to America by boat with his immediate family. Landing at Ellis Island, NY, they began their new lives as indentured farm workers in New Jersey. Within a year, relatives assisted them in moving to Albany, NY. Paul had 2 older sisters, that predeceased him, Irene Pogge and Edith (Ditha) Norton.
While attending Niskayuna High school, he played Olympic level soccer, sculpted, painted, played the trumpet, accordian and was involved in various civic minded groups. Paul put himself through college at Buffalo State University by working and selling his artwork. Graduating with a BS in Art, followed by a Masters in art education from SUNY Albany. He worked for 32 years at Niskayuna High school as an eccentric Art teacher, soccer coach, mentor to many and sparring partner to some. Paul had 2 children: Wayne Kant and Wendy Carroll with his first wife Nancy Miller Kimball.
Paul had a love affair with horses and all things equine since childhood. Best known as an Artist and Polo player, all of Paul's resources and energy in his adult life focused on the formation of Owl Creek Polo Club, riding horses and creating art. He was instrumental in creating the Skidmore College Polo team, the Saratoga Polo Club, hosted both national and international polo teams and tutored hundreds of polo players and horseback riders.
Never boring, Paul lived his life with enthusiasm, verve, drama and controversy. Anyone who spent time with Paul experienced a wild ride of chaos, creativity and excitement. A consummate storyteller, Paul didn't let facts interfere with the telling of a tale, often reinventing his own reality. Paul was very popular and lived life LARGE. Gifted with natural adaptability and communication skills, he made friends in all social circles, from many countries and various viewpoints. His children are planning an event to celebrate his life in early summer of 2023. Donations can be made in Paul Kant's name to Lewey Body Dementia Research or North Country Wildcare.
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paul schwartz
October 31, 2024
Paul was my 5th grade art teacher at Sweet Home's Glendale elementary School. Paul was a great teacher, always listened to his s students and strived to broaden our approach to different mediums in art. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Peter DeLong
August 13, 2024
I found myself thinking about Paul strongly the other day wondering if he was still alive. This man meant so much to me on my journey into teaching an art. I´d like to think we became friends. I was a student teacher with him and we had a very special relationship, I think of him from time to time he really left a mark on me. Best regards to his family Peter DeLong.
Barry Foxworth
June 23, 2023
My name is Barry Foxworth. Paul and I were roommates for 3 seasons at University of New York at Buffalo. He was not only a great roommates, we were great friends. Before visiting his parents, Paul taught me some German for them. They were wonderful people and they were impressed I could communicate with them. I searched for years to find Paul, to no avail. I was just bringing back some memories and thought I'd search for Paul
This is what I found and again, I'm too late. I wish I would have found him years. He will be so missed. I still remember him well.
Lisa Liermann
November 7, 2022
Mr. Kant was my high school art teacher, and he had a incredible influence on my life. Inspiring, encouraging and full of life, I have many fond memories of him. I ultimately went on to The Maryland Institute College of Art, largely due to his direction, support and guidance. I am very sorry to learn of his passing, sending my condolences to his family.
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Leslie Nathan
October 2, 2022
Mr. Kant was my 9th-grade art teacher and gave me the nickname "Silvertongue" due to my braces.
Later in high school, I was one of two female managers of the boys' soccer team that he coached.
Happy to know that he enjoyed life fully.
Donna
September 30, 2022
It has been my privilege to love and share 22 years of my life with Paul. His kindness and creativity were amazing. He became grandpa to my grandchildren. I often shared with him that his mind and intelligence were amazing. Paul is sorely missed but left a rich legacy with me and my family. When we meet again.... Love is eternal sweet man.
Subby Subramanian
September 28, 2022
Paul laughed a lot, and he encouraged me to laugh, too, telling me, "Stop being inhibited, and let go." His first priority was to enjoy life unconditionally, and he believed that nothing could stop him from doing that. I will always remember him for that. May your soul rest in peace, my beloved friend.
William Hahnenberger
September 27, 2022
He lived life to the fullest. Every story he told was true. Score a goal in heaven buddy.
Dave Steven NHS Class of '68
September 16, 2022
Sgt. Pepper´s Lonely Hearts Club Band played every day in Art Class; the album literally defining the 50 minute period we spent with Mr. Kant. He was more a mentor than a teacher. He did his Art alongside us, not lecturing, but showing by example. We learned to weld (with coat hangers) the metal we gleaned from T.A Predel´s
scrap yard. We assembled his One Man Show at the Unitarian Church; visited Storm King, took trips to Art Museums; enjoyed dinner at his home. The 50 minutes was "class" but the learning experience had no timeline.
I became a prolific creator of sculpture, mixing Louise Nevelson with influences of Robert Indiana and Jasper Johns and had my own one man show in 12th grade. Tom, Mark and I were Paul´s triumvirate in the Class of ´68, and each of us went off to Art School. While I did not become a teacher like Mark, or a painter like Tom, appreciation for good design was a thread woven through my life. One "absorbed" his passion, his work ethic and creativity by being elbow to elbow with him.
While he may not have known what he inspired in me, I will always remember. To this day, when prompted to choose a password reminder: Favorite Teacher? The answer is simply: Kant!
Doretta Miller
September 14, 2022
Paul was a wonderful friend and fellow exhibiting Oakroom Artist - he will be missed.
Don Wemple
September 13, 2022
I remember Mr. Kant from Niskayuna High School . Always a pleasant teacher and treated students well. One of those teachers that students cannot forget how he helped shape their futures. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Paul Scheib
September 13, 2022
Paul was a mentor to me and inspired my pursuit of sculpture following high school. Everyone always looked forward to studio time with Paul as you'd never know what kind of excitement awaited you that day. The one photo I have of the us together, gives a little glimpse of a typical day with Paul.
Paul Scheib '83
Erika Pogge (Brewer)
September 11, 2022
Uncle Paul. But in reality Great Uncle Paul. I have fond memories of Polo matches in Glenville, large parties at your home, and your art hung in my childhood home. In later memories it was funerals and weddings. It is sad how we tend to grow apart from people later in life. You don't plan for it to happen but life just gets in the way. My sincere condolences and love goes out to Wendy, Wayne and Donna. This may be the last picture I have of Paul taken at a cousin's wedding in 2009.
Mindy Ross
September 11, 2022
Mr. Kant, (I knew him as my HS Art Teacher), was probably the most influential person in my life. He "sculpted" my life and helped me with art and taking life on. I adored his enthusiasm in the field of art, and was fortunate enough to purchase this little piece, which he created before the larger finished work. `Mr. Kant may you Rest In Peace, knowing what an impact you had on my life and I´m sure as many others.
Bernice Heinze
September 11, 2022
so sorry to the Kant family, many good memories of Paul when he was in Albany love to him may he rest in peace
Jill (Fisher) Mackie
September 10, 2022
Wayne and Wendy,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Family reunions at the Polo Farm were such a huge part of my early life, and are some of my most cherished memories! Paul always made it look so effortless, but now as an adult I can appreciate what an enormous undertaking it was. I always felt so welcomed and at home there, and that was because of him. I know you will miss him terribly, he was bigger than life. May your many wonderful memories keep him close always. Love to you both, Jill (Fisher) Mackie
PS, I didn´t have any pictures of him to share, but I did have this one of some of us cousins...
Randy Smythe
September 10, 2022
I never knew Paul, but I want to let Donna know that I'm sorry for her loss of such a good friend for so many years.
Wendy Carroll
September 10, 2022
Wendy Carroll
September 10, 2022
Wendy Carroll
September 10, 2022
Lukas Manomaitis
September 9, 2022
Paul was a larger than life figure that was fascinating to me since I was a little kid coming to family reunions. I guess I am just now learning about him more in depth than the kind-hearted person I would talk to. The artistic streak in our family was strong in him. While he may have passed physically, he lives on in my memory. I am only sorry that there wasn't a chance to join him again with family before the end. Thank you for the great memories! With love, Lukas Manomaitis (and family)
Donna
September 9, 2022
So sorry for your loss, Paul had many conversations with my beloved husband who died a few months a head of Paul. His vision, his tolerance of all human´s choices and his love of his family, especially Donna and her children greatly enhanced his life. All my love to those who are grieving and missing this wonderful artist and dreamer.
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9 Glenridge Rd, Glenville, NY 12302
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