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BORN
1939
DIED
2020
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Paul Foreman Obituary
Louisville - Paul Leighton Foreman, 81, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2020, with his wife and daughters by his side. Born in Kingston, Jamaica on January 25, 1939, he is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Betsy, daughters Nicola and Kathryn, siblings Ronnie (Andrea), Cecile Wenske (Ulli), Kevin (Sue) and many relatives and close friends around the world whom he loved dearly.
Paul excelled in both academics and in sports, beginning at Kingston's St. George's College, and continuing at the University of Illinois where he earned his BA, MA and PhD in the Life Sciences. Paul had an accomplished athletic history winning a gold medal at the 1958 British Empire & Commonwealth Games, and was a finalist in the long jump at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. Additionally, he was a three-time gold medalist for Illinois in the long jump at the Big Ten Track & Field Championships, two-time gold medalist at the West Indies Championship, and a silver medalist at the 1960 West African Games.
Paul started his professional career in academia, serving on the faculty at Eastern Illinois University for 5 years before transitioning to industry where he was at the forefront of the environmental protection movement. Over the course of his career he held executive roles in multiple companies with positions in New Jersey, Belgium, Kansas and Kentucky, retiring from General Electric in 2000 where he served in an executive position in Manufacturing and on the Business Executive Council at Appliance Park.
Paul was an avid writer and painter, dedicated husband, loving father, and doting friend to his dog, Hugo. He was known by all as a warm, kind, generous man, with a wonderful sense of humor. Memorial gifts can be made in his name to Kentucky Refugee Ministries. A service will be held at Epiphany Catholic Church at a later date. The Foreman family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Baptist Health Palliative Care for their care and compassion.
Funeral Mass Epiphany Catholic Church Anchorage KY December 10th @ 10:00 a.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Foreman
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Chris Craig
December 12, 2025
I miss Paul terribly. A good friend.
Chris Craig
December 12, 2022
Missing my great friend so much. Rest in Peace my brother.
The McKenzie Family in Montego Bay
February 4, 2021
It's really hard to accept that Mr Foeman is really gone, never to be heard from never to be seen again just like that, There is so much nice things that come from Mr Paul and his family If I should write them all I would never stop writing. But we have to accept it It's the road for every one And I still believe along the way Someday we will meet again.he was my boss but more like a father and a good friend he and his wife always looking out for our best interest, He was so kind so loving. His body is gone before but we will still respect and honor the name Mr and Mrs Forman . My eyes are full with tears just to think about the fact that he is really gone just to show you what a gem he was.. we have stopped working for mr paul for over 10 years and we have never loose touch we are like a family two weeks without speaking would be too long... we love, honour and respect you so much mr paul.. may your soul rest in perfect peace until we meet again condolences to the family..
Coming from Seymour, vel and the family
Betsy Foreman
February 1, 2021
Thank you.
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Harlan Higgins
January 31, 2021
Betsy. How very sad for you, your daughters and his other family members and friends he gathered to him over the years.
My thoughts go out to all of you. We hope the memories of what was will sustain you during the difficult times of coming to terms with can no longer be.
Love
Harlan
Ted and Jan Schindler
January 8, 2021
We have had the great good fortune to be Paul and Betsy´s next door neighbors for the past 15 years. During that time we have seen Paul´s painting efforts grow from novice to accomplished, and are the lucky recipients of several of his paintings which hang in our home and are of great comfort to us now. He continued to amaze us by publishing two books of which we have signed copies! His efforts to grow and maintain grass under his front tree, however, was never successful and drove him to distraction. Paul was a fella whose mere presence lifted you up. His physical stature, perfectly combed hair and crisp out-of-a-box look was unique to him and admired by so many. However...... that perfection could easily be undone by his quick wit and sense of humor that would have you holding your sides from laughter! A very special man, Paul occupied a space of his own in this world that can never be replaced. Betsy and the girls will be watched over, Paul, by those that love and care about them. Rest In Peace.
Sharad Bhatia
December 30, 2020
Dear Betsy,
I am extremely shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news. Paul was not only a dear friend but also one of the finest human beings I have ever met in my life, a truly rare gem. His kindness, compassion, and generosity were boundless and beyond compare. Truthfully he was more an elder brother than a friend. One of the secretaries when we worked in Lawrence years ago had said exactly that, “the two of you are like brothers.” That was indeed very flattering to me and my very good fortune.
My heartfelt condolences to you, Kathryn, and Nicola for your terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. If I can be of any help in any regard, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sharad & Punita Bhatia
Catherine Craig
December 29, 2020
It´s been many years since I´ve seen Paul, but I will always remember his generosity, humour and kindness. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.
Gerhard Beiner
December 28, 2020
Dear Betsy, my deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband Paul. I will always remember him as a gentle and warm hearted person.
Kindest regards
Gerhard
Margot O'Connor
December 27, 2020
I was so very sad to hear of Paul's illness and passing. We met for the first time in Kingston, Jamaica almost 50 years ago. Paul's brother, Britton, had invited me and my dear friend Betsy to accompany him to Kingston with, unbeknownst to us, the secret intention of introducing Betsy to Paul. That was a fateful day indeed......instant attraction and the beginning of their long and joyful life's journey together! Over the years our families enjoyed many memorable and happy times together in Jamaica, Belgium, Germany and the United States but sadly Aug 2014 was to be the last time we managed to get together for a few days in Scotland. Paul was the kindest, most loving and generous human being one might ever be lucky enough to meet. His wonderful sense of humour and his most infectious laugh are legendary amongst his friends. It was more than a pleasure and a privilege to know him. I send love and my deepest sympathy to Betsy, Nicola and Kathryn.
Deirdre Lane
December 23, 2020
We have been friends with our dear Paul for almost fifty years. In that time we have managed to get together whenever we could in various places. Life brought many changes but our friendship did not change. Paul always treated everyone with consideration and respect. He was generous and kind and had a great sense of humour, Who could forget his laugh? He was a devoted husband and doting father, Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Betsy and our Goddaughters, Nicola and Kathryn and the rest of his family. We all know that Paul was a singular person and we are thankful to have known him. Paul, you will be sorely missed. Love always and rest in peace. Most sincerely, Allan and Dee
Greg Zahradnik
December 21, 2020
My condolences to Paul's family and friends, of which there are many. I truly enjoyed working with Paul at GE, he made being there a pleasure. He is one of the kindest and most thoughtful person I have been around. Genuinely cared for those around him and took an interest in our well being. He cared about the rest of the world also and was always doing things to help make it a better place, all the while encouraging us to do the same. His outside interests were all good causes and I am proud to have known him.
Nancy Schindler Casper
December 21, 2020
I am Ted Schindler´s sister. I have heard so many wonderful things about Paul over the years that I almost feel that I knew him. I wish to offer my sincere sympathy to his family. I know he will be sorely missed by all.
Paul Hoza
December 21, 2020
I am sorry to hear of Paul´s recent death. I worked for Paul in EHS at GE and he was a truly remarkable boss and person, one who put his workers and families first. Paul always had time for those around him, and had a knack for understanding an individual´s problems and concerns. I feel lucky to have known Paul, and I hope you take comfort in knowing what a great person he was.
Fay & Errol
December 20, 2020
God blessed you with a special person in your lives and we know he was greatly loved by you. We pray that the precious memories of him will sooth the pain of his loss.
Remember the Lord has promised never to leave or forsake us especially in the time òf trouble.
Paula Kleine-Kracht
December 19, 2020
Betsy, I was so sorry to learn of Paul's death. I do remember him from our time together at SHA. Please know that you and your daughters are in my prayers. I pray that Paul's death was peaceful. He enjoys the fullness of life with God. Love and prayers, Sr. Paula
Chris Craig
December 19, 2020
I mourn with a heavy heart the passing of my great friend ! So glad we were able to have a zoom meeting last Summer!Love to Betsy and the girls during this difficult time x May he rest in peace. Chris Belfast Northern Ireland
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