Paul M. Pavon

PAVON, Paul M. -- Died 12-26-03. When friends throughout the bay area learned of the death of Paul Pavon the most frequently expressed sentiment was that they would miss the incredible smile that drew people to him, his upbeat attitude, and his sincere interest in what they might have to share. Paul could uplift anyone's spirits said a close friend. He was always ready to provide help to the friend in need. He made friends readily and developed long-lasting relationships. Paul discovered and admired the good in everyone he encountered. There was no space for negativity toward anyone in his life. Friends continually sought his advice and counsel in times of need. Paul's life activities reflect a love and appreciation of things beautiful be they natural or man-made. Forced into early retirement and self-employment activities when he developed rheumatoid arthritis in early middle-age, Paul purchased a number of houses in which he was able to exhibit his creativity by designing additions and renovations to the amazement of his contractors who frequently copied his ideas in their future projects. One such project in his San Jose Rose Garden neighborhood earned him first place in the San Jose Beautiful competition. Paul's homes were a source of much satisfaction and comfort to him. Paul's interest in and love of antiques led him to develop a small business locating, restoring and selling antiques to personal clients and retail dealers. For years he searched antique shops and warehouses throughout the bay area and the west coast to find exactly the right items for his clients. What he liked most besides finding antiques he wanted for his own home were the many friendships he made with dealers throughout the bay area. While in high school Paul developed what would be a lifelong interest in plants, gardening, and landscape design. His own yards were beautifully designed, impeccably maintained, and filled with exotic plants including his life-time favorites such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and Japanese maples. Paul would drive miles to visit a nursery when he learned that a plant he wanted was available. He often tied an unexpected find to the top of his car to get it home. He generously designed yards and gardens for friends and provided his own physical labor to insure the result he wanted. Friends and neighbors sought his knowledge of plants and gardening to solve their problems. He was happy to help with his typical modesty. Paul discovered his enjoyment of dancing as a teenager and became a skilled and sought after partner. He taught his mother to dance and proudly escorted her when ballroom dance clubs were at the height of popularity. He was an excellent swing dancer and won contests as a result. In recent years he became interested in country western and line dance and made many friends of all ages through involvement in dance classes. When rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and heart problems limited his participation he enjoyed watching friends and fellow dancers. He had been a member of South Bay Country Dancers (San Jose) and the Sun Dance Association for Country-Western Dancing (San Francisco). Paul expressed much pride in his children who he proudly stated had never given him even a minor problem. In more recent years his pride and love extended to his eight grandchildren who range from two to seventeen years of age. Paul is survived by his children Paul Jr., daughters Janine Miller and husband Marty, and Renee Gooby and husband Jeff. He is also survived by brothers John and wife Patricia of Tucson, Arizona and Robert and wife Shirley of Lodi. Paul shared twenty-eight meaningful years with best friend and life partner, Ardon Huseby. Paul was born on May 2, 1937, in Oakland. He grew up in Castro Valley and graduated from Hayward High School. He was at one time a member of the Teamster's Union, Moose Lodge, and Sons of Norway. Paul spent his last four months in the Cardio Vascular Intensive Care Unit at Kaiser-San Francisco before his death on December 26, 2003. He died as the result of post surgical complications. No funeral services were held but a memorial celebration of his life is planned.