Paul David Lenhard

Paul David Lenhard, born February 20, 1947, is survived by his love of 29 years, Natalie Valentini. He was the beloved father of Kristina Lenhard, Jessica Sawyer (Dane) and Max Lenhard (Kathleen Gannon). Grandfather of Cassidy Gannon, Ronen Lenhard, Declan Lenhard, Shea Lenhard and Robert Sawyer. Brother of Thomas Kenneth Lenhard (Nancy), Martha Jo Waechter (Jerry) and Lucia Johnson (Matty Calderwood). Paul was born in Detroit, raised in Berkley and Royal Oak. He graduated from Kimball High School after three years at Assumption High School in Windsor. Paul loved the City of Detroit. He lived, worked and spent much of his time "in the City". He had a 50 year real estate career in the city he loved and also managed a hotel on Cass Avenue. Paul's family and friends were the most important part of his life and he shared his passions with them. Paul was an accomplished horseman, fisherman, hunter and an exceptional chef. He loved entertaining while cooking and even continued to do so when he was unable to eat due to illness. Spending time in Northern Michigan enjoying nature and bird watching were favorite pastimes. Paul commented that his journey with cancer filled his heart with gratitude for life, family and friends. Natalie describes Paul as a "teacher of life's lessons", from the mundane to the spiritual. His love and study of Tai-Chi led him twice to China to compete. He embraced Tai-Chi to its fullest throughout twenty one years of study. Through Tai-Chi and his journey with cancer, he was able to master his addictions to alcohol and tobacco. Because of Paul's great love of books and reading, his family suggests memorial contributions to the Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067. His family is grateful for the friendship they developed with the library staff. Family will receive friends Tuesday, May 28th from 2:00 to 8:00pm with an open forum featuring "Paul Stories" and sharing memories at 7pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave (between 13-14 Mile) Funeral Mass Wednesday 10:00am at the National Shrine of the Little Flower, Woodward Ave. at Twelve Mile Rd., Royal Oak. Visitation at the Shrine begins at 9:30am.