Paul L. Nine

PAUL LOUIS NINE, 83, of Bloomfield Hills, concluded his earthly journey on January 14, 2024, after fifteen years of never complaining about the fact that his mobility continued to decrease from advanced neuropathy. Paul was a prominent attorney for over 58-years, born of parents who were of very modest means, but he had a work ethic that would be hard to duplicate by two individuals who worked regularly. This was a man with an incredible mind, an extraordinary sense of kindness, and a willingness to help those who could not always do for themselves. Clients often commented that he was the most trustworthy man they had ever known.
Married to one of his Wayne State University competitive debate partners, he and Susan (Siegert) would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in a little over a month. They always commented that their time together seemed like a minute, and they were well known for working together on dozens of community projects over the years.
While working full-time for Chrysler Corporation as a young married man with a child, and buying his first home in Detroit, Paul went to night law school at Wayne State University and graduated as the Number One student in his class – a fact which this very humble man would never have told you.
Among the projects for which Paul made an impact on the economy of Michigan was the development of Grand Traverse Resort in Acme (just outside Traverse City), which was the result of helping a banker save his job for having made a bad loan to someone who had never repaid the money for the purchase of some land. Paul's leadership and development of that project over nearly twenty years remains as one of the most prestigious golf resorts in the country, and people still find "The Bear," the golf course he convinced Jack Nicklaus to design for him, to be one of the "toughest" in the country.
A joy to her father's heart, his daughter Diane is an attorney in Washington, D.C. who runs her own legal business, and they have enjoyed a wonderful relationship over the years, talking daily. While in law school, Diane had sent her dad a note which said, "Don't save the legal practice for me; I think this is the most boring thing I have ever done!" However, she has found her business niche representing authors to the publishing houses and managing their book tours, and her dad has been incredibly proud of her!
As an aside, Paul loved politics and was one of the most patriotic men who ever lived in America. He collected eagles, flew an American flag on a 30-foot pole (lighted at night!) in the yard of his home and followed the "news" every day of his life. His carefully thought-out responses to government announcements will be missed (he was almost always "right on the money"), and he always said that the Lord allowed him to be a part of the finest country in the world.
Paul sat on the Board of Directors of many fine organizations over the years, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Goodwill Industries, and the Board of Visitors of the Wayne State University College of Liberal Arts; Paul was also a former president of the Wayne State Alumni Association. Most notably, Paul served on the Board of Directors of the Karmanos Cancer Institute for eighteen years and considered it to be one of the finest operations in the country!
Funeral arrangements are being handled by A. J. Desmond & Sons (32515 Woodward Avenue; Royal Oak)/Visitation with family: Friday, January 26, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Prayer session at 7 p.m.
Memorial Service: Saturday, January 27, 1:00 p.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills, 2215 Opdyke Road; Bloomfield Hills. Main church; guest arrival welcome at 12:30 p.m.
Paul has always suggested that those interested in making a memorial contribution in his honor might consider the Paul Nine Endowed Scholarship in Forensics at Wayne State University; that fund helps to scholarship worthy students who are members of the highly successful national debate program at Wayne State University; Paul was a highly successful national competitor as an undergraduate, and he felt that training later gave him an advantage over many professionals during his business life. The university has established a giving link specific to the fund. It is currently live. Mail contributions:
Paul Nine Endowed Scholarship in Forensics, #060273
(Please note fund name and number on check in the "memo.")
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
P.O. Box 441970
Detroit, MI 48244-1970
However, in lieu of flowers, gifts to any charitable cause would be welcome.