Paul Primas

Paul Primas, aged 59, passed away on April 27th, 2022, in Springfield, Missouri while caring for his mother. His wife Cheryl and brother David were at his bedside.
Paul was born in Elmhurst, Illinois on August 22nd, 1962, and moved to San Diego, California when he was almost 2 years old. Growing up he developed a true passion for baseball that lasted his entire life. Paul joined the local Little League and the San Diego High baseball team as a catcher. He was also a diehard San Diego Padres fan.
During his childhood and into early adulthood, he was often seen riding around the neighborhood on his bicycle or Moped, and the Honda CT-90 motorcycle he shared with his friend Michael Keeler. Paul and Mike also had Chevrolet Corvairs. Mike remained one of Paul's closest friends.
Paul graduated from San Diego Mesa College with an A.S. degree in Animal Health Technology and became a Registered Animal Health Technician. He continued his education at Humboldt State University (HSU). Following his education at HSU, Paul moved to Pullman Washington where he went to work for the Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. It was at this time that he discovered a passion for animal health and established the first Community Medicine Department. At a veterinary conference he heard Harold Davis, RVT, VTS (ECC) speak and was inspired to seek employment at the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, becoming the first coordinator of the Feline Renal Transplant program, and eventually the supervisor of the Medical and Radiation Oncology service (he and Harold remained good friends throughout his life). He enjoyed working with the clients and often took home patients whose families lived far away and couldn't travel. Paul retired from U.C. Davis in 2012. He and Cheryl met at UC Davis in 2006 and were married in Sacramento, California. They settled in West Sacramento, CA and soon adopted Spencer, a rambunctious English Bulldog to go along with River, a Labrador Retriever.
Paul's hobbies included, baseball (always baseball!) photography, cooking, gardening and various outdoor pursuits such as camping, mountain biking and hiking. He loved cooking, trying new recipes and perfecting his barbecue skills. He loved animals and had many pets growing up. He especially loved his Norwegian Elk Hound, Jake and later in life River, and Spencer, who he shared with Cheryl.
Paul's niece Brianna Ortiz stated that "Paul lived life through simple pleasures of chatting with friends and family and spending quality time with his wife and dogs. That was his true happy place."
He is survived by his wife Cheryl Ann Primas, mother Rosamond Primas, brothers Ted Primas (Terri) and David Primas (Patricia Alvitez), niece Brianna Ortiz (Josh), nephew Ryan Primas (Ashley), great niece Colbie Ortiz, and great nephew Clayton Ortiz. He is preceded in death by his father Paul Primas and sister Kari Ann Primas.
To continue Paul's passion to help animal's, donations in his name can be made to The Front Street Animal Shelter:
Checks may be sent to: Front Street Animal Shelter at 2127 Front Street Sacramento, CA 95818.
or using the link below https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_6e74e28f-ffe1-11e5-9d49-0a1b37ae639f&WidgetId=551936
Honoring Paul wishes a celebration of life will take place in Humbolt County by the Eel River with family and friends.