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Paul Smith Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Smith
Finn Juul Hansen
June 16, 2020
So hard to grasp that 12 years have gone since Paul's passing. I need him now more than ever to convince me that the world is still allright and that his country is not falling apart. God, do I still miss him!
Finn
kate allen
July 17, 2008
I only knew Paul through pizza and games parties - but what pleasure he brought to us all! Witty, generous of spirit and a fierce competitor, Paul was a great games partner and an even more perfect opponent; when he put on his " Gamblin' Man " persona -Look Out! Like a gentlemanly highwayman he always had a story, a joke, some sass, a twinkle in his eye - even as he scored another win. Losing to Paul was great fun.
Courtly, courageous, and civil in an oft uncivilized time, you saw hidden joy in each of us, and shook that joy loose with laughter and great good will. We will, we do miss you- but each person is more joyeous for having known you.
bless your gracious heart. Kate
Tom Dempsey
July 14, 2008
I will always remember Paul's upbeat humor, strong under adversity.
Wendy Berry
July 10, 2008
The world isn't as good a place with out Paul Reed Smith in it, but heaven is a better place with him.
William OLeary
June 29, 2008
My Bother-In-Law Paul who I have known nearly all my life has amazed me once again. His courageous battle with lung cancer was the most inspiring thing I have ever witnessed. Form the first diagnosis, as grim as it was his first concern was how it would affect his fiends and family. He phoned my wife of 35 years, Paula (not his twin) and told her. She was his confidante and through the years, they consulted with one another on many issues. It was clear to Paula and I that no matter how frightened he was of his own death he was far more concerned about his family and friends and protecting there feelings. At the same time, he sought the most aggressive treatments and strategy to wage his war against the disease. Over the last year through all his chemo, radiation and countless procedures Paul continued to work and make plans for trips with friends. Paula, Darlene and I were with Paul in his hospital room (being treated for complications from the collapse of his right lung) when his cell rang, his labored breathing, and fatigue was replaced by, a cheerful response to what was surely the question, “How are you feeling?” with “At the Top of My Game”. There was no question, no mater how bad Paul felt or what the prognosis, he did not want to burden others or want their sympathy.
My sister-in-law Darlene is amazing; she has remained by his side constantly throughout his fight. She gave him comfort that I doubt anyone else could have possibly provided and when he was not eating she knew exactly the right fast food sandwich and number of peculiar condiments Paul would want to make it just right to spur his appetite. Darlene and John Van Aelstyn were with Paul when he died. Paula and I spoke with them by phone several times in those last moments. Through them, I felt we were there and I will always be grateful for that.
Paul, Darlene and her family, his dear friend John, Paul’s family and all the people Paul chose to surround himself with are precious to me. Paula my wife is of the same great stock as Paul and I count myself fantastically lucking to have her by my side.
Paul, I will miss you.
Holly Winters
June 29, 2008
I met Paul while waiting tables at the Continental Greek Restaurant near the University of Washington. He was a regular at the German and Spanish conversation tables hosted weekly and I was always pleased to chat with him in Spanish. His friends at the Continental miss him dearly.
Sarah Hernandez
June 27, 2008
I am Paul's niece and although we only saw each other about twice a year it was always interesting. I can honestly say that every time we visited I learned something new. As a child what I always remembered about my Uncle Paul was that he always gave the best gifts at Christmas time. The first Christmas that I remember meeting him was when I was about 7 years old. He taught me how to sculpt a volcano from clay and even made it "erupt" with baking soda and vinegar. The next Christmas he gave me a pin that was actually a fish encased in plastic. I still have that pin because it was one of my favorite all time gifts. As I grew older I would look forward to meeting with Paul in Paducah so I could hear some more historical facts and tidbits about the town. I will miss him more than I can express.
Rebecca Anderson
June 27, 2008
I was in school with Buz and had the honor of knowing Paul thru our friend Tom Dummer.
I am so sorry for your loss and know Paul will be in the hearts of so many people.
My prayers are with your family at this sorrowful time.
Billy O'Leary
June 26, 2008
Hello All,
I am Paul's nephew, and though he lived so far away, I always felt a deep connection to him in the many ways in which our lives are similar. I relished our infrequent visits, for Paul was a repository for knowledge of every sort. I have always had the deepest respect for Paul's pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. The time that we spent together was limited in duration but not in depth, from historical tours of our hometown Paducah to traveling across Europe together.
My greatest comfort through this sad time has been Paul's positivity. He did absolutely everything he could possibly have done to make his time worthwhile. Paul will be sorely missed, but I am glad that his wife, my Aunt Darlene, will remain in our family in his stead. Thank you to everyone who has been a friend to Paul and shared their thoughts with us here. It is deeply appreciated.
Lisa M.
June 26, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. While I did not have a chance to see him during his cancer battle, I tried to keep updated on his struggle with my friend Nancy. I will never forget when he brought his silver mint julep cups (engraved, no less) to our horse racing party, and how he helped me make the juleps just right - "they should taste like a whiskey slush", he said. And I remember playing Taboo with him - he had a very broad vocabulary and it was hard to catch him when he used some obscure variation on a taboo word while winning almost every game.
I also remember introducing him to my visiting parents once. We got to talking about his beloved Kentucky, and I told him that even though the rest of the basketball world thinks the Kentucky- Duke game was the game of the century, it always made me mad that Christian Laettner had kicked a Kentucky player in the head before making his famous (or infamous) pass, and that the final basket should never have counted. Paul looked at my father and said, "Sir, you've raised a right thinking daughter!"
He'll be sorely missed.
Wilfrid M. Jores
June 26, 2008
Hi Paul,
sorry, that you couldn´t wait longer for meeting with me! I have a wonderful memory of our common time till 2001! I have since known everything that you have organized so wonderfully for all the friends of the Stammtisch by reading your e-mails! I was sure to come back to Seattle once and to sit down with you to talk about friendship, life joy, languages and culture. Now since you have been going ahead i will look forward to meet you up there, where our friendship and conversation will not stop any more.
Thanks to you for having been as you have been! Wilfrid M. Jores (82 of age)
Linda Roberts
June 25, 2008
I first met Paul when he was hired to be manager of the University of Washington’s office machine repair program (and my boss). This was circa 1979 when the workhorse of any respectable office was the mighty IBM Selectric II (correcting!) typewriter. Our mission was to make sure the University’s stable of those fine machines received the very best maintenance.
Paul was very enthusiastic about his work, and would affectionately refer to our six typewriter mechanics as “skilled olde-world craftsmen.” Ever the entrepreneur, he decided the best way to run the program was to sell annual maintenance contracts. Within just a few years we had virtually every Selectric on campus under contract. For me, the highlight was when we self-published a small “Typewriter Repair Glossary” to familiarize our clients with some of the arcana of typewriter terminology. It included definitions of technical terms like “torque limiter assist spring,” gave some background on the QWERTY keyboard, and was graced throughout with charming illustrations that Paul had found. (One of my favorites was a black-and-white drawing of turn-of-the-century secretaries, with bustles and bouffante hairstyles, tackling the new technology.)
A few years later Paul embraced newer technology and moved to Computing and Communications. But, as fate would have it, for the past dozen or so years we’ve both been at Facilities Services, where I have been fortunate to have enjoyed almost weekly lunches with him.
It was through Paul that I came to know the Seattle International Club and the many language conversation groups that met at the Continental restaurant. He was supportive of all of them. I spoke French; Paul spoke German and Spanish. One summer quarter – how typical of Paul! – he talked me into auditing a class with him called “Proto Indo European Languages.” It was a very interesting class where we each learned a lot about our common root language.
Paul was like the brother I never had, and remained very much a kid at heart throughout his life. Recently, I saw a quotation from Joseph Campbell and immediately thought of him: “The only question in life is whether or not you are going to answer a hearty ‘Yes!’ to your adventure.”
Paul, it was a great privilege to have been part of your joyous adventure. I will miss that more than I can say – in any language.
Heidi Berrysmith
June 24, 2008
Paul is someone that I looked forward to seeing & meeting with in our work at the UW. I heard about Paul when my Dad worked with him and when I started in the unit 9 years ago, Paul welcomed me with his bright smile & a chuckle - happy that I was taking on some of his former tasks. A snazzy dresser and always a gentleman! As others have said, Paul's position in life was joyous and full of aspiration. He is someone I admire and know that he will missed by many. Darlene, when I heard you two had married, I smiled and thought 'what a great couple'. You and Paul's family are in my thoughts.
Debbie Flores
June 24, 2008
I first met Paul on his and Darlene's wedding day. Although I didn't know Paul well, I remember his wonderful laugh, his joy and his ability to make people (even relative strangers) feel at ease. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you, Darlene and Paul's family and friends.
Jackie Wagner
June 24, 2008
All of the entries in this guest book are truly wonderful to read. I am Paul's neice and am so thrilled that while I may not have alot of memories of my Uncle Paul that I can read these and understand truly the person that he was. He definitely was like no one else I have ever met.
The below entry really hit home with me becuase I do feel that Uncle Paul was one of the most soothing people I have ever met. He was so brilliantly smart ,but never once made you feel out of place when you were talking to him.
I am going to miss him greatly becuase now at family dinners I am not too sure of who is going to eat my leftovers. :) I love you UP!
Elise Wallick
June 24, 2008
What I remember most is Paul's smile and ever-cheerful disposition. Over the years at UW, I sometimes worked near his office, and he would often take the time to get to know people who were not on his projects. He was that sort of person.
I will miss him.
Darlene Pearsall
June 24, 2008
I was shocked when I heard of Paul's passing. I worked with Paul at the University of Washington in the late 80's and early 90's.
He introduced me to the Kentucky Derby and the special foods for New Years to bring riches, luck and love. We did training and customer service for the Administratiive IS department. I loved to listen to him on the phone helping staff. He was always soothing, patient and kind. However, he was also able to sweetly inform you how stupid you are -- and you would agree! In fact, most people never knew he had done that. It was a delight to listen to him.
My warmest thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Linda Pruitt
June 23, 2008
Darlene, Though I didn't have the chance to know Paul - I remember the sparkle and spirit of joy & love on your wedding day. My sincere sympathies to you and yours in the loss of such a wonderful man.
Tony Hand
June 23, 2008
Paul was very kind to me when I attended Stamtisch with my fledgling German. In fact, Paul was kind to everyone. I was so impressed with his giving nature and keen sense of humor. I have not attended Stammtisch in some time and only heard a rumor that Paul was ill. I was shocked to read the announcement of his passing and have to say there are tears in my eyes as I type these words. I only know of Paul's work regarding maintaining Stammtish, but am sure that if he conducted the rest of his life as I saw him at Stammtish, he must have had many friends, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on in many ways.
My personal belief is that we survive death, and wherever Paul is, I can only imagine him in a good place.
My best to all of Paul's loved ones.
Tony Hand
Stammtisch Participant
Jane Jones Blaine
June 23, 2008
Paul's mother and I were dear friends from grade school days until her untimely death and so it was natural that I knew Paul and his siblings during their youth.
May Paul's wife and all the family's heartfelt loss be comforted by God's eternal love.
John Blau
June 23, 2008
Paul was a wonderful friend. We had some great times together in Heidelberg, Prague and Copenhagen and later again in Düsseldorf and Amsterdam. I loved his sense of humor and hunger for knowledge, as well as his down-to-earth southern style and genuine interest in people. I’m going to miss him.
Aufwiedersehen Paul.
John Blau
June 23, 2008
Paul was a wonderful friend. We had some great times together in Heidelberg, Prague and Copenhagen and later in Düsseldorf and Amsterdam. I loved his sense of humor and appetite for knowledge, as well as his down-to-earth southern style and genuine interest in people. He was a very unique person who made a lasting impression on me. I'm going to miss him. Aufwiedersehen Paul.
Miriam Rich
June 23, 2008
I echo the sentiments of others who have written here: Paul was smart, funny, articulate, well-read, charming, and had such a positive outlook on life. He was fun to be around. I left Seattle in 2000, but stayed in touch with him, and I was looking forward to following the Further Adventures of Paul and Darlene. Knowing he is not physically here is a heaviness for me, but I am glad he passed peacefully, and I know he will welcome us all to the other side one day with that big smile of his.
Mike Bray
June 23, 2008
Paul was my first cousin and a man I always looked up to. My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Darlene, Uncle J.C., and all my cousins in this terrible loss. I spoke to Paul on the phone the day prior to his passing. There is a 17-hour time difference between Guam and Washington so I had to make that call early in the morning. I was late for work that morning and considered delaying the call until the next day. Had I done that, I would never have gotten another chance to speak with my cousin. I am convinced the timing of the call happened for a reason and I will always cherish that final conversation. Paul spoke with great fondness about the recent visit with his brother Chris and father J.C. He also spoke of how his sister Paula and bother-in-law Bill had been such a huge help to him when they came to visit recently. Paul, we all love you and know that you will be missed greatly. To Darlene and to all of my cousins: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you from way out here in South Pacific.
Lynne Paine
June 23, 2008
23 June 2008
Dar, so sad to hear about Paul. Our prayers are with you and although we never met him, he sounded like a man of great integrity and fun. Love from Mike, Lynne and Hannah
Shelley Steinhorst
June 22, 2008
I met Paul at the Seattle German Stammtisch, and very much enjoyed the times I got to speak with him - his German was great, but it was his attitude and quick wit that I will remember most. What a sweet and funny guy he was. I'm shocked and very sad, and wish his family all the best in this hard time.
Amy Faith
June 22, 2008
I've known Paul since 1993. We met while I was a student at the UW.We took two upper division German classes together before I graduated. We had such fun speaking German together all these years, it seems strange to be writing in English now. Paul introduced me to Stammtisch; and later tertulia when we started Spanish. We swapped stories after he returned from Madrid over lunch at the Continental. He always made time to meet with me while I was home visiting from Berlin. He even helped me network when I returned to the States. His is the kind of friendship I'll treasure forever.
Nancy Rauhauser
June 22, 2008
My heartfelt condolences to Darlene and Paul's family. And to all Paul's friends, who like me, are left feeling bereft.
Thank goodness we have many fond memories of Paul. One memory I have is of a Kentucky Derby party a few years back. Paul added a definite pazazz by bringing his set of monogrammed silver mint julep cups. Who else in Seattle had such a thing? Very classy!
And I have many fond memories of Paul at our monthly game parties. Talk about a gamer; he was something. Everyone wanted him on their Trivial Pursuit team - he was so GOOD!
I will always smile when I pull out the special deck of cards he gave me when he taught us to play Schwimmen (swimming). How many times I giggled when I lost all my tokens and had to announce I was swimming, accompanied by arm waving as if treading water, and smacking my lips like a fish making bubbles!
And there was the time when, with a twinkle in his eye, Paul pulled out an old game, explaining that he wanted to share something of his childhood with us. This board game was all about collecting Catholic venial sins and such. What a hoot it was!
I will miss Paul's charm, sense of humor, intelligence, conviviality, his friendship, and I'll miss a whole lot his positive attitude. What a great guy. No whining or complaining. He just got out there and met life head on with a can-do attitude that is an inspiration. So let's all get out there and do, like Paul did.
Nancy
Ulrich and Lisa Schildt
June 22, 2008
Our sincere condolences to Darlene and the rest of Paul's family. Paul will be remembered as a truly lovely man.
Susan Mason
June 22, 2008
Darlene and all the Smith family.I am deeply saddened of Paul's death and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Paul was always a fun loving cousin to be around.I love you all.
Finn Juul Hansen
June 22, 2008
Paul and I have been friends since 1975, when we met in Heidelberg during his studies on a Fullbright scholarship. Our paths parted, but we always kept in touch over the years. Paul came to visit me and my wife in Copenhagen, Denmark, and we returned his visit a couple of times in Seattle, latest one year ago, when we also met Darlene. He never uttered a word about his illness during our stay. Being the true gentleman he was, he didn't wish to spoil our vacation. Only shortly after our return, did he notify us of his condition.
Paul and Darlene were due to come to Europe this summer, and we were so much looking forward to seeing him and Darlene again and return some of the hospitality, they showed us, when we visited them.
Paul's death touches me deeply. It reminds me of our vulnerability and frailty and of a happy youth passed.
I will always cherish his memory. My thoughts and condolances go to his family, to Darlene, who stood by him to the very end, and to all those, who loved him.
Finn
Copenhagen
Denmark
Theresa Watson
June 22, 2008
Friendship is such a special gift. Paul has been a life long friend of my bother, Tony.
Tony speaks of Paul frequently and has kept our family up on the Smith family and his many accomplishments.
My thoughts are with all of Paul's family, friends and the many lives he has touched!
Peggy (Watson) Dotson
June 22, 2008
I knew Paul from his childhood association with my brother, Tony. He was smart, a loyal friend, and had a wonderful sense of humor. In about the second grade, Paul and Tony formed the Fort Rocky Club, which included many of their young classmates. They met at our house on Saturday mornings. What a great group! Later, Paul and Tony
attended UK together, and I saw Paul then, a handsome, grown-up
version of the same gifted boy that
he had been as a member of Fort Rocky. Paul will be missed by so many people, but he will live forever in our memories.
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