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University of California| Berkeley

Paul Braunstein Obituary

Paul Braunstein April 10, 1962 - August 25, 2007 Paul David Edward Braunstein, 45, of Kentfield, CA, passed away Saturday, August 25, 2007, surrounded by his family and friends who stood by him during his courageous five year battle with cancer. He was born April 10, 1962 in Montreal, Canada and moved to the Bay Area with his family at the age of two. Paul attended Miramonte High School and University of California, San Diego before embarking on a career in the South Sea pearl business. He moved to Japan and Australia to learn his trade and brought his knowledge back to the United States where he became one of the global leaders in the business. Paul was highly respected throughout the industry and will be remembered as an honest and principled businessman. He is survived by his wife Zsofia, the one true love of his life. Also surviving Paul are his parents Lauraine Jaeger and Peter Braunstein; Peter's wife Ann; as well as his sisters and brothers, Karina, Lisa, Nicki, Stephen, Forest and Joel, along with loving brothers and sisters- in-law, nieces and nephews. The late Richard L. Jaeger, Paul's step-father, passed away in April of 2007. Paul's kindness, warmth and boundless generosity will be remembered by all who knew him. There will be a private Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Paul's honor to Foundation for Integrative Oncology, P.O. Box 5031, Larkspur, CA 94977-5031.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 29, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Braunstein

17 Entries

Beth McLaughlin

September 14, 2007

I met Paul through a cancer support group a few years ago, and I can’t say enough about the light and power and wisdom he brought to us in that room, all authentic, all based on truth. I have quoted him when talking to people about cancer; his approach, his humor, and the strong kindness he gave to others were inspiring. I hadn’t kept in touch, but had thought of him often, and am so saddened to read about his death. The power of his spirit lives in my memory, and I am grateful for having known him; he added to my life, and helped illuminate my own cancer path. Please accept my blessings and prayers for his wife and family, and for Paul, himself, a mighty and gentle warrior.

Guy Perego

September 14, 2007

We worked with Paul for 15+ years in greeting him at the airport and clearing him through customs. He was always pleasant after such long flights and a pleasure to work with. Our sincerest condolences from Fred and I here at Stella International.

Ron Anno

September 4, 2007

I met Paul in High School.We had many classes and wrestled on the same team together.To meet someone with absolute confidence,focus, & determination at a young age was awe inspiring. He will be remembered.My thoughts are with his family.

Anne Norman

September 2, 2007

I met Paul through my husband, David. He was best man at our wedding, always a true friend to David, and Godfather of Hannah, our eldest. I have fond memories of time spent with him, especially in Broome in the 90's. I loved his deepness and his humour and so admired his tenacity in his recent struggle. He will be greatly missed by myself, Hannah and Genevieve. My heart goes out to Zsofia and his family and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

David Norman

September 2, 2007

I met Paul in Tokyo when i was 21 and he became my best friend in our twenties and thirties . We had many adventures in the south sea pearl business and in life . Paul was the most honest , decent , funny ,thoughtful and philanphropic person and i had the enormous privilege to spend time with him in all persuits , material , and spiritual . I can imagine him now at peace and laughing and joking with Rick and Mr Jerwood and others who went before him . Thankyou Paul for everything you did and were to me .My love and light and condolences to Zsofia , Paul's parents , brothers , sisters , family and friends . He will remain forever in our hearts and minds , love always , david

Ron Greenidge

August 30, 2007

Paul was the person who introduced me to South Sea Pearls. I have very fond memories of the early years of his business in the US. His honesty and integrity in the industry was never a question. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Scott Rosen

August 30, 2007

Even though my wife Nathalie worked for Paul I never got to know him that well -- except for a 3 hour breakfast at Half Day Cafe about two years ago. I saw the attraction everyone has for him. Smart, insightful, warm and friendly and at that moment quite candid about his feelings about his health. I then felt like I knew him for years. God bless him, Zsofia and their family. He will be missed.

Jack Diego

August 30, 2007

I new Paul only for a short time but felt like we connected in a special way. He was a wonderful person and I know he is in a better place now.

Donna

August 30, 2007

Paul was an amazingly positive person. He always had a smile on. He took his time to speak to everyone and make them feel special, and always found the good in people. I'm sure he will be in the hearts and minds of many. My deepest condolences to Zsofia and his parents and family.

Lindsay Brady

August 29, 2007

Paul was a lot of fun and a man of great integrity and even though I hadnt seen him for six or so years just seeing his photo brings tears to my eyes.My condolences to the family especially Zsofia.

George Kailis

August 29, 2007

My sympathies to all Paul's family, friends and colleagues. Fond memories from the mad 1990's pearl game.

lynne pilkington

August 29, 2007

I met Paul when he worked in Australia 1990, I think it was, I work in the jewellery industry and our offices were located next to each other, he and I shared many stories of his life and his expectations for the future, Paul had kept in touch with me through the highs and lows of his life through the years since he left Australia. I pass on my condolences to his wife and to his family and to all his friends, get strength in the fact that you were priveledged to have him in your lives, and talk to him often, I am sure he is listening, deepest sympathy. Lynne Pilkington (Pilkignton Jewellers)

Richard Trayling

August 29, 2007

Paul was a mentor and great friend to me.We had many great discussions and laughs together.He will always be in my thoughts.
My sincere regards to Zsofia and his family.

Brenda Shipp

August 29, 2007

Peter, please accept my heart felt sympathy to you and your family. I know Paul fought a very courageous battle for a very long time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin Wilson

August 29, 2007

We never got to know Paul but we appreciate how reasonable he has been with respect to selling us the SA Cottages property. He must have been a very considerate man.

We are deeply sorry for your loss.

Robin & David

Jeannine

August 29, 2007

Paul touched my life and heart. I learned so much from his courage and attitude. My thoughts and prayers are especially with Zsofia and the rest of Paul's family.

Sanny Abramov

August 29, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results