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Paul Stevenson Obituary
Potsdam, NY: Paul Stevenson, formerly of Ithaca, NY, died suddenly at home on April 16, 2013. Paul served as the Director of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency from 1995 to 1997. During his tenure, he emphasized the importance of neighborhood involvement in community development. Paul often visited city neighborhoods and acted as an advocate and resource for neighborhood residents. He successfully applied for and administered HUD Community Development Block Grant funds, which were used to benefit the Ithaca community.
Born on April 4, 1961, in Watertown, New York to George and Teresa Stevenson, he was the eldest of their two children. Paul attended General Brown schools as a child. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) from St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY in 1983. He earned dual Master's degrees from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in Public Administration and from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Environmental Science in 1988. Paul was proud of his service in the United States Peace Corp. where he served as a fisheries extension officer in rural Kenya. It was here that Paul developed a lifelong love for Africa.
For the last 25 years, Paul served his community and nation working in increasingly responsible positions with the City of Syracuse's Department of Community Development, the St. Lawrence County Planning Office, Director of the City of Ithaca's Urban Renewal Agency, Director of Planning and Development for the Village of Potsdam; and, most recently as a diplomat and analyst with the State Department of the United States. Paul served his country with distinction in embassy postings in Uganda, Ghana and Nigeria; he had recently been posted in Washington, DC where he served in the Bureau of African Affairs.
Paul was a community builder who easily built networks of friends across the globe. He labored tirelessly to make every community a better place for all. Perhaps his proudest moment during his diplomatic career was being an election monitor in Uganda's first democratic elections in decades; he watched as Ugandans hand counted ballots from their Kampala voting precinct by the headlights of his Jeep.
His intellectual curiosity was matched by his dry sense of humor and comedic timing. Paul was an avid outdoorsman; he especially loved to hike in the Adirondacks but also enjoyed hiking in other parts of the U.S. and in the African countries he visited. While Paul was in many respects a world citizen, he never strayed far from his North Country roots and the values that he learned from his Mom and Dad. Paul was a communicant of Trinity Episcopal Church in Potsdam and St. George's Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA and formerly of St. John's Episcopal Church in Ithaca. He is survived by his proud and loving parents, George and Theresa, his brother Jeffery and his wife Debra and their children Alyssa, Andrew and Tyler. Paul left behind many true friends and colleagues around the world who will miss him sorely.
A funeral service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Potsdam, NY on Tuesday, April 23 at11:00 a.m.; Garner Funeral Home of Potsdam is in charge of arrangements. A memorial gathering will be held in Ithaca at later date. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Stevenson
Mary Krigbaum
August 10, 2013
I'm so sad to hear this. Paul was such an enthusiastic classmate at St. Lawrence, and I am comforted by how far his passion took him in his career and life. We shared a love of Kenya, its people and its beauty. He was such a curious person and I am lucky to have known him.
Betsy Kiernan Landre
July 22, 2013
Paul and I were classmates and friends at St. Lawrence, both majoring in environmental studies and traveling together for SLU's Kenya semester. He had a real heart for Africa and its people. Paul was a true friend, a curious learner, and a dedicated agent for change in whatever community he was living and serving, He was genuine, kind and a gentleman. Most of all, he made me laugh. The world was certainly a better place because of Paul. I am blessed to have known him. He was a gem.
Ellen Galo
April 27, 2013
I was stunned and dumbfounded to hear that Paul had passed away - such a wonderful human being, he was such a special person to so many of us who knew him as a fellow parishioner at Trinity Church in Potsdam. His way of listening, observing, thoughtful and insightful comments, and just a wonderful gentle presence made him someone whose presence was always warm, gracious, humble and caring. I have never met anyone quite like him! And I can't say how sorry I am that he is no longer with us ...
Simona Wexler
April 26, 2013
Paul,
When I left Nigeria a year ago, I told you I was certain our paths would cross again. Sadly, it was not to be, but I will always remember you as an outstanding officer and an incredibly kind and generous human being who always saw the best in people. I shall miss you, my friend.
Karen Kosinski
April 25, 2013
I lived in the flat below Paul for a bit while working with CDC in Abuja, Nigeria. I used to look forward to running into him in the stairwell, he always had something either amusing, insightful, or randomly interesting to say. Once, in passing, I mentioned my struggle to find simple containers for leftovers in Abuja, and the next day he left 4 ziploc containers next to my door with a note saying he had too many already. Similar things happened a few times...books he'd mentioned, DVDs he'd recommended, granola bars from the States...all left by the door with a short explanatory note. When a burst pipe flooded my kitchen and the neighboring flat, Paul was the first on the scene with a mop and bucket to fix the situation before I even knew what was happening. Paul was kind, understated, and wickedly, wickedly funny. He made this world better in his own quiet way.
Jerrod Hansen
April 25, 2013
I worked with Paul in Abuja, Nigeria. I always enjoyed his dry sense of humor and his sense of determination. He was a great mentor, really, as someone who cared about doing the job right but didn't let ego get in the way of sharing his experiences with new officers. I learned a lot from him professionally and always just enjoyed chatting with him socially. He joined us in the yard occasionally and always added to the mix. He was a quiet guy who kept to himself most times outside of work but he never seemed anti-social. I'll miss him and hope that I can build on the lessons learned from serving with him.
Take care, buddy.
Vida Gecas
April 25, 2013
Paul was a wonderful colleague and friend. We served together in Abuja, Nigeria, and his postiive attitude, professional skills and knowledge were enviable. But most importantly, Paul was always a friend - ready to listen with his sense of humor and quick smile. Memories of Paul are very much alive in everyone he touched - my sincerest condolences to Paul's family and freinds.
American Heart Association
April 24, 2013
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Christopher Johnson
April 24, 2013
I met Paul several times here in Abuja, Nigeria where I work for a labor service organization. One of our mutual partners informed me of his passing today. Paul was a wonderful man who fully understood the needs of his partners and could easily navigate difficult situations. He will be truly missed here and based on all of the wonderful messages left by his friends and family, it is clear that he touched people all over the world. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
Patrick Ryan
April 24, 2013
My sincerest condolences to Paul's family and friends. I was proud to have had the opportunity to serve with him as a fellow Political Officer in the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, where he definitely made an impact. He was dedicated and passionate and will certainly be missed.
M. Mercer
April 23, 2013
I worked with Paul at State and he was such a pleasure to have in the office - calm, cool, collected, and a consummate professional. Even when everything was going crazy, he was unflappable. He would often stop in the halls and chat with a smile. I learned something every time we spoke and I'm so sorry we won't do so again. A smart, kind man, generous with his time and expertise, he will be sadly missed.
michael bates
April 23, 2013
Paul graduated GB in my class, he was one of the nicest, smartest kids. his sense of humor was memorable, i can see him bouncing down the halls with a smile on his face. passed on way too young.
Zubedah Nanfuka
April 23, 2013
I knew Paul between 2007 and 2008 when we worked together at the U.S. Embassy in Kampala. Paul was the Assistant Public Affairs Officer, while I was the Media Program Assistant in the Public Affairs Office.
One of my fondest memories of Paul was when we were at our annual staff awards party and Paul asked if "nsenene" (grasshoppers) were on the menu. When he learned that they were, he grabbed a plate and started eating and enjoying the local delicacy as though he had grown up eating grasshoppers all his life. Such was Paul's life, so full of adventure and fun. I also remember how he loved sharing, no matter how small it was he was sharing. He introduced me to maple candy for the first time when he returned from one of his trips and shared his treats with the rest of us in the Public Affairs Office. His laugh always made everyone in the office smile and his zeal for life was an exemplary inspiration which we all aspire to achieve. My sincerest condolences for his family.
Dan Kobayashi
April 23, 2013
I worked with Paul on Africa here in Washington. He was a true expert who had a gift for understanding the way governments and policies reflected the average person in the countries he covered. I think that his training as a city planner and manager probably was a big part of it. We miss him and we'll remember him.
Marion A
April 23, 2013
My condolences to the family of Paul Stevenson, may you find comfort in this difficult time with God's helop (Psalm 147:3).
R Byrnes
April 23, 2013
Paul's desk looks awfully empty here in Washington -- he was a positive influence on those of us lucky enough to work with him. We miss him!
Michael Perry
April 22, 2013
To Paul's Parents and Brother. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to your entire family on your loss. While employed with the State DEC, I had the pleasure of first meeting Paul during his time with the St. Lawrence County Planning Board. While my time around him was quite brief in comparison to the countless friends and colleagues he had acquired throughout his life, his personality and extreme talents made him just one of those guys you could never forget! I would often think of Paul even though many years have passed since those days. One only needs to read the tributes posted on this page in order to realize just how much of an impact he had on so many people, both here and abroad. It is extremely sad to see a life such as Paul's cut so short but it is my hope that you can take pride and some comfort in knowing that there are so many others who are sharing in your grief.
Terry Reed
April 22, 2013
I had the honor of being Paul's dentist, and was flattered that he returned to Potsdam from Africa to have his dental needs met. It was always a treat for me to see him, for I enjoyed hearing his stories, and just conversing with him in general. Just a super human being, leaving a wonderful impression on all he had contact with. I will sorely miss him.
April 22, 2013
I crossed paths briefly with Paul while working at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana and what I remember most is his droll sense of humor and love of books. How sad that he is gone, but he will not be forgotten. - Kate Donahue
Peter Lee
April 22, 2013
I served with Paul in Ghana at the U.S. Embassy. He was a first rate diplomat, and even better person. His dry humor and kindness won him a wide circle of friends. He will be missed by people all around the world in the course of his many travels. How many people can say that?
Connie Elen
April 22, 2013
Paul was truly a wonderful person. My condolences to his family. His wisdom and thoughtfulness to others will be missed by many.
Martha Armstrong
April 22, 2013
Paul hired me at the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency in 1996. He deeply understood how to build relationships and get things done in the often Byzantine halls of local governments. And he always had a good story and some quirky humor to make the work day just a bit more fun. We were shocked and saddened to hear Paul has passed on. May his memory be a blessing.
Ann Flynn
April 22, 2013
We are saddened to hear of Paul's recent passing, and send condolences to his family. He spoke fondly of his hometown and his parents. We served with Paul at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria and truly appreciated his sense of humor which helped to lighten sometimes-difficult moments. He generously mentored younger officers and those of us new to Africa. He made a difference.
With condolences,
Ann & Ed Flynn, retired
U.S. Department of State
Heather Byrnes
April 22, 2013
My husband and I served with Paul at the US Embassy in Ghana. We were extremely sad to learn of his death. Paul was a dear friend and frequent guest at our house during his time in Ghana. His thoughtfulness, commitment to his work and incredible sense of humor were exceptional. We will miss him very much.
Becky (Orford) Hare
April 22, 2013
My sincere sympathies go out to the Stevenson family on Paul's sudden passing.I went to high school with Paul at General Brown - he was a distinctive person with a super bright intellect - and I am so glad he lived his life so well.
Madelyn Perry
April 22, 2013
Paul was in my English 11 class at General Brown High School. Often we would talk before class about various concerns he had. He was serious beyond his years and I hoped he would find a way to channel his concerns. I am pleased to see that he did far more than I ever dreamed.
My deep sympathy to all of his family, friends, and colleagues.
Sincerely,
Madelyn Perry
April 22, 2013
George, Teresa & Jeff So sorry to read of Paul's passing. He certainly accomplished a lot in his short lifetime and must have made you very proud of him. Carl & Lois Herman
Jason Elliott
April 22, 2013
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Paul Stevenson. My family's thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I never knew Paul but I did get the joy of hearing many great stories about his adventures from his niece and nephews, Alyssa, Andrew, and Tyler. God bless you.
Laura Cordts
April 22, 2013
I first met Paul when we were both getting our MPA's at the Maxwell School in Syracuse, then we reconnected when we both ended up working in St. Lawrence County. I'm pretty sure he was the smartest person I ever met....and definitely the most well-read. I will miss his emails and impromptu visits, his sense of humour, and his deep and abiding goodness and compassion.
Dale Herman
April 22, 2013
Was sadden to hear of Paul's passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to Paul and his family at this time. Paul and a group of us from JCC went on a canoe trip on the Saranac Lakes back in our college days. Had a great experience and will remember it for a long time.
Dale Herman, Watertown
Laura Perry
April 22, 2013
I interned for Paul when he was at the Village of Potsdam Planning Office. I learned many lessons from him and have been inspired by his love of the work he was doing. Paul will be remembered.
April 22, 2013
Messages from Kampala, Uganda where Paul Stevenson was the Assistant Public Affairs Officer.
The Kampala Public Affairs Office learnt with shock the passing of our colleague and friend Paul Stevenson. We share in this moment of grief with his family. Paul always talked about his family. He talked very passionately about his brother's family and especially his kids whom he adored. He always talked about his mother's cherished biscuits.
There is so much we would love to share about Paul but are unable to do so at this time.
We can only share a few experiences of the times we had with him.
May Paul's soul rest in Eternal Peace.
From all of us in the Kampala Public Affairs Office who knew and worked very closely with Paul.
My first meeting with Paul Stevenson
I remember Paul for his sense of humor and thunderous laughter. I recall on his first day to Kampala post, I did not know he was first coming to the library (nobody else was in the library). That morning I was busy under the computer workstation trying to fix a cable and so I guess this particular table was moving! Paul stood by the doorway looking at the shaking table. When I finally came out, he burst out laughing at me - a stranger he was meeting for the first time. That was a humorous Paul I knew for the entire two years he spent in Uganda! May his soul rest in eternal peace!
Sophie Bangi
Information Resource Center Director
Paul had such a great sense of humor, was so full of life and wanted everyone around him to be happy. I remember one time we had a meeting with one of the USAID Democracy and Governance Officer at the embassy. Paul introduced me as his colleague and one who manages all the PD exchange programs. The USAID official asked Paul – “then what do you do?”. Paul answered – “I get paid”. We all broke out in a fit of laughter. Such was Paul.
Even after he left Uganda, he kept sending us a line once in a while to find out how we were. He was a true diplomat and friend.
I thank God for the privilege of having known and worked with him.
Dorothy Ngalombi
Cultural Affairs Specialist
Paul had the most interesting personality. His hearty laugh and positive energy went with him wherever he went. He filled the entire office with laughter. He was such a cheerful person who never expressed fear or frustration even when things seemed tough or out of hand.
Paul was very generous – He had such a tremendously big heart. I remember an orphaned student from the war-ravaged northern Uganda whose family depended on her. Paul took this girl back to school, ensured she was enrolled into a nursing program and paid for all her school dues to enable her eventually take care of her siblings. Even after he left post, he sent messages to find out how Esther was coping.
Paul was also adventurous. He loved traveling and interacting with people. He cared about people everywhere he went and welcomed strangers into his life. He was such a passionate human being. He took everything easy and did not stress anyone. He was never one to pass up a good joke. He indeed lived a very joyful life.
May his laughter and happiness continue to cheer us as we share the beautiful memories he shared with all of us!.
Message from Connie Mutazindwa,
EducationUSA Adviser.
We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of our friend Paul. He was our boss and a friend who was full of life and happiness. A person who cared, whose sense of humor was unbelievable. We will certainly miss him. Even after he left Kampala, he remained with us, occasionally sending us an e-mail just to know how we were doing. Even the mention of his name we would roll us up with laughter. I remember one time I was having a bad morning as I was getting in to open the library. He joyfully asked me “How is the IRC?” I told him innocently “ I don't know – I just got here”. He just burst out laughing and I joined in his laughter. From then on we always laughed about this each time he remembered the incident. He is now gone but the memories will remain with us. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.
Geraldine Seruyange
IRC Technician
Paul was one person who would mingle with anybody and share in his laughter. One thing that I will always remember about him was when at one time he heard a group of people laughing from one end of the building and could not contain his curiosity. Laughing even before he knew what was going on, he immediately left his desk, walked passed me to find out what was happening. Before I knew it, I heard Paul and the rest of the other group laughing away.
May his soul rest in eternal peace!
Liz Lubowa
Secretary , Public Affairs Section
Tom Conley
April 21, 2013
I and about a dozen of Paul's Peace Corps friends were looking forward to seeing him this summer as we all met for the 30th anniversary of our Peace Corps Service. We went to Kenya together in 1983. I haven't seen Paul since the 90's but we've been in touch by mail and email since then. I used to pop-in on him unannounced, in Potsdam, when I was up there visiting the Adirondacks. In the last few days I have been gladdened to learn that Paul had so many other good friends. I just wanted to let his friends and family know that we are remembering him. We are with you and Paul in spirit.
Bob Semione
April 21, 2013
I was very sorry to hear about Paul's passing. We were good friends in High School. I had not seen Paul in years, but from time I would hear where he was or what he was doing. I knew that he had a definite love for Africa.
Some of my best childhood memories are of camping in his back yard or going to Boy Scout camp in Harrisville. My condolences to Stevenson family, good bye my friend.
April 21, 2013
I worked with Paul in Syracuse's Community Development Department. There were so many things I appreciated about Paul, but most significantly were his keen intelligence and extraordinary sense of humor. Whenever Paul came back to Syracuse, he always made contact wit me. I loved the opportunity to get together with him and hear about his latest adventures. I think about him often over the years, and I am so saddened knowing that I won't get that totally out of the blue phone call or email announcing his imminent arrival and offering the opportunity for one more encounters with him. Barbara Humphrey, Syracuse, NY
Evelyn Fisk Bevens
April 21, 2013
I knew Paul and his family years ago. I worked with him and his mother at Longway's Diner years ago. Paul was always a very nice boy and very polite. He went to the same school as my children. Apparently he accomplished quite alot in his short life time.
Paul will surely be missed.
Bambie (Heise) Plazony
April 21, 2013
I was saddened to learn of Paul's passing. We were friends in high school, and I am not surprised by all that he accomplished. Paul was not only an extremely intelligent young man in school, but also had a quirky, dry sense of humor that only a few of us were privileged to see. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
April 21, 2013
We knew Paul in Uganda. He was such an inspiration, always finding good in people and places. We enjoyed talking politics with him and sharing ideas and books. We send our deepest condolences to his family, and hope that prayers from across the world will comfort you during this difficult time. Nathan Carter and Sarah Spodek
Margie Simcuski
April 21, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy to Paul's family and numerous friends. Paul's "unique" humor, his passion for learning and life, and above all else...his loyal frienship, will be sorely missed. The many memories of Paul will live in my heart always. My prayers and condolences are with you.
Janet (Adams)Radley
April 21, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I knew Paul from School. We attended General Brown.We started in Kindergarten and graduated in 1979 . I knew all through school he was going to do good in life,because he was always thinking on how to make things better while in school. R.I.P. Paul
Janet(Adams) Radley
April 21, 2013
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Paul's death. He was one of my all-time favorite students at General Brown High School. He had a depth of knowledge which was rare in 9th and 10th grade students and I know that he went on after high school to do great things. I send my deep sympathy to his family and know that his life will live on in your hearts.
Richard Parker (Glen Park)
Maria Lavelle
April 20, 2013
Paul was a terrific friend and colleague. I have wonderful memories of working with him in Ghana. He was warm, funny and ridiculously well-read. I feel very fortunate to have known him. I will miss him. Please accept my sincere condolences.
David Michel
April 19, 2013
Paul was a wonderful colleague in Syracuse. I always enjoyed his emails from Africa. We will miss him.
Celia Thompson
April 19, 2013
To Paul's beloved friends and family, I offer my deepest condolences. I feel robbed of a good friend and colleague. I know that Paul has gone to meet his maker, but I will miss him forever. He was one of the kindest and most intelligent people I ever knew.
Jon Montan
April 19, 2013
As a friend an former colleague of Paul, I am deeply saddened by his too-soon death. I take comfort in knowing that his was a life well lived. Paul's caring and kindness brings to mind the closing words of the Hymn "Blessed Spirit of My Life": "....and when life is done with me, let love be my legacy".
April 19, 2013
On behalf of the people of Saint George's Episcopal Church in Arlington, Va, I offer prayers for Paul's family and friends. Paul was a wonderful, loving member of our community. He was especially involved in our homeless feeding ministry. We will miss him very much.
The Rev. Shearon S. Williams, Rector
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