May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
Twelve years feels like forever and yesterday. Everything changed when you became a part of my life and again when you were taken away from us. I still feel your presence. I'm still so thankful for you.
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Paul Valle-Riestra, 52 years old, born on May 13, 1959, and passed away on May 26, 2011. We will remember him forever.
Tributes
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May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
Thinking about you a lot these days. Planning a driving trip across country and remembering ours. It's amazing to think about how many of my growing up memories have you in them.
May 13, 2023
May 13, 2023
I'm thinking of you on your birthday You're still a part of each of us, every day. Two weeks ago Cara was a passenger in a car accident that could've been deadly but she walked away from it. I feel like you and mom were there to catch her. Still blessing us. Love you forever.❤️
May 13, 2023
May 13, 2023
Hey Pablo, going for a ride today and missing you drafting along. At least you got the upside of life (growing up) and not the downside of life (getting old and creaky)! Can't wait to show you 1x drive trains and disk brakes on bikes - you won't care but I'll enjoy showing you them!
May 14, 2022
May 14, 2022
Hey Pablo, we missed you at the Davis gathering earlier this year, although we had a great surrogate for you with Cara in attendance. Going for a ride in a few minutes and will be thinking of you and all the great times together rolling across the countryside!
May 13, 2022
May 13, 2022
you were the coolest sophomore on Becket 3
May 13, 2022
May 13, 2022
Your birthday is a day to celebrate! So thankful for all the years and sweet memories I hope and pray you found a place in the light where you are well now and can feel the love of so many who still love and remember you
May 13, 2022
May 13, 2022
Paul,
Missing you today. Was telling stories about you just last night. So much of my young days were filled with your presence.
Missing you today. Was telling stories about you just last night. So much of my young days were filled with your presence.
May 30, 2021
May 30, 2021
I've tried to celebrate your life and see the blessings... but it's still so unbelievable. How could 10 years have gone by?
We've stumbled through this healing thing imperfectly, there's a lot I hope you missed. Yet, I hope somehow you've been able to see your girls rise. Jenna's the Press Secretary for the Judicial Committee in DC and little Cara just completed her first year of college. Levi is a hardworking familyman with a lovely wife and daughter. In addition to photography and non-profit work, I became a trained advocate for the National Brain Tumor Society... paying it forward as you always said❤ I even became a bit of a caregiver again, this time for your dad.
I know I had your support to find love again, but I prayed for your guidance. You're a hard act to follow and it's a very different world than the one I had with you.
We referred to our marriage as "Alice and Paul's excellent adventure". I hope we always feel the connection, love and inspiration between us. I'm forever grateful for you. ❤❤❤
We've stumbled through this healing thing imperfectly, there's a lot I hope you missed. Yet, I hope somehow you've been able to see your girls rise. Jenna's the Press Secretary for the Judicial Committee in DC and little Cara just completed her first year of college. Levi is a hardworking familyman with a lovely wife and daughter. In addition to photography and non-profit work, I became a trained advocate for the National Brain Tumor Society... paying it forward as you always said❤ I even became a bit of a caregiver again, this time for your dad.
I know I had your support to find love again, but I prayed for your guidance. You're a hard act to follow and it's a very different world than the one I had with you.
We referred to our marriage as "Alice and Paul's excellent adventure". I hope we always feel the connection, love and inspiration between us. I'm forever grateful for you. ❤❤❤
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
I was especially thinking of you yesterday... you'd be 62! I would have loved to talk with you along the way these crazy years. Would you ever believe how nuts it got in our country? How proud and excited you'd be to know what work Jenna is doing in your life-changing stomping grounds of DC, how well Levi is doing and you'd be floored to see the little blond you last saw, now in college. Stay connected... you're always in our hearts.
May 13, 2021
May 13, 2021
Pablo, you picked a good year to miss this time, but we miss you just the same. Your steadfast optimism would have helped us all this past year! See you on the 2 wheel road sometime in the future.
May 13, 2021
May 13, 2021
Hard to believe it has been 10 years. You are missed - and remembered often - my friend.
May 26, 2020
May 26, 2020
We miss you very much Paul. We love you very much Alice and family!
Love,
Julia and family
Love,
Julia and family
May 14, 2020
May 14, 2020
Happy birthday, Babe! We miss you so much! It’s so crazy here in the world right now and I can only imagine what you would be saying... I’m trying to channel your calm wisdom, as it’s much needed! I hope somehow you’ve been aware of how well your girls are doing. It’s been a bumpy road, but I hope you’re proud of us. Love you
May 13, 2020
May 13, 2020
Happy birthday, Paul; wish you were here
May 13, 2020
May 13, 2020
Missing you on your birthday, Paul. Not only on this date, but year round. Been thinking a lot lately of our travels.
May 13, 2020
May 13, 2020
Pablo, I recall you taunting us on a bike trip with a dead frog - guess what, turns out it should have been a bat! You are missing some bat shit crazy times, your steady hand in life is much missed.
May 13, 2019
May 13, 2019
Feliz Cumpleaños, amigo! As a devoted Warrior fan, surely your spirit will shine @ Oracle for its Final(s) hurrah;~> Go Dubs!!
May 15, 2018
May 15, 2018
Happy Birthday, babe... miss you so much.
May 13, 2018
May 13, 2018
Thinking about you on this Birthday, Paul
May 13, 2017
May 13, 2017
Happy Birthday, Babe. We all miss you so much! You would be so proud of Jenna, Cara, Levi & Jill. Wish you were here to see Lailah- this 4 year old has lit things up! We all think of you often. Life isn't the same without you but trying to keep the faith. Please guide us if you can and feel our love surrounding you:) xoxo
May 13, 2017
May 13, 2017
Dear Paul,
Happy birthday in heaven. We miss you... every single one of us does. I know you're looking down on us and giving us needed guidance. Please give all 3 of your girls extra love and guidance in this difficult time.
Happy birthday in heaven. We miss you... every single one of us does. I know you're looking down on us and giving us needed guidance. Please give all 3 of your girls extra love and guidance in this difficult time.
May 13, 2017
May 13, 2017
Paul continues to inspire us. So many of us miss him so much. I particularly miss you, Killer.
May 13, 2017
May 13, 2017
Thinking about you a lot these days. You are missed, my friend, especially on a day we celebrate your birth.
May 13, 2017
May 13, 2017
Pablo, the team is not the same without you and Mikee - hope it's all good on the other side. Thinking of you often.
May 27, 2016
May 27, 2016
We lost you 5 years ago, but you weren't lost... we were. It doesn't seem possible that life could go on without you but Jenna will be starting her Junior year of college and has already written for 2 magazines and Cara will start High School and has traveled to Nicaragua. I hope you're proud of us. I think of you all the time and imagine I still have your support. Love you forever...
May 26, 2016
May 26, 2016
Paul was my friend. Paul was my mentor. Paul was and will always be Killer. I miss my friend, mentor, and favorite Killer, but when I think about him, I always smile.
May 26, 2016
May 26, 2016
I did not know Paul personally, but I know Alice. I have seen, mostly on line, their girls grow up. Alice and the girls are certainly testaments to how wonderful Paul was. His coworkers and friends and family also speak to his true giving character. I feel I am less for not having known him, but know that the community and those he served in the community he served are better off for his service.
May 26, 2016
May 26, 2016
Time passes, but memories remain. I will always have nothing but warm and happy memories of Paul. He was simply the best and I will miss him always. My love and warmest wishes to you, Alice, and the girls as you observe this poignant milestone.
May 26, 2016
May 26, 2016
Missing you heaps, Paul. Perhaps not appropriate here, but is there anything you can do to help out your stumbling Warriors? Maybe some 'more conventional' forearm shiver advice to Draymond Green, et al (recalling Matt Sears' tribute to your 'on-court' demonstration many yrs ago;-) Of course, your Giants are having no trouble with my Padres this season: a 9-0 sweep so far - sheesh(!~) Big man-hugs!
May 13, 2016
May 13, 2016
Thinking of Paul today and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, and community. Love to the Valle-Riestra family. Paul will never be forgotten.
May 13, 2016
May 13, 2016
Happy birthday Pablo, I miss your big smile
May 13, 2016
May 13, 2016
Wish I had known Paul longer. He was my biggest advocate to help get Walnut Creek TV off the ground. His work has created a path for WCTV to be strong and carry on his dream of government transparency into the future. You are missed so much at City Hall. But I know you are looking down on me ensuring your dream!
May 13, 2016
May 13, 2016
Happy Birthday Paul. I can't believe it has been 5 years. I think about you often - I was very lucky to have the pleasure of working with you for so many years. We all miss you, Killer.
May 13, 2016
May 13, 2016
Gigante Birthday Wishes, Pablo - it's an even-numbered year, so no doubt you're in heaven anticipating another SF World Championship (if not from your beloved Giants, then from your beloved Warriors and unanimous NBA MVP Steph Curry;-) In the latter's honor (and yours,) I'm "posting up" a couple photos here, and once again echoing Blake's 4 June 2014 tribute - couldn't have expressed it better - Happy Birthday yourself tomorrow, Matt, and to as well Lynnel (today !-) Cheers !
May 28, 2015
May 28, 2015
I still smile when I think of Paul. His wit, his calm presence, his ability to always bring out the best in people. He was a remarkable man, and I feel grateful to have known him. He would be so proud of you, Alice and Jenna and Cara, and how you have carried on. Paul will always be with you, and his love shines down on you.
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
How could four years have gone by already? You'd be so proud of your daughters and still shake your head and laugh at my silliness:) I can still hear your words of faith in me and I rely on them in my darkest moments... that, and knowing that your love could never die. Thanks for always supporting us and for knowing we'd be alright, even when we couldn't see it. You're always in my heart...
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
Paul was simply one of the best human beings I have ever known. I marveled at his wisdom and intelligence, but mostly at his humanity. He was such a sweet and gentle soul, one whose smile could warm a room but whose fierce intellect could silence the loudest critic. He was always very supportive of my work as public information officer for the City of Walnut Creek (where we worked together for 18 years). I greatly admired Paul for his calm and collected demeanor when I was reeling from so many thorny issues. He always reminded me that things would be OK, and that faith kept me going on so many occasions. I only hope he knew that. A part of me died when Paul did, but his can-do spirit continues to be an inspiration to me. It's indeed hard to believe he has been gone four years already, but he will always live in my memory.
May 14, 2015
May 14, 2015
All my respects to Mr. Valle-Riestra. I did not have the privilege to meet him personally but I know he was a prominent attorney with a kind heart. He must be related to a well-known constitutional Peruvian lawyer, Javier Valle-Riestra, a very well respected attorney and politician. Here is a summary about him:
Javier Valle Riestra González Olaechea (Peruvians use the paternal and maternal last names), is a constitutional lawyer, jurist and Peruvian politician. Known member of the Peruvian Aprista Party, has held several public offices, among them the most controversial being President of the Council of Ministers in the government of Alberto Fujimori.
If you Google his name, you could see his picture and find the physical resemblance. My heart is with Mrs. Alice and her family. I enjoyed looking at the pictures. The Lord be with Mr. Valle-Riestra.
Javier Valle Riestra González Olaechea (Peruvians use the paternal and maternal last names), is a constitutional lawyer, jurist and Peruvian politician. Known member of the Peruvian Aprista Party, has held several public offices, among them the most controversial being President of the Council of Ministers in the government of Alberto Fujimori.
If you Google his name, you could see his picture and find the physical resemblance. My heart is with Mrs. Alice and her family. I enjoyed looking at the pictures. The Lord be with Mr. Valle-Riestra.
May 14, 2015
May 14, 2015
Angelic Birthday Wishes, Pablo - but for goodness sake, we're in a severe drought, so do please endeavor to exercise caution with whatever method you choose to blow out your candles(!) ;~} Posting a photo or two herein and echoing Blake's 4 June 2014 tribute - couldn't have expressed it better...
May 13, 2015
May 13, 2015
John and I met Paul after Alice and I shared a prenatal exercise together, so we were in a baby support group (19 years ago!) that evolved into being family friends and celebrating many a birthday party, dinner party, and holiday celebration. Paul shared the same birthday as my daughter and we think of him on this date especially, but regularly besides. We will never forget his quiet strength, intelligence, and gentle nature. He would be so proud of Alice, Jenna, and Cara, and his influence continues to leave its mark.
May 13, 2015
May 13, 2015
Paul, I am sure, is very proud of his wife and girls. They are a living tribute to his way of life that he lived with gusto!
November 22, 2014
November 22, 2014
We all do, sweetie. Thank you....
November 21, 2014
November 21, 2014
I miss you
June 9, 2014
June 9, 2014
I will always miss Paul - his quick smile, his helpfulness, his ability to put people at ease. He lit up a room with his smile and sense of humor. He could calm even the most contentious group of people. I am a better person for knowing Paul.
June 4, 2014
June 4, 2014
I road bike still, mountain bike some. Nearly every ride it brings back a memory that includes Pablo. It was a glue that kept us visiting our whole lives, gave us the excuse to gather and catch up - burn a few calories and put on more with burgers after the ride. I remember all the way back to my second Davis DC, for some reason Paul was not riding (I bet Law School) but he showed up and delivered us our bike lights somewhere around 140 miles just as dusk set in. He was the most steady of us, always there.
Pablo, see you on the next ride.
Pablo, see you on the next ride.
May 27, 2014
May 27, 2014
Paul, my cousin, I don't like to think of you as gone, just away for a while until I visit you next. I never forget the times we visited each other throughout our lives and the laughs we shared, those memories I cherish still and always will. All I can say for now is, I'll be seeing you again when the time comes. :)
May 27, 2014
May 27, 2014
Somehow 3 years have passed now since you had to move on... Jenna is finishing High School and going on to college soon. She's taken up photography and doing very artistic work and was Varsity Cheer Captain this year. Cara is nearly as tall as me, playing soccer and still acing her math tests:) It's not the same without you... but you've colored our world and filled our hearts forever. Love you...
May 26, 2014
May 26, 2014
I have wonderful memories of spending time with Paul. He was always so lovely to be with - interesting conversation and a loving man. One time that stands out was when the family visited my husband and I (and baby Fenton on the way!) in London prior to going on a family trip. Such great memories or good times.
May 26, 2014
May 26, 2014
We miss you Paul. We are blessed with your memories and the joy we have spending with Alice, Jenna and Cara. You are always in our thoughts!
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
Twelve years feels like forever and yesterday. Everything changed when you became a part of my life and again when you were taken away from us. I still feel your presence. I'm still so thankful for you.
May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
Thinking about you a lot these days. Planning a driving trip across country and remembering ours. It's amazing to think about how many of my growing up memories have you in them.
May 13, 2023
May 13, 2023
I'm thinking of you on your birthday You're still a part of each of us, every day. Two weeks ago Cara was a passenger in a car accident that could've been deadly but she walked away from it. I feel like you and mom were there to catch her. Still blessing us. Love you forever.❤️
Gallery
Jenna's 8th grade graduation at WCI
On our 1st National Brain Tumor Society walk, 2010 in SF Golden Gate Park
Mother's Day at The Cantina, 1994
1980 - Paul posing for his future emplacement on Mt. Rushmore
Wish I had known Paul longer. He was my biggest advocate to help WCTV get off the ground. His work has created a path for Walnut Creek TV to be strong and carry his dream of government transparency into the future. You are missed so much at City Hall.
Recent stories
The Cable Enforcer
May 26, 2021
Paul was amazing. His knowledge and energy in keeping the cable giants in check created so much in Walnut Creek. I had just started with the City of Walnut Creek after a downsizing by Comcast. I had worked with Comcast for 17 years as a producer and technician for the Walnut Creek Studio Channel 6. Comcast was not interested in staying in the community relations/community video world and the City was being asked to take over their meetings and channel.
Paul, Patrice Olds and I had lunch at McCoveys and I was still employed by Comcast. I really had no idea of what was happening, but that lunch was a sort of feeling out of who I was and what I could bring to the City. Months later I proposed Walnut Creek TV and joined the city and due to Paul’s direction and planning, he was able to negotiate in our franchise with our newest cable provider, Seren/Astound/Wave the use of PEG fees for staffing. This was a milestone of sorts and I am yet to hear of another cable provider bowing to this request.
12 years later and almost the anniversary of my last day with Comcast my Walnut Creek TV team and I have created one of the most popular and most viewed City channels in the state of California.
Our YouTube channel has the most views and our productions have won countless awards and acclaim from the area. We were also the first channel in our zone to go 16x9 aspect ratio in the Contra CostaArea. Thank you Paul for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to work for such a great City!
I hope you are smiling down on our work at Walnut Creek TV.
Paul, Patrice Olds and I had lunch at McCoveys and I was still employed by Comcast. I really had no idea of what was happening, but that lunch was a sort of feeling out of who I was and what I could bring to the City. Months later I proposed Walnut Creek TV and joined the city and due to Paul’s direction and planning, he was able to negotiate in our franchise with our newest cable provider, Seren/Astound/Wave the use of PEG fees for staffing. This was a milestone of sorts and I am yet to hear of another cable provider bowing to this request.
12 years later and almost the anniversary of my last day with Comcast my Walnut Creek TV team and I have created one of the most popular and most viewed City channels in the state of California.
Our YouTube channel has the most views and our productions have won countless awards and acclaim from the area. We were also the first channel in our zone to go 16x9 aspect ratio in the Contra CostaArea. Thank you Paul for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to work for such a great City!
I hope you are smiling down on our work at Walnut Creek TV.