ForeverMissed
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His Life

Clyde's engagement

May 13, 2012
Many years ago, my brother Clyde and his then girlfriend found themselves looking at rings... When we next saw him, Clyde told us of their little trip up the coast and the beautiful ring they saw.  He described it and said it was unfortunately, way too expensive.  A short time later, Clyde told me he wanted to propose to Beverly and asked if he could have our grandmother's ring at least for now, til they could afford something different.  We made plans for him to come over and when he did, I came out with grandmother's ring, but to my surprise, Paul came out with another box and also handed it to Clyde.

When Clyde opened the box, tears instantly streamed down his face... I had no idea what could've caused this until Clyde was able to talk and told me that it looked like the ring they'd seen on their trip.  Paul had gone out and found a ring based on Clyde's description and bought it for him to give Beverly! 


The overview

May 13, 2012

Paul was born and raised in Walnut Creek and attended Walnut Creek Elementary, WCI and Las Lomas High School, graduating in 1977.  His parents, Frank and Edith, inspired his love of travel and the outdoors as well as his dedication to his community.  As a child, he played in the creek alongside his home with his brother Chris, and played basketball and baseball with WCYAA.  While at Las Lomas, Paul participated in a program called CloseUp, twice going to Washington D.C. to tour the national monuments, meet politicians and learn about national government.  These experiences inspired Paul's interest in local government.

He went to UC Davis and graduated with honors, receiving his B.A. in Political Science/Public service.  Paul went on to earn his Law Degree at Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley in 1985.  As part of his education, he went to Washington D.C. as a Law Clerk for the Media Access Project and then joined McDonough, Holland & Allen as a lawyer after graduating.  

Paul returned to his love of local government and became the Staff Attorney for the League of California Cities in Sacramento.  There, he met Alice Sutliff, and they were married in 1990.  It was then that they returned to their home town to raise a family.

Back in Walnut Creek, Paul worked as Assistant City Attorney for 16 years under the guidance of City Attorney, Tom Haas.  In 2006, Tom retired and Paul was appointed City Attorney for Walnut Creek.  Paul won a settlement for the city in its case to enforce franchise fees from cable companies and was able to ensure that the city had a public channel, WCTV.  He brought competition to the cable industry here when he paved the way for Astound to operate in the city and emerged as an expert in Telecommunication Law and author of a book "Telecommunications:  The Governmental Role in Managing the Connected Community" in 2002.

Paul's M.O. was to do the right thing and keep moving forward.  He had the gift of calm, balance and determination.  He once said with a smile, "It's not that I'm the best attorney, I just never give up."     

His wisdom and compassion for others made him at once a natural leader and friend.  He could see, and sought to encourage, the  best in everyone.  Whether assisting Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity or leading city tours, Paul's dedication to the community was surpassed only by his devotion to his family.  Usually quiet and thoughtful, his quick wit would surprise and uplift both at work and home.

Paul's love of travel took him and his wife on adventures to Europe, climbing ruins in South America and through the jungles of Belize.  They had two daughters, Jenna and Cara, who eventually joined them in their travels.  When Alice's sister died suddenly, Paul didn't hesitate to invite his nephew, Levi, into his home and raise him as his own.  Much time was spent going to Civic Park, movies, bike riding, Giants games, skiing, camping, taking the annual family snow trip and kayaking with friends.  Somehow he fit it all in and lived so fully.     

Paul faced brain cancer with the same calm, courage, optimism and determination that guided his life.  In keeping with Paul's wishes to "pay it forward", we request that donations be made to the National Brain Tumor Society in Paul's honor.  You're still making a difference, Paul!  You're our love and inspiration.