Initially, Paul joined the California Highway Patrol. Later, for a time, he was Deputy Sheriff of Colusa County, CA. However, being a "man of the land" at heart, he made a career change and became a cowboy. He worked for several ranches in California, Nevada, and Colorado, over the next several years, turned to construction, for a while, but ultimately the saddle called him back. He retired in the 1990's from a small cattle operation in Oregon.
Paul was a musician, with a smooth, golden voice and had a talent for singing harmony. He played bluegrass and country music for 18 years with his banjo-picking partner and later became involved with the cowboy poetry and music movement, playing and reciting at many gatherings across the Western United States.
Ever a staunch Catholic, Paul never accepted the changes of the Second Vatican Council and returned to tradition as soon as possible, after learning of the presence of the SSPX in the United States. He attended Mass and devotions and helped to build and support churches and schools for over 40 years. Paul and Nancy have been members of the Assumption/Immaculata parish since 2007.
Paul entered eternity on September 17th at St. Marys Manor after a long battle with leukemia.
Paul is preceded in death by his daughter, Mary (Rich) Treanor. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his sister, Carolyn Matson, his daughters Sally (Scott) Trotter and Sue (Don) Pellegrino, his sons, Jim (Liz), John, Tom, Dan (Jenny), Don (Lea), his 22 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Requiem Mass will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, September, 22, 2023 at Immaculata Catholic Church. Burial will be in Our Lady Of Peace Cemetery. A Rosary will be recited at 5:20 P.M. Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the Immaculata.
In leiu of flowers donation may be made to St. Marys Academy and sent in care of the funeral home.