Happy Birthday Son!

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Paul and His Mother

Happy Birthday Son -

I’m sure you and your dad are enjoying your special day. I hope you are enjoying all the jokes and humor you add to all in heaven.

I miss you lots and as you always told me every time you called “I LOVE YOU”
I don’t have your address so can’t send a present but am throwing many many kisses and hugs to you.
Keep smiling and give yourself a pat on the back for all the happiness you brough to all…

I love you,

~Mom

Categories: Paul & Mom, Paul Kitwin

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Jan 21st 2010 - Happy 44th Birthday Paul…

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

To My Brother Paul…
Today is your birthday, Happy Birthday to you.
Knowing that you turned another year old I hold my breath…
I didn’t get to see you, but I could feel you in my heart.

Time has change over the year Paul, and there are things that haven’t changed…. One is how much you are missed.
Even though you may not be here, I still think of you every day…
there are days when my eyes fill with tears, and then there are days I look and stare with a smirk and wonder if you are near.
No mater where you are, you are still my brother and I love you dear..
You are someone who will always be a stone, a rock that made a monument in my life.
I am grateful to have you as a brother, I am saddened that you are gone, I am only hoping you are happy, and you have found peace, that you find that place of calm, understanding, that feeling of comfort that no matter what, when and where, you are a person that is loved & missed by so many!

May you enjoy this blissful day, wherever your soul is, that you will take your day of birth and remember what great years you had on this earth. I will take this day to remember all the fun times, all the memories of you being the person, I looked so much up to, and I wanted to be. I hope you are proud, and I hope you can relax.
Please enjoy this time with our Dad and please know that I love you.

Happy birthday brother, I love you!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Kitty was my Brothers Friend…

Paul would say Hello Kitty Makes me Smile!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘magic is a bridge’ he said at last’
a bridge that allows you to walk
from the visible world over into the invisible world,
and to learn the lessons of both those worlds’

Love you,
~ Your sister, Catherine Seven

Please submit more storys about Paul! I would love to hear them and share them, Paul has many great tales and would love to keep filling this site with just that… Thank u

Categories: Paul Kitwin

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Dedication for Paul (Winiarski) Kitwin and Todd Ziegler

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

Categories: Paul Kitwin

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Dedication for Paul @ Loyola High School.

Monday, September 14th, 2009

I got this wonderful message today:

Catherine,
I just wanted to send you a quick note and hope you can pass this information on to your mother and your brothers if they are interested.  Our 25 year class reunion for Loyola’s class of 1984 will be on October 2nd and 3rd of this year.  We have planted a tree in honor of your brother and another classmate of ours, Todd Ziegler, on the grounds of Loyola High School.  We will be adding a plaque with Paul and Todd’s names.  The dedication will be on Friday evening at the school grounds before the homecoming game.  All of your family members are invited to attend.  Please pass this along to your family members and I will get the definite time to you soon.

Thank you,

Mary Wojciechowski

I will post more once I get date and time!

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Reflection of Paul Kitwin

Sunday, September 6th, 2009

Today is the anniversary of my brother Paul, who passed 1 year ago today. Not only am I reminded of the pain today but reminded of what a WONDERFUL person Paul was…

Paul was a very special person to many different people, and touched many people, and animals in so many ways! I want to thank Paul for being the brother that I always looked up to, and wanted to be like, if it wasn’t for him in my life I can honestly say the path I led wouldn’t of been without him.. and I thank Paul for that…

Today not only do I remember/reflect on Paul, but also remember my father who passed 17 years ago today… and thanks to that STRONG man, the Winiarski’s are who we are… strong, caring and smart… My brother had allot of the positive traits of our father, and I got to be reminded of that when I had our older brother Chuck visit us last month! It was a great reflection of courage, love and dedication my brother Paul and Father Chuck will always be remembered by. Thank you my Family for being there! I love you all and Dad and Paul we all miss you soooooooo much!

Categories: Paul Kitwin

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Place to remember Paul!

Friday, June 5th, 2009

Thank you Mom! We have a place to go and remember Paul…

After Paul’s passing, mom really wanted a remembrance spot for Paul, so she got in contact with an amazing local artist in Mankato MN (where Paul was born and raised). After she got the “ok” from mom’s side of the family, she reserved a spot where the Deusers lie and asked the artist to create a stone for Paul. Mom really wanted Sea Shells on it because during Paul’s last vacation to Hawaii, while he was there walking on the beach, he called mom and asked her what she wanted and all she said was for you to be happy! and some sea shells please (mom loves shells)
About Sea Shells on the stone: after Paul passed, Suzanne gave those shells to mom and she had the look of them carved into the stone for Paul.

To visit Pauls Rememberance Stone please go to Calvary Cemetery in Mankato MN
View Larger Map

PS - PAUL I miss you so much! Gosh Darn it! I want you to come home!

Categories: Paul Kitwin

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Special Memories of Paul… by Redhawk

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

I met Paul on The Answer Bag. Loved his Avatar of “Nelson” wearing sunglasses! Paul always gave his answers to people’s questions from his heart and in reading stories here, I can see why. His heart was truth, and kindness, humor and honest caring and respect for life. I wish I’d have known him better, but I’ve no doubt that I’ll run across him some day. He is not gone, but has only run ahead for a little while. I hope all of the good memories comfort his dear wife and family, I’m sorry for your loss, and for all who loved him from knowing him personally, and those he gave his friendship to but never got to shake his hand. Dance on the clouds, my friend.

“Nelson” Paul on Answer Bag… http://www.answerbag.com/profile/?id=133716

Categories: Paul Kitwin, Storys Submitted

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Happy 43rd B-day Brother!

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Happy Birthday Paul

Categories: Paul Kitwin

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The Hawaii Picture… January 2008 Kona, Hawaii by Diana Kitch

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

January 2008 Kona, Hawaii

Here is a very special picture of Paul, his wife and there family vacation to Hawaii..
Thanks Diana for this!

Categories: Diana Kitch, Paul & Suzanne, Paul Kitwin

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Special Memories of Paul by… Darrell DeRochier

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

I had the great fortune to meet Paul 14 years ago through his wonderful wife, Suzanne. Over the years Paul and I became very good friends, so much so that I considered him more of a brother than a friend. He was smart, witty, genuine, empathetic, funny, talented, thoughtful and an amazing friend. I still don’t want to believe that I will never see him again. The world seems a little scarier to me without him.

During times of difficulty and loss, Paul was my support. No one gave me the unique and generous support that Paul did. Paul was one of the very few people on the planet that I could actually cry in front of. His compassion and his wisdom helped me through some of my darkest days. There are no words to express the appreciation I feel for him helping me through those rough times.

What I’ll miss almost as much as Paul’s compassion was his innate sense of fun. He loved a good laugh and we continually pulled pranks each other over our 14 year friendship. He wrapped my entire car up in yellow police tape, switched the polarity on my light switches, left me ominous messages on my shower wall with Scrabble tiles, and made me outlandishly tacky gifts, like a lamp made from a prest-o-log with a black, plastic plant pot for a shade. (It worked, of course. Paul insisted that I plug it in and turn it on.)

I thought I’d pulled a good one on Paul when I left a seven foot fabric palm tree on his front porch while he and Suzanne were in Hawaii. (Heh-heh-heh). But after he returned he did not mention it at all. I asked him about it and showed him the picture, and he laughed, saying it was a good joke but the tree had been stolen before he and Suzanne had returned home. I believed him.

Ten months later the fabric palm tree came back to haunt me thanks to Paul’s creativity and patience. He staged it in our carport festooned with hundreds of blinking Christmas lights. It flashed so brightly that two of our neighbors had to keep their blinds closed. It was Christmas time and we had our outdoor lights up. Between the house lights and the flashing palm tree, our house looked like a gay disco from the 70’s. But the joke didn’t end there. Paul followed up with a calendar showcasing how the fabric palm tree had spent the last 10 months. There were pictures of it in Freemont tourist spots, in our friends’ yards, and in playgrounds. The December picture showed the fabric palm in a Christmas tree lot with the caption, “I think I’m adopted…”

In 1992 after I had to put my sweet, young cat, Trixie to sleep, Paul gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. Through my tears I asked Paul why Trixie was taken from me while she was still so young. Paul responded, “There is no why. There is only what you gave to her and what she gave to you.”

Paul gave me support and laughter and great food and heartfelt companionship over our 14 year friendship. I am a better person because I knew him. I will always miss him. But, mostly, as heavy as my heart is, I am filled with gratitude that I had him in my life.

Darrell DeRochier
Edmonds, Washington

Categories: Paul Kitwin

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Special Memories of Paul… By Sharon

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

I met Paul through Answerbag, of course to me he was known as Nelson!…he was the funniest, kindest most adorable man i have met! He kept me smiling - no lauging - many a time, he had such a wonderful sense of humour, dry yet so witty.
He was also very mischievious!! I loved seeing his questions and waiting for his answers.
He loved his family dearly and spoke of his mother very fondly..i remember when he took her on holiday and was so excited about the trip. I couldnt wait for him to return to i could hear all about it!
He loved his pets and i often asked about his ‘family’ especially Fiona.. i had a bit of a bond with her i reckon! lol.

I was very sorry that i didnt get to know his wife, but Paul had a very private side to him.. My sincere condolences are with you all… and you Catherine of course.
I feel richer for having known him, and I will never forget him.. he was truly an awesome bagger!!!!

Categories: Storys Submitted

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Special Memories of Paul… peterpam

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

I am only an Answerbag friend who has been absent from the site for a while. I had a lot of fun with Paul and respect him in every way. We are very different but I do believe that he had a mutual respect for me also. I will miss him greatly and for what it is worth my prayers are with his family.
~peterpam

Tags: Paul Kitwin, peterpam

Categories: Storys Submitted

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Dearest Son, Paul James Francis…

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

Paul & Mom

Dearest Son, Paul James Francis… (Paul was for Uncle Paul, and James Francis was after Grandpa Deuser.)

Thanks for the memories of letting me hold your hand and the kiss as you joined your dear dad. September 6th 2008. Paul, thank you for the many calls “Mom I love you so much…” Yes Paul I love you too, SO MUCH! I will never forget the day you were born, looking at you I knew what a special son you where. That smile was there the day you were born and never left.

I know you are with us in spirit. The precious times shared with Paul, will be cherished for every. The day Dad helped you ride that 2 wheeler in front of the house. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Thanks for all the hugs, you have left a mark in my heart forever. Your presence in our lives is truly a gift. The joys of the saxophone, the scouts, you at the lake with your great friends, (Mr. Thiem, your teacher) you creating photos in your dark room in our basement, always reading a book, - WOW what a son.

I am sure your enjoying you peace and laughter with Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Deuser…
When someone one you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure…

P.S Catherine, what a work of art you are doing for your brother – Friends and Family please add your thoughts & thank you to those who did!

Love always, Mom

Tags: mom and paul

Categories: Paul Kitwin, Storys Submitted

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Special Memories of Paul… by Daniel

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

Even though it had been 9 years since I had seen him, I still consider Paul my best friend. I regret not staying on contact with him, and I wish I had been able to say goodbye.
~ daniel

Categories: Storys Submitted

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Update on Memories by…. Rick Pepper

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

Mike reminded me that I hadn’t shared more on the “Star Floors” story. IIRC Mike, Paul and myself stayed at my folks place the night before and were up until all hours filled with excitement (delusion) of seeing the real Star Wars characters at this flooring show. Then on the way back there was the stop at some bar/grill near Madison Lake (IIRC) where we played that baseball arcade game - like this photo…

Chuck jr. was there as well IIRC. Then there was the bowling game at the cabin that competed with the custom bunk-beds for that little room. Then there was the drawer of candy, ah yes..

The Winiarski's Bowling Alley - At the Cabin

http://marvin3m.com/baseball/dlx57.htm

http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=12841

See Ricks fist memory post: http://www.paulkitwin.com/2008/09/20/special-memories-of-paul-rick-pepper/

Categories: Storys Submitted

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Special Memories of Paul… Mike Koenigs

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

Hi Paul,

I can hear your voice as clear today as the first time I met you in first grade. I liked you the minute I met you. Your easy laugh, creative mind, love of the uncommon, weird and willingness to care less about what anyone else thought.

Dang.

I remember clearly the “house of shag” - the Winiarski residence.

The drive to Minneapolis for “Star Floors” with your dad in the Winiarski van (interior of shag, I might add). Yes, that was 1977 or so. And if I remember correctly, there was Craig Rath, a Bessler or two, Rick Pepper, Paul Ziegler and perhaps someone else… Anyway, there were Star Wars characters there and we all loved them!

Always a man of strange interests (our in-common theme), conversations about conspiracy theories, UFOs, guns, bombs, anarchy, sci-fi, the strange, odd and uncommon always went into the late evening.

You’re always one who laughed at any stupid antic or joke. Especially if it involved nuns, Jesus, meat, pirates or general silliness of any sort. Especially religion.

The world needs more guys like you. I miss you terribly even though we didn’t see much of each other in the past few years.

I hope to hear a voice or laugh someday that reminds me of you.

Love,
Mike

Tags: Mike Koenigs, Paul Kitwin, Storys Submitted

Categories: Mike Koenigs, Storys Submitted

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Special Memories of Paul… Rick Pepper

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

Thank you Rick for the great memories of Paul!! Rick Pepper was one of Paul’s classmates since I think second grade, and also one of he greatest friends ( Please click the photo to have a better view )

Categories: Paul Kitwin

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Mankato Free Press Obituary

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Paul Kitwin

He was a nationally-recognized network engineer. He was witty and fun-loving, and a true gentleman — kind, sensitive, thoughtful, and humane.

He attended SS. Peter and Paul’s and Loyola. He was in Army Intelligence.

Paul was born Jan. 21, 1966, in Amherst, Ohio, and grew up in Mankato. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Suzanne; his mother, Jeanette of Mankato; brothers Chuck (Dana) of Amherst and John of Mankato; sister, Catherine (Duane) of Huntington Beach, CA; nieces Megan and Elizabeth.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Winiarski; grandparents Catherine and Jim Deuser.

Paul was a devoted animal rights advocate. He and Suzanne participated in the foster program at PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society).

Memorial services will be at a later date.

To view other memories from Paul’s friends and family, please visit:

www.paulkitwin.com.

The greatest tribute to Paul’s generous and loving spirit would be to register as an organ donor.

To View http://www.mankatofreepress.com/legacy_obits/local_story_261231813.html

Tags: Paul Kitwin, Paul's Obituary

Categories: Paul Kitwin

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Special Memories of Paul… By Laura Root

Friday, September 19th, 2008

I met my husband through Paul. He worked with my roommate. We were having a party and Paul came and brought his friend, Dan. 15 years and 4 kids later I always think of Paul as having been one of the reasons my life went down the trajectory it did–if he only knew what he started…

Paul had a superstar quality about him. His light just seemed to shine brighter than most and you were drawn to him. He was like that cool kid who was actually kind and didn’t exclude or look down on you for being a dork.

Paul was one of the most memorable persons I have met–and it is one of those rare and extraordinary gifts to have experienced someone in your life who you can’t forget. I knew him for a brief period many years ago, yet I still laugh out loud thinking of some of his antics. He always had a gleam in his eye, a hearty laugh and a great enthusiasm about all sorts of things.

It is such a gift to have experienced that kind of a person and I am so sorry that more people won’t get to know Paul. The world is a sadder place without his great spirit.

Tags: Laura Root, Paul Kitwin, Special Memories of Paul

Categories: Laura & Dan Root, Paul Kitwin, Storys Submitted

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Special Memories of Paul… By Catherine Seven

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Paul & I - 91

I am trying to write Paul a letter and post my memories on the site but I can’t seem to complete it… Once I try my mind goes faster than my typing… but I thought why not just start and with time I can add more… 

The other night we took little Elizabeth (my daughter) to her fav place to play, and I thought I could feel my brother was there watching… I was SO happy! I thought that was great.. Paul and our Father is sitting right here and is able to watch his niece grow up… and see what kind of mommy I am!…  

Great Memories of Paul… Paul and I would talk on many occasion, we started to get close again over the last 3 years.. But as I was a teen there was nothing more than wanted to be with my BIG brother Paul…

Paul was a wonderful brother, growing up we had a bunny Paul named Guido!, and a bird name Floyd >> Yes Paul knew how to name his animals! Paul’s love for animals was always!

 Paul’s Hobbies growing up (besides guns): Paul used to love to take pictures, he used to take pics of me and enlarging flys to make me look like I was petting them - in fact the house we grew up in, our father made a room in the basement just for Paul “The Dark Room” so Paul could process and develop is artwork. That is when we would sit down in the dark room and listen to the stray cats and be sooo cool! ( I will post those pics soon)

Paul then left for the army…  but he kept in great contact with us, came home for the holidays, I don’t think he came home for the present, I think he flew the whole way to give me noogies, and have wrestling matches. But nether less Paul loved us and WE LOVED PAUL!

As you can see in my path I wanted to be like Paul, and if you knew Paul there is NO reason why anyone did want to look up to Paul!
(I may be babbling but this feels good to share my thoughts, to share the wonderful brother I had!)

Paul converted me into being a vegetarian in 92, I started wearing all black in 91… moved to Seattle in 94, wore safety pins in my trench coats (always), we would go to the DV8, and see shows (I think that is what it was called) But my favorite was the Vogue in 92! Listen to the Ramones ”Sheena Is A Punk Rocker” I started adopting cats from PAWS, as soon as Paul introduced me. Paul and Suzanne took me out for my 21st b-day we started at Capitol Hill then ended the night at the fenix in Pioneer Sqauare….

As you can see Paul was a monument in my life, someone I could look up to for every aspect! Some look up to the statue of liberty, but I looked up to Paul Winiarski…

Paul married Suzanne, and started a new wonderful life with her; he then changed his name to blend the two of them forever! Paul Kitwin (Kitch and Winiarski)

Paul & I have wonderful memories, Thank you PAUL! Thank you so much for teaching me the way you taught me, I would not be where I am today if I didn’t have your path to follow!

~~ Your Sister Catherine Seven (Cathy Winiarski)

Categories: By Catherine Seven - AKA Pauls Sister, Paul Kitwin, Paul and His Sister, Storys Submitted

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