Special Memories of Paul… by Daniel

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008 | Storys Submitted | No Comments

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

Update on Memories by…. Rick Pepper

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 | Storys Submitted | No Comments

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/

Special Memories of Paul… Mike Koenigs

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 | Mike Koenigs, Storys Submitted | 1 Comment

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

Special Memories of Paul… Rick Pepper

Saturday, September 20th, 2008 | Paul Kitwin | 1 Comment

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 )

Mankato Free Press Obituary

Friday, September 19th, 2008 | Paul Kitwin | No Comments

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

Special Memories of Paul… By Laura Root

Friday, September 19th, 2008 | Laura & Dan Root, Paul Kitwin, Storys Submitted | No Comments

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

Special Memories of Paul… By Catherine Seven

Friday, September 19th, 2008 | By Catherine Seven - AKA Pauls Sister, Paul and His Sister, Paul Kitwin, Storys Submitted | 1 Comment

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)

Special Memories of Paul…Vicki Dobbe

Friday, September 19th, 2008 | Storys Submitted, Vicki Dobbe, Winiarski Family | No Comments

I remember Paul from Madison Lake. My parents had a cabin just down the beach from Chuck and Nettie’s. We had many wonderful time watching the Winarski kids grow up with mine. Paul was always the quieter, more studious one. He was the one that wanted to comb the beach and look for wonderul finds

The Winarski family will always be a big part of my heart and I am so sorry for your great loss. I never got to meet Suzanne but I am sure you are a wonderful person. I know Nettie was so excited about the trip that you both gave her.  Nettie, so sorry for your loss.
   ~ Love you lots, Vicki

Hi Paul!! – From Duane Erickson

Friday, September 19th, 2008 | Paul Kitwin | No Comments

I never got to say goodbye, so here it is. It was super cool to finally meet you this past summer when you and Mom came to visit us (remember when they lost your luggage:) I knew right there I liked you.

Just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful gifts and memories you left in Catherine’s heart…man you sure had a HUGE impact on her life.

I wish we could of hung out more, but I feel very lucky and fortunate to have met you and hang for that short while at the beach.

I will do my absolute best to love and take care of your sister Cathy and your niece Elizabeth.

Hopefully see you on the other side!!!

   ~ Duane Erickson

Special Memories of Paul… By Eva

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 | Eva, Storys Submitted | 1 Comment

Paul & Eva - Pauls WONDERFUL sister in law!

When I think about Paul, I can’t help but feel overwhelmingly blessed that I had him in my life – if only for a terribly short time.

They just don’t make ‘em like Paul – kind, loving, brave, talented and fucking hilarious.

Sometimes we forget that although loving someone as much as we love Paul can be so painful at times like these, it is that same love which allowed us to feel the warmth of Paul’s spirit in the first place.

I found this poem by Maya Angelou – I hope you like it.

Touched by An Angel
by Maya Angelou

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love’s light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

By Eva (Pauls sister-in-law)

Special Memories of Paul… By Diana Kitch

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 | Paul Kitwin | No Comments

I have lots of stories about my wonderful son, but what I want to say is how incredibly grateful I am for being able to know and love him for almost twenty years.
He was so caring of everyone, but especially my daughter, Suzanne. She had the best of marriages with him. They were fortunate to have one another for as long as they did.
~ Diana Kitch (Suzanne Kitwins Mother)

Special Memories of Paul… By Louis Gordon

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 | Paul Kitwin | 1 Comment

I knew Paul mostly from work. In the corporate world of cookie cutter people he was truly unique.I remember one day in particular:

I hadn’t seen Paul for quite some time and we had a meeting scheduled to go over some work “issues”.

We sat in my sterile office in Bellevue. After talking about work for 5 minutes the conversation moved to religion, paranormal experiences, politics, food and UFO’s.

We talked for over 2 hours.

Louis Gordon

Tags: Louis Gordon, Special Memories of Paul

Ode to Sherpa Paul by Jay

Sunday, September 14th, 2008 | Paul Kitwin | 1 Comment

Paul Kitwin…

  You were a wicked-smart computer geek…With or without your pony tail.

 You were funny and fun loving; a prankster who loved practical jokes, and a good laugh.

You were kind, sensitive, thoughtful, and humane.

You were loving and not afraid to express it.

You were deeply in love.

You were a committed vegetarian; and a great cook.

But you were a cipher too…

  A cat person. But a dog person.

• Wildly liberal. But a gun owner who had night-vision goggles.
• A Minnesota boy, who seemed to have West Coast roots.
• You packed a knife. You could tie knots. In fact, you were generally overly prepared for any situation… Or were you?

As Sherpa Paul, you toted and carried things for Suzanne…

Many, many, many… many things!  

And we saw how you delighted in that role.

 But you also carried things of your own.

Unfortunately, they were heavy things that we couldn’t see; things that, ultimately, we couldn’t help you with.

Paul Kitwin…

• You were loved and respected

• You were a good friend.

• You were a good human.

But Paul, most of all, you are and will be

Truly and deeply missed.

This was writen by Jay & Dennis

Special Memories of Paul… By Dave Possin

Sunday, September 14th, 2008 | Paul Kitwin | No Comments

Here is a Story Shared by Dave Possin. Dave was one of Paul’s closest friends threw out Paul’s childhood, they where in boy scouts together and would spend endless nights together at the cabin.

Three events I was involved in with Paul will always stick with me.

1) The game of Mexican with Olde Enlish 800 when we were 15 – Sorry Chuck
2) The Almost arrest after the fireworks attack at the Licoln Jr. High Halloween dance.
3) The winter ambush at Mt. Kato with Jon Skaar.

I loved Paul and will miss him greatly.
~ Dave Possin

Tags: Dave Possin, Paul Kitwin

Paul’s Obituary – Submitted by Suzanne

Sunday, September 14th, 2008 | Paul Kitwin | No Comments

Paul Kitwin died early Saturday, Sept. 6th, 2008. He was 42 years old.  Paul had made Seattle his home for nearly 20 years.

Paul was a nationally-recognized network engineer.  He was witty and fun-loving, well-known for his practical jokes.  He was also a true gentleman – kind, sensitive, thoughtful, and humane.  Paul was a committed vegetarian and an accomplished chef. He was an avid scholar and an exceptionally talented teacher who was keenly interested in everything about the world around him. He especially loved to travel and explore new places with his wife Suzanne.  He loved politics, photography and the great outdoors. His background as a Boy Scout—and then in Army Intelligence—caused him to be famously (and sometimes hilariously) prepared for almost every situation.

Paul was born Jan. 21, 1966 in Amherst, OH and grew up in Mankato, MN.  He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate, Suzanne; his mother, Jeanette of Mankato, MN; brothers Chuck (Dana) of Amherst, OH and John of Mankato, MN; and his sister, Catherine (Duane) of Huntington Beach, CA. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Winiarski. Paul’s extended family includes numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, and his cherished circle of close friends.

Paul was a devoted animal rights advocate. He and Suzanne participated in the foster program at PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society), and adopted countless rescued cats and dogs over the years. Paul is also survived by his beloved “kids” – his cocker spaniel Fiona, and his cats Dieter and Boo.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Monday, Sept. 29th from 6-9 pm at the Arboretum’s Graham Visitor Center at 2300 Arboretum Drive East in Seattle. 

Remembrances may be made to American Liver Foundation at www.liverfoundation.org or to the Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org.  The greatest tribute to Paul’s generous and loving spirit would be to register as an organ donor.  For more information on becoming an organ donor, please visit www.organdonor.gov.

Tags: Paul's Obituary

Pual when he was a little boy!

Saturday, September 13th, 2008 | 1970's, Paul & Chuck, Paul Kitwin | No Comments

Paul in the chair turning around to say CHEESE- Xmas at Grandma & Grandpa

Paul, I LOVE YOU!

Saturday, September 13th, 2008 | 1990's, By Catherine Seven - AKA Pauls Sister, Paul and His Sister | No Comments

Smile and you will LIKE IT!

Paul, I need to thank you for everything you have shown me, thank you for taking my hand and walking me through the good and bad times, you where more then a brother to me and I WILL never forget that…

I know you know how much I love you! Thank you for all my memories! But most of all thank you for being YOU!

You always knew how to make me smile even if you did it for me!

ON this page: http://www.paulkitwin.com/?page_id=6 you can send images and stories, and I will post with in 48 hours!

Tags: 94, paul and sister, Paul Kitwin

Pauls Love for Bob’s

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 | 1980's, Paul Kitwin | No Comments

Paul and His love for Bobs - Nov 1985

I was telling Bob the other day, he always has a special place in his heart for Bob’s!

Tags: 1985, bob, california, Paul Kitwin

Paul, Ma (nettie) and Suzanne

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 | 1990's, Paul & Mom, Paul & Suzanne, Paul Kitwin, Pauls Kids | 1 Comment

Here is a pic of mom, suzanne, and paul in 96

Paul, Ma and Suzanne 1996

Tags: Paul & Mom, Paul & Suzanne, Paul Kitwin, suzanne

Brothers and Sister…

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 | 1980's, Paul & Chuck, Paul & John, Paul and His Sister, Paul Kitwin, Winiarski Family | No Comments

Gee Paul was I that heavy....

Tags: Cathy, Chuck, Holidays with the Winiarski Kids, John, Paul Kitwin