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