We’ve lost a very dear friend in Paul Gardiner, and he will not possibly ever be forgotten, mostly due to how he, usually in an excruciatingly humorous way, touched all of our lives. We all have a story we can tell about Paul, or maybe you’d just like to leave a comment, so I invite all of his friends, family, and associates to share any stories or comments you may have, here on this page. Click below where it says “comments”, or in the space provided below the other comments. (depending on which page you’re on).
Also, if you have any pictures you’d like to share, which will be included in a slideshow to be shown at The Celebration of Paul’s life, please email them to me at info@yachtmanage.com
mark
I was lucky enough to meet Paul just about the time when he was completing the major refit on Columbia, around 1997. He needed someone to finish wiring the boat, and after meeting him, I knew this would turn out to be more than just another boat job. Paul and I quickly became friends, and had a lot of laughs as we worked together to get Columbia finished. Paul always invited me to come sailing on Columbia, but I regret that I only made it a handful of times. Each time though, a memorable and somewhat drunken occasion. Since then, Paul and I were partners in Yachtman for only a short time, and worked together mostly sampling fine wines, or buckets of scotch, but growing a friendship that was to last for many years. He was like a brother to me, he will live in my heart forever, and I will always smile when I think of him.
Comment by Mark DeStefano — February 13, 2010 @ 8:34 pm
I only knew Paul briefly, spending time with him two times with Mark and bumping into him once as we were grocery shopping. The most poignant time now that Paul is gone, is the happenstance of meeting Paul and Mitchell in Stop & Shop just after they had spent the day together doing a favorite dad and son thing … walking on the beach and skipping rocks. They looked so happy and it was clear that they were still thoroughly enjoying just being together. That’s how I will remember Paul. I know he will be missed.
Comment by Martha Santini — February 13, 2010 @ 9:16 pm
Paul had been part of the “local” marine circuit and global, it seems like forever. It was not uncommon to be in some remote location and Paul would pop out of some yacht with a big grin on his face greeting you with laughter in his voice. He was doing what he loved.
While we all knew Paul had a great sense of humor, it was reassuring to know he was on the Job. Paul was blessed with the skills of the trade and yet , managed to balance his family and friends with equal importance.
In your own way Paul, you taught us. You taught us to laugh at ourselves, live the moment and if you do something, do it right the first time. And if you get it wrong, laugh it off and do it again…
Comment by Mark Holden — February 15, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
I knew Paul from another lifetime when I was more involved in the yachting world. It was post Whitehawk and I believe I met him and Flavia on Principia in the early to mid-90s, during his brief interim with our mutual friend, Jeff O’Brien. The fact that Paul is gone blows my mind and my memory of him is his unfailing smiling, cheery face, good energy, kind heart, and sense of humor that defined the man we all knew and loved. You’ve had quite a ride, Paul. See you on the other side.
Comment by Jackie Mei — February 15, 2010 @ 4:11 pm
At the end of the 80’s, I have a sharp recollection of being at N&J on Bowen’s Wharf above the Laura Ashley store and going out to Whitehawk to talk about a charter with Paul, and we just laughed and laughed. Years passed and he showed up on the other side of the fence at N&J as a Yacht Broker and we just laughed and laughed. Then he left N&J to go make “real money”, and we just laughed and laughed. Last time I saw him was dinner at my house, and we just laughed and laughed. I am very saddened and will certainly miss him.
Comment by Missy Johnston — February 15, 2010 @ 6:51 pm
I met Paul the first summer I moved to Newport. Just before he and Flavia were married. What was that? 1987 or 88? Little Harbor had just been built.
I remember working on White hawk and thinking how cool they were and going way out my way to establish a friendship with them both that has lasted all this time.
Gee…So many memories, which ones do I share?
The funniest, with out a doubt was a camping trip to Dutch Island in mid August. Late that night, when the rum was gone and the fire out, Paul went to set up the tent only to realize that Flavia…accidentally, had purchased a large kite rather then a tent. He never complained or said a word. Just stoically set about trying to convert a kite into a tent…with very little luck. Eventually he and Flav just crawled underneath to escape the damp and fog. I can still remember their feet sticking out on either side of the kites tail the next morning as the sun came up. The view of Block Island was incredible
Next morning we all decided that camping was not for us and we motored over to Dutch Harbor Boat yard and headed to Dad’s in Narragansett for breakfast.
Just this Christmas Paul and I had a holiday drink under Golconda. It was freezing. (of course) There were 4 coolers, 3 dogs, 2 bullet heaters and a gas grill…cooking..you guessed it, nothing but MEAT ( standard fair at LMI) We were all bundled in our winter gear.
Laughing…I recalled to Paul that I can remember almost every Christmas party in 20+ years. Paul and I and other good friends too, standing under a boat, freezing, bundled up in winter gear with an ice cold drink in our hands.
” Do you think.” I asked. “That this is what we will always be doing on the holidays?”
Paul chuckled.
“I hope so.” was all he said.
I never dreamed it would be the last one. I just can’t believe it.
“Now to final Shore”
Walt Whitman
Now to final shore
Now to land and life finale and farewell
Now Voyager depart. (Much, much for thee is
yet in store)
Often enough hast thou adventure’d o’er the
seas.
Cautiously cruising, studying the charts,
Duly again to port and hawser’s tie returning
But now obey thy cherished secret wish,
Embrace thy friends, leave all in order,
To port and hawser’s tie no more returning
Depart upon thy endless cruise O’ sailor
Comment by Martha Fowler — February 15, 2010 @ 9:53 pm
When I first heard the news, my heart sank. My mind wandered and immediately went to the Mighty Walt Whitman too! Paul was and always will be a true brother. Whether it be teaching me the ways of the water and sea or meeting what we thought(too many boat drinks)was an attractive young lady in West Palm and much to our dismay was a YOUNG MAN, Paul will always have a warm place in my heart. When I think of Paul Gardiner, I can’t but help smile. Gone but never forgotten. The world was a better place with Pauly around and thanks to him, we all have stories that will be told forever! Much love and respect……….
“Sail forth-steer for the deep waters only,
Reckless O soul, exploring, I with thee, and thou with me,
For we are bound where mariner has not yet dared to go,
And we will risk the ship, ourselves and all.
O my brave soul!
O farther farther sail!
O daring joy, but safe! are they not all the seas of God?
O farther, farther, farther sail! “
Comment by Patrick B. DeSocio — February 16, 2010 @ 12:49 am
I heard about Paul the day he was found and it took me a few days to accept this. I’m still choked up when I think he won’t be meeting me at the airport next time I fly to Rhode Island. I miss his smile, laughter, stories, boats, Rhode Island and friendship. All these eventually will be the way I remember Paul, but for the moment I don’t want to believe he’s not with us. I wish I could be at the funeral and memoreral, but I’m on a boat in Asia and wouldn’t be on this boat if it I hadn’t ever bumped into Paul. I will see you all when I get off this boat and hope we all stay strong. For the moment I can’t tell humourous stories about what Paul and I got up to in yachting, but when time passes I’ll always be telling stories about Paul and yachting in as it could only be a funny way. Right now I don’t want to be talking about funerals and memorials and Paul in the same sentence. Thanks Mark and Eric for all you are doing for Paul and his folks. I can only see Rhode Island as Paul has shown it to me. I wish I could be in Rhode Island right now, but my heart and mind are. He has touched so many people’s lives. I miss you, Paul. Your buddy always, John Wicks.
Comment by John Wicks — February 16, 2010 @ 3:46 am
It was a shock. We did not meet that often but when we did there was always that warm feeling; a cheerful smile and good humour. We revelled in stories of his exploits, mostly told to us by other people, and were much impressed by his many skills.
We shall miss him and remember him.
John and Jennifer Broad, UK
Comment by John & Jennifer Broad — February 16, 2010 @ 10:06 am
I am Paul’s brother in law, he was married to Flavia my sister in law, After their seperation I told Paul that like the Mafia
once a family member, always a family member. I have cruised many times with paul in the Bahamas, Newport and Bermuda. I am Captain
on a 152 Ft. Motoryacht and just had a few beers with Paul last month in St. martin at Jimbos Bar, I told him again he will always
be family to us. He had a great sense of humor, We will all miss him. I am sorry I could not be there for the service, I am on
Charter in the BVI. I have given him a farewell toast.
Please give my regards to Maryann and Brian.
Del Schmidt
Comment by Del Schmidt — February 16, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
We met Paul when he so graciously took a group of friends and members of the Newport Yacht Club out to view the demolition of the old Jamestown Bridge in Narragansett Bay. We were so impressed by his kindness and boating abilities.
We also rode the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and again had a chance to chat with
Paul. Unfortunately, we are in Florida for the winter and cannot attend services, however, we want to extend our deepest sympathy to Brian, Marianne and Bette, our friends from the Newport Yacht Club, and to give our prayers at this sad time.
Captains Bob and Lori Wandras
“The Majestic Dinner Boat”
Bowen’s Wharf
Newport, RI
Comment by Captains Bob & Lori Wandras — February 16, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
Since meeting Paul in the early days aboard Whitehawk years ago, there are countless memories, almost all of them riotously funny. It is hard to fathom his passing.
One of my favorite lines of his was “If you’ve come to Gardiner Marine, you’ve gone too far”. We had a lot of laughs there. An honor and a pleasure to have worked with him.
I’ve still got the GMI hat and will wear it Thursday since I cannot make it to the service. See you 2/28/10.
Comment by Lisa Kenyon — February 16, 2010 @ 5:40 pm
I write because I will not be in town for the ceremony, I was Paul’s Diesel mechanic. Paul Gardiner certainly had a charasmatic charm a wit and a style all his own. I met Paul at Gardiner Marine in Wickford and tagged along for many of the Gardiner adventures. From Backhoes to Military speed boats, 20 year old diesel BMW’s,Antique yacht’s, Paul was afraid of nothing. Always jumpimg into the next adveture with both feet, Gardiner always tried hard and ended the day with a lot of laughs.
As Paul’s mechanic I called him one day and said “Paul you need brakes bad”. His response “Phil I ain’t got the money I guess I will get a helmet”.
Paul bought the “Cabin” out in Saunderstown. In order to get there one needed a offroad vehicle, it was there “Deepwoods Marine was born”.
I run a tug for Moran in NYC, rarely a week would go buy without Paul calling, “Hey you tugging on something right now”.
Paul was a great friend and had many friends. He will be sorely missed Capt. Philip Allen
Comment by Philip Allen — February 16, 2010 @ 6:05 pm
Paul was my best friend and loyal husband while we were together. He gave me wings to fly to be who I am today. His family remains my family. I share the pain with the loss of Paul with all those who shared his journey through life that was tragically cut short. I want to thank Eric Leslie, John Wicks ,Buff, and Turner, as you were like brothers to Paul and were a big part of our life together. Paul is no longer here but I believe he is in a better place and at peace and that we will be making that same journey someday. See you on the other side, Paul. With great love…
Comment by Flavia — February 17, 2010 @ 11:46 am
We’ve had the pleasure to know Paul for many years, and as with all in the boating community our lives intersected & overlapped in various marine ventures & venues. Paul was always a gentleman, softspoken and humble, always with a smile and genuinely pleased to see you. We ran into Paul just a few weeks ago & shared some good conversation & lunch at the Twin Willows in Narragansett. We had a great half hour, talking boating, friends, life and looking at photos of his son, Mitchell, at which he literally beamed with pride showing us. So this part of the message is for Mitchell: Your dad was extraordinarily proud of you! As you continue to grow remember what a wonderful guy he was, with many friends who loved and respected him. If you become half the gentleman your dad was, you’ll make him so proud - and you’ll be a very fine man yourself someday!
Comment by Joan & Anthony Pucino — February 17, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
We were lucky enough to meet Paul in the fall of 1999. Paul’s Father David was residing in the Phoenix area and had become a very close friend with our cousin Carol Andrews. They were doing much RV travel and were spending some summer time at Lake Pend O Reille in Northern Idaho near where Carol was raised. We also enjoyed RV travel and went to visit them one afternoon in Idaho, about 80 miles from where we live. David and Carol were leaving from there in about 2 days to head for Newport. They insisted that we hook up our RVs and go along and meet Davids son Paul and friends. Needless to say in a couple days we were all on our way to Newport. After blowing up a diesel engine and forced to buy a new truck in South Dakota we arrived in Newport in about 7 days. David immediatly insisted we meet Paul. We were fortunate enough to meet him and Flavia at the B&B they operated in Newport and from then on it was a non stop exciting and enjoyable vacation topped off by a Sunday afternoon sail on the Bay aboard the Columbia with Paul and Flavia and their helper Mary.Pauls knowledge, skill and most of all his humor made that afternoon sail one of the most memorable experiences a couple of Landlubbers from the West coast could ever have.
Two years later we received a phone call from David telling of his soon to be trip to Newport to put new siding on a “hide-a-way” cabin Paul had purchased in the woods, near Saunderstown we belive. Would we like to go along? Definetly yes. Another RV trip to R.I soon had us helping David and enjoying all the time with Paul and the exciting things he “skippered” us to do in the Newport area. Then the tragedy of 9-11 interupted our last several days of the job and we thought best that we should return to the west coast as soon as possible We were ready to paint the trim but Paul told us (laughingly) not to worry about finishing the job. He would have John Wicks do it for him. (We wonder if.)
Paul was one of the most pleasant persons to spend time with that we have ever met. His kindness, his knowledge, his humor and his graciousness and his always reminding his Dad, David, to say Hello to us will always be remembered. Those traits are truly the mark of the greatest. We will always remember him and will always miss him.
Sail On, Captain Paul, Sail On
Betty and Jerry Snow
Comment by Betty and Jerry Snow — February 18, 2010 @ 6:22 pm
I am Paul’s step-father and today at Paul’s funeral service I read an extract from the writings of Bishop Charles Dent, because I felt it so appropriate. Several present asked if I could place the text on a website and I thought that this site would be appropriate:
” What is dying?
I am standing on the foreshore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says “There, she is gone.”
Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large in mast and spar and hull as ever she was when she left my side; just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at that moment when someone at my side says, “there, she is gone,” there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes.”
And that is dying.”
Comment by Brian Needham — February 18, 2010 @ 10:54 pm
I met Paul in that fortutious way that many things happened in our time together. I was a junior associate lawyer and a client came in. In setting the fee, I asked what he did. It was clear he had no money. A ship wright he said…Soon thereafter I was dropping off a 1958 Thompson runabout off at a yard in Wickford. I thought I was dealing with the “owner”. A guy stood by…not too close but observed everything. The hairy eyeball! As time went on and with a case of Becks every friday to “check” the progress on my boat…I met and got to know the real owner…Paul Gardiner… of Gardiner Marine. and the stories and laughter started…
As time progressed, we were soon working at “Deep Woods Marine” out in the woods…the view of the pond miraculously cleared by a gust of straight line wind…coincidentily just after John Wicks arrived on site. Norah Jones played 20 hours a day on repeat and that is where I began to understand the meaning of “we”. John and I were in tyvek…working on the dual Avon military boats… Paul in civilian clothes and said…”we” need to sand the hull to 400 grit. I looked at John…he did the engine work… and I knew what that meant and took my position under the hull. Paul would go get the supplies and always return in a “timly” manner with sandpaper and beer….
UPS showed up one day…looked at us in tyvek…very military ish boats…in the middle of knowhere…asked what were we doing…Paul without missing a beat said…we can’t say, but make sure the parts are delivered on time…and they always were. When we didn’t have the parts we just “borrowed” from hull number 2. Which we later had to buy.
Sailing and racing on Columbia…showing the true North 38 and overnighting in Sag Harbor due to “adverse seas” the stories flowed…better each time told. Rib runs to the Oar for “a” mudslide…all great times…
Paul you’ve gone too far over the horizon this time for us to see…but rest assured we will be looking for you when our trip accross takes to the far shore and we get closer and see your smiling face, hear the laughter … and remember…no shrimp!. see you soon…steve morrissey…deep woods marine
Comment by steve morrissey — February 20, 2010 @ 8:52 am
I am so completely blown away … such sad tidings. To realise that you will never see that long-lost friend that you have lost touch with. Shared warm moments and laughter … back in 1983! So many years gone by. My sincere condolences to you Flavia, Mitchell and all Paul’s family. You will live on in the hearts of those you left behind Paul …. adieu my friend. Sussie
Comment by Sussie Kidd — February 22, 2010 @ 10:40 am
I met Paul in 1978 when he was 18 years old and I was 24. We served as crew on various racing boats out of East Greenwich Yacht Club and our newly formed “West Bay Yacht Club”. In those days a 40 footer was a big boat. Paul went on to run the racing program at URI and then to run the grand daddy of them all, at that time, White Hawk. Over the years as different friends drifted away through marriage and careers, Paul always reappeared, and would reach out to me. He helped me get my license. My family boats, wood and then plastic were kept at Wickford Shipyard, the home of Gardiner Marine. Paul was always there for me providing sage advice.
A career change in 2002 took me out of boat ownership, but not out of Paul’s circle of friends. I will never forget the moment in 2006 when he called me at the office asking if I wanted to join his newly formed company, Yachtman Services with Mark Destefano, & Jono Billings. Paul rescued me from that corporate cubicle.
He was highly intelligent. He never forgot anything he read. His depth of knowledge was astounding. His capacity as a storyteller was a God given gift. He had started to write a book of his adventures. He certainly had enough material. Did you know that he danced with Jackie Kennedy at a private affair on Martha’s Vineyard?
Paul’s untimely passing reminds me of the quote from Coach Vince Lombardi. To paraphrase, …Paul did not lose in the game of life…”he just ran out of time”.
Comment by Mike Salafia, Partner, Yachtman Services — February 24, 2010 @ 9:09 am
Remembrance of a Personal Journey with Capt. Paul Gardiner
It was a typical cold winter 2007-8 when we phoned Eric Leslie to move
Intrepid II to Hinckley – overland by truck; after thoughtful
consideration with Eric and incredible good fortune Eric 2 months later
March 2008 “Spring” introduced us to Capt. Paul Gardiner and Capt. Mike
Salafia to deliver Intrepid II to Wickford.
As way of introduction we met Paul and Mike in their Portsmouth location
where they eagerly and proudly introduced us to their current project – a
70 foot sailing vessel – undergoing their handsome refit of flooring,
cabinetry, and upholstery non-pareil in every detail; all this coupled to
exquisite stories of Paul’s command of this vessel. Intrepid II dimmed,
and larger than life was Capt. Paul Gardiner.
Paul’s excruciating attention to detail continued by sending Mike to
inspect Intrepid - a new vessel - the day before leaving New London harbor ; the next day
with the tide in her favor Paul took her five miles off shore remarking on
the unpredictable rocky coast line before turning East, hoisting sails,
and having Mike trim exquisitely to catch the wind just so.
On reaching Narragansett North to Wickford, Paul entreated us to his
personal escapades as a young boy exploring Narragansett Bay islands; Paul shared his memories of each
rocky inlet, and quiet cove to drop anchor and swim which eventually we
did with Paul and his friends.
When we reached Wickford Paul shared his memories of his grandfather’s
home, his former place of business at Wickford Ship Yard and all the
wonderful folks with whom he grew up.
Thenceforth, we could not sail without Paul for practically every weekend
in the summer – for at least one day; followed by a celebratory repast at
one of Paul’s recommended eateries where he shared wonderful stories of
his life and his family. All this capped off by Paul with a dinner
invitation to Paul’s home with his mother and step-father.
Paul phoned us in December 2009 to wish us happy holidays and make plans for next season’s sailing.
For us each time we think or see or sail Narragansett Bay Paul Gardiner
will be larger than life – frankly we cannot yet imagine a sail without
Paul – we miss him dearly.
What started out as a frosty “Spring” delivery to Wickford ended as a
personal life’s journey thanks to Paul whom we never will forget.
God Bless Paul and God Speed
John and Ann Buda
Comment by Ann & John Buda — February 24, 2010 @ 9:56 am
Paul was the first captain that I had ever dealt with on a large refit during my years at Little Harbor Marine. He came in daily with questions about his billing and invoicing but he always followed the questions up by a huge smile and a “thanks for the info”. Just the smile alone made my day a little brighter!
At the end of the refit - he brought me a bouquet of yellow roses…… Though I haven’t seen him in many years, he was and always will be one of my favorite captains!
God Bless!
Dona Wall
Comment by Dona Wall — February 24, 2010 @ 12:18 pm
Paul and I first met during a summer between college years. He said he needed to move a boat, Dulcinea (I believe)from Camden Maine to Newport. Easy sailing, he said. The trip was highlighted by leaving in a dead fog, an engine fire and subsequent failure, gale force storm off the Cape, shredded sails, clogged head and food poisoning. My parents were in Germany and no one knew where I was. It was one of the best times I’ve had! Captain Paul made it a blast.
We ran into each other many years later. After being charmed by his stories of “white caps in my white wine”, Lo and Behold we created the love of our lives, Mitchell. I am happy to say that Mitchell is blessed with Paul’s booming voice and killer sense of humor. He is known as the Mayor of Peacedale Elementary. The two of them had so much fun on their explorations and fishing expeditions. My last memory is of them together walking hand and hand up the hill to the house to plan their next adventure. We will miss him dearly. Martina Schulz
Comment by Martina Schulz — February 24, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
I met Paul when I wandered into Gardiner Marine about 17 years ago. I needed a job as a varnisher and luckily he was able to help. “Queen of Scots ” was in his shop being worked on. I worked for Paul on various projects for many years.
I remember sailing to Bermuda on a friends boat in 1995 and while in Bermuda people asking me where worked. “I’ve been working in Wickford at Gardiner Marine .” Almost everyone had heard of Paul Gardiner on that small island in the middle of the Atlantic
Paul loved helping people out. Always had a twinkle in his eye and a great sense of humor.
I loved joking with Paul about his vacuum cleaner (you know how neat and meticulous he was !!)
Our kids went to preschool together and now elementary school. I loved seeing him pick up Mitchell. He was so happy to see his son.
I will never forget his wonderful smile and that twinkle in his eye.
He will be missed… and I am so glad to have known him
Comment by Theresa Lynch-Benoit — February 24, 2010 @ 6:28 pm
Paul and I go back a bit. He was in College and I was running the training ship Isabelle. Needless to say Hard work and Hard Play. He held up his end of the deal with a smile on his face. He had a Lot of good stories and he had earned them them all. His serious look on his face was our usual greeting and than Yachman would break into a big Smile And say OVER! We should be Happy to have him as long as we did. He was one of the good guys. He cerently got cut short and I will look forward to meeting again on the other side!
He would talk about Mitchell and their adventures together. Never a bad word about anyone and a positive attitude towards everyone. We miss you Paul!
Comment by Jim Stanek — February 26, 2010 @ 9:53 am
Everyday I check this blog and am warmed and consoled by the wonderful stories about my son. I appreciate all the kindness shown us by his many colleages and friends. We did not grow up as a sailing family but always enjoyed the ocean, mostly from the beach. Paul was always fascinated by his Grandparents’ small boat that was tied to their dock at their home in Wickford. So one summer, I’m guessing he was 10 or 11, I decided to give him sailing lessons at the Wickford Yacht Club, mostly to keep him out of mischief. They sailed wooden Blue Jays.
It was a great success and we subsequently bought our own Blue Jay. This led to Aunt Bette and me taking sailing lessons the following year and the rest is history.
It is still so difficult for me to believe he is not on some sailing trip from which he will return with more of his stories.
Thank you again.
Marianne Needham
Comment by Marianne Needham — February 26, 2010 @ 10:54 am
Paul will live in our memories forever. While he was still at URI Paul joined Isabelle as crew in the early 1980’s and worked on Isabelle off and on for many years as crew then captain. Years later while working for Hank Halstead, Paul brokered Isabelle (originally and now ‘Adventuress’) for me selling her to Jim Lynch. Paul’s humor and knack for tunes with lyrics still burn in my memory. “Don’t beat me no mo massa” “See Phillippe caress the whale” Palm Beach roaches on the dock singing “Isabelle is coming” Sanford and Sons tune while we were late into July rebuilding Isabelle’s decks at Goat Island (end of the season we were asked not to return; I guess the dock did look pretty bad) We did get the decks done thanks to Paul and Karen Porch. What a great guy.
Thanks for brightening our lives.
Our deepest Regards to Paul’s son and family.
Carol and Steve,
Stephen, Allan, Allayne, and Meagan Vaitses
Comment by Steve Vaitses Sr — February 28, 2010 @ 2:56 pm
i met paul in 1989-90 when i was harbormaster in newport and whitehawk called one of the ciy’s tall ship moorings home. we became fast friends and i enjoyed watching his career develop. for a trip to west palm, paul put together an all-star crew for the delivery; i thought this might be trouble with all the experts, but we had a blast. we took a knock-down two hours out of newport and filled the cockpit like a hot tub. paul’s leadership reminded me of the movie master and commander, a captain that was loved by his crew, we where even allowed one beer at sunset. i enjoyed checking out his latest buy, whether it a tool, tractor, house in the woods, inflatables, etc. paul was also a catalyst for many life-long friendships; one being that of brad johnson of atlanta. brad and his best buddy jake scott where pro football players and are of the finest kind. jake scott was recently named to the all-time super-bowl team. i met him at the commissioning of brad’s hickley at gardiner marine, which was a first class event.paul had alot of georgia friends who helped him in many ventures, they really respected his insight and taste.cheers paul, i will miss you.
Comment by jake farrell — March 1, 2010 @ 3:06 pm
Paul was a drummer. Does anyone remember? He played Lupos before must of us went to college. I met Paul at college. He was known before he was known. His son needs to know he was a musician.
Comment by Dave Bentz — March 1, 2010 @ 10:31 pm
I nearly dropped the phone when I heard of Paul,s last trip only yesterday 3/12. So many funny stories, last winter on a delivery stop in Bermuda while skirting the edge of a rum front. We had an expedition on mopeds. In Bermuda rush hour traffic in the fading light, we chased Paul ( red leader ) into roundabouts while he issued tacking orders.
see you on the other side Pauly
Comment by Mark Harold — March 13, 2010 @ 6:10 am