I was surprised and sad when I learned the news of Paul's passing. Paul and I met through martial arts back in 2003 when I was in college at ISU. He was a big advocate of self defense and specifically the styles of hapkido, hosinsul, and escrima. When we met, we were both students at Combat Martial Arts in Normal, Illinois. Through hard work, dedication, and hundreds of hours of training, we helped each other rise to teaching level. Paul was also an avid volunteer for teaching self defense at ISU for many years. He loved when people underestimated him as a frail, old man before demonstrating his powerful skills with a joint lock or escrima maneuver. He liked to say that martial arts kept him young and he missed it terribly when he moved to Mississippi. Paul was a kind and gentle soul with boundless energy. His dear dogs, Sandy and Kuma, kept him going after the tragic passing of his treasured Marguerite and all of the stress that followed. I remember a few holidays spent with them and they are some of my most heartfelt memories. Paul loved his red beans and rice and Marguerite made some tasty pimento cheese. They were both such good friends and mentors to me. I miss their voices and their stories. I hope that somewhere Paul and Marguerite are enjoying eternity together.
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