Our beloved Paul, son of John Markun and Colette Loegering, passed away in his home in Sun City Center, Florida at the age of 80. He was richly blessed in life, growing up in Minneapolis, achieving success and awards in the media industry in Chicago, and founding his company Tampa Technik in St. Petersburg, Florida. Those he left behind will miss his quirky humor, good taste and sense of style: daughter Robighn, sister Suzanne, brother David, nieces Aimee and Chelsea, nephews Jason and Niko. But his family was much larger than blood relationships. A unique individual—knowledgeable, brilliant, generous—he was respected, even awed by all who encountered him. Those lucky enough to be part of his circle were enriched by the friendship of this very special person.

His business used a tagline, Special Projects, Inventions, Wizardry. And when it came to mechanical design, he was a wizard. Team Duct Tape, a community-based robotics team of students from all over Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, knew this better than anybody. He mentored them for nine years, his advice and supervision helping them win many competitions over the years, even participating in world matches twice. His example motivated these young people towards excellence both in what they do and who they are, earning him the Compass Award, a community recognition of his outstanding guidance and support.

On an unusually warm Florida evening in January, friends and family gathered outside on the patio at his home for a celebration of his life. It was a "civilized" get together, his term for hanging out to enjoy the company and conversation of close friends. Salami and cheese, dry martinis with pimento-free olives, and of course wine led to stories about his superpower: giving iconic gifts that you didn't know you needed or wanted. As the stories continued, it seemed that his capacity for this was unlimited. All those close to him had experienced a steady stream of unique and whimsical delights. Those gifts, and those memories, we will all cherish, and in doing so will not have to say goodbye.

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