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Paul Reilly Obituary

Paul died unexpectedly at a time when he was very happy. With a future opening up in Calgary as a teacher at ACAD and with the promise of a new marriage Paul was indeed ecstatic and full of vision when he died. Briefly, Paul was born in Buffalo NY, raised in Tonawanda NY, went to College at Delhi and moved to Colorado Springs in 1985. Paul valued knowledge intensely pursuing 2 courses of study in College: Veterinary and Jewelry which was in keeping with his diverse and brilliant mind. Eventually Paul realized that jewelry would be his primary focus. He always spoke of his mentor Don Johnson with great love. While in College Paul also met his wife Margie; they were married until her untimely death on May 9, 2008. Recently asked by a group of students how he would define his life as an independent jeweler, Paul laughed, took a deep breath and said THE most important quality in business and life in general is honesty! Be honest with your customers, always. All Paul's many friends became his loyal customers and all his customers became loving friends. Secondly, integrity. Your reputation will be all the advertising you need. Learn to listen, do the best that you can and enjoy what you do for others. Paul loved working with metals and gems and loved to see the happiness that his art brought to others. Paul was proud to be a member of Orchid and of The Band of Brothers and Vanguard Church. He had a deep reservoir of love that which he shared with people and animals of all kinds. His commitment to relationship by lending a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on or his veterinary knowledge knew no limit. He loved animals of all kinds especially his adored Mr. Bear who died Dec.6/10 and his bird Calvin. None of us will ever forget his infectious laugh or his playful sense of humor. Truly a great man, brother to all, loved and respected by everyone who knew him, honest and full of integrity. Paul and I (Joy Swanton) were to be married in April 2011; he was moving to Calgary to live and teach. He was excited, he was in love and he was happy. I love you Paul David Reilly, my little beloved. You are missed more than you will ever know. Special thanks to Sue & Barry, Jon & Judy, Sher, Bobbi, Vance & Pete. Donations to Colorado Wolf & WildLife Center. Wolfeducation.org 719-687-9742

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Dec. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Reilly

Not sure what to say?





jane hamill

January 1, 2011

I need to say how sorry we are that Paul has left us all in such an unexpected and tragic way. We have know him for many years having met him thru our son, a fellow jeweler. Paul was such a happy , gentle person and a very talented craftsman. I think of him every time I drive past his home and still find it hard to believe he and his dog aren't there any more - but in a better place.Rest in peace

December 20, 2010

Although we never had the pleasure of meeting Paul, we saw how he brought happiness and hope to our dear friend Joy. We had never seen our “little one” so transformed by love. We regret his early and tragic death and wish that the wonderful memories that he gave to his friends and family will sustain them in their grief.
Tanja, Nicki & Diana, the Literary Ladies of Calgary

andy & Kim cooperman

December 17, 2010

What a large part of our lives you played, Paul, back in Oneonta. In the studio, late night. Standing waist deep fishing in the Susquehana River or on Goodyear Lake. Barbeques on the porch, shooting pool and talking science. Animals, animals, animals.....
We will think of you often.

December 17, 2010

All of us here at Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center would like to say how sorry we are that Paul has left this world in an untimely manner. Some of us here had the opportunity to meet Paul and it is always exciting to us when someone takes an above & beyond interest in wolves and wildlife. Paul was one of those people who wanted to help make a difference. He will be missed by many. We wish the warmest blessings to all who knew him and may he continue to be a voice in the animal kingdom of heaven.
Peace, CWWC Staff, Volunteers & Animal children

Marilyn Kelly

December 16, 2010

Peter, Ricky and I met you only recently Sometimes people definately have an impact in your life, you certainly did with your comapassion and gentleness,and your great humour, we love you, you will be missed dearly.

Craig Carver

December 16, 2010

Dear Paul,
I never actually met you, but i feel as though i know you because of the way Joy spoke about you. You had a tremendous impact on her, and that alone tells me that you must have been quite a remarkable man. You gave her comfort, hope, and put a smile into her heart. For that i thank you, and i am sorry we never had the chance to become friends.

Karen Roth

December 16, 2010

I met Paul probably the year I started working at Ackley's Rocks and Stamps way back in 1991.
Paul always made me smile, and he was always smiling when I waited on him as I wrote up his "resales".
He was a kind, gentle soul who will be greatly missed!

Uncle Bill and Mary Funk

December 16, 2010

Dear Paul,
Even though we did not know you, we know Joy will miss you very much. Her memory of you will live on forever. Joy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless

Lynn Schriner

December 15, 2010

Dear Paul:
I can't really put into words your impact on my life. You showed me in your own gentle way, that I have much growing to do. You showed me what unconditional love is for your fellow man and you brought my Husband Joe and I, a beautiful ring for my finger, laughter and acceptance and support such as is rarely known. We are in shock...still...your funeral was another reminder of how much you loved Jesus and how loved and admired you were...
Mr Bear...(sweet as you too)

May you be dancing in the arms of love....We will forever miss you until we meet again...

December 14, 2010

Oh, Paul, we just talked recently. You saw it was my birthday. We were housemates in college at Oneonta, with Margie. You guys teased me unmercifully, with the heartbeat sounds I was afraid of. We had Conan the cat and Tigger, of course and Clare. I'm so glad we were able to get together and visit and honor Margie's memory. I am shocked beyond belief that you are gone. You had so much wisdom to share, so much more life to live. I will miss your laugh. I know you will be getting together with my brother in law Jim who passed in June and play practical jokes on us all. You were an angel on earth; you are a natural in heaven. I love you, Paul. My dear, dear friend.

Janette Murray

December 14, 2010

Dear Paul, I met you and Margie almost forty years ago in Oneonta. Although we lost touch over the years FB reconnected us as it does for so many. You were so kind and supportive during Jimmy's illness and I will never forget that. You will be sorely missed. Please touch base with Jim now that you are together he's a pretty nice guy also. XXOO Janette

Paula Martyn

December 14, 2010

I had only met Paul online very recently but I felt like I had known him for a very long time. He was very generous and warm and had a great sense of humour and I am saddened I will not get the chance to meet him in person... my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and to my dearest Joy.

Tina & Adrian Levesque

December 14, 2010

My heart goes out to everyone who was close to Paul and Joy. We met him only briefly when he and Joy met my mom, Judy at the Calgary airport. Our prayers are with you Paul.

Amy Wilson

December 14, 2010

Sue and family- I was very saddned to have heard of Paul's sudden passing. You have friends in us and we have strong shoulders if needed. Love you. -Amy and Bill

Kellie Thomas

December 14, 2010

Goodbye my old friend. You were my pen pal for over 19 years, facebook allowed us to see each others faces for real, I loved your laugh and was so happy that you had found Joy. Hearing of your passing put me into shock, of which a small bit of me will always be in. I am so sad I will never hear you laugh again. Blessed I was to know you... May you and Mr. Bear be in peace because you left a huge hole here on earth. xoxoxo

Dawn Jay

December 14, 2010

Paul,
You will never know what your friendship, kind words and encouragement meant to me. I wish I could have hugged you in person. The world will miss you, but the heavens have a new star!
Love
Dawn

Mary Johnson

December 14, 2010

Paul, Although you are gone to be with God... The time I have known you I will Treasure... When I needed to talk to someone you were there. My heart broke, when I heard of your passing. You will forever be remembered :'( and missed. Rest and be at peace as you watch over you Family and friends from Heaven.

Roberta Rickey

December 14, 2010

We will cherish the pieces of fine jewelry that our family had made by Paul. Mary was honored to have her ring as the background of Paul's business cards. What a great artist. We will miss your smile. Thank you, the Rickey & Kyle families

Sye Drader

December 13, 2010

Paul, you will always be remembered with love in the hearts of your many friends, both new and old. I am glad that you and Joy were able to create such an intimate bond but I am terribly crushed that it was for such a short time. You were definitely a treasured light in this world! Both Barry and I are better people for having had you touch our lives with your laugh, passion and wisdom.

Donna Holmes

December 13, 2010

Paul, even though I only knew you a very short time, and only through facebook, the impact you left is huge, and you will always have a special place in my heart. I miss seeing your smile and hearing your always kind words. I am blessed to have had the chance to know you. I will always remember the song you sent to me, That's What Faith Can Do. You will be missed and certainly always remembered. Rest peacefully in God's home now with Mr. Bear. You touched the lives of so many. Miss you.

Cary Loes

December 13, 2010

Paul, you enriched so many lives. This world was a better place with you. You will be deeply missed. RIP.

December 13, 2010

Paul my friend you are missed. A room was always a brighter and happier place when it was blessed with your smile, with that twinkle in your eyes, and that heartfelt laugh. Thank you for sharing your time here on this Earth with our family. Chuck & Loc Thompson (Leesburg, FL)

Greg Thompson

December 13, 2010

Paul will be greatly missed. As a family friend and frequent patron of my parents' restaurant when I was a child, I remember most his laugh and cheerful demeanor. We know you are in a better place and will always remember the enthusiasm and joy you spread to others.

Rick Copeland

December 13, 2010

Paul was a dear friend and colleague and I miss him enormously. He was an consummate metalsmith and every time I talked with him I learned something. I think I will miss his friendly, jovial demeanor and infectious laugh the most. Rest in peace my friend I am a better person from knowing you and the world is a better place from the short time you spent on it.

Rick Copeland

Laura McCarter

December 13, 2010

Paul you were a very kind man you always had something nice to say and you lifted so many peoples spirts ...you had such talent from God and you used them all well...im so glad you and joy found happiness if even for a short time ..it was happiness that may have never been found..the love you shared gave many people hope and only you two knew what love you shared...we were friends only online but your friendship will be missed

Laura McCarter

December 13, 2010

Paul you were a very special man who touched several peoples life ...you always knew what to say at the right time...God gave you several talents and you used them very well...im so glad you and joy found happiness even for a short while..it was happiness that may have never been found ..your love for each other gave others hope ..only the two of you knew the love that was shared...thank you for your friendship it will be missed.

gap

December 12, 2010

thank you paul for being my friend --thank you for loving joy---you will be missed by all from growww--RIP---gappers.

Sher Hensley

December 12, 2010

Paul, my friend, my other "Best Girlfriend" :) You always had words of wisdom, of encouragement.. I miss you dear friend..I miss your laugh, your sense of humor, You now are truely "A Free Bird" Thank You dear Paul, for touching my life in such a profound way..Always in my Heart..Your friend and sister Sher Hensley

Eileen Fink

December 12, 2010

All the kids in the neighborhood knew that Paul could help injured birds and squirrels. Thanks Paul for all the times my kids brought you a bird in a shoebox. You compassion for animals, and their little rescuers will always be remembered...

Phil & Luetta Marsh

December 12, 2010

You did such great work and we always enjoyed visiting when we came to have work done. You will be missed

December 11, 2010

Thank you for all the great memories and laughs, you always let your light shine before men (Matt 5:13)

Judy Barkley

December 11, 2010

Paul, you will be sadly missed as a friend, great person and your big smile and infectious laugh of yours. The love you brought into Joy;s life will be treasured forever. We miss and love you....Jon and Judy Barkley

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