Soon after his last blog, Dad's health deteriorated quickly and today he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family.
Dad was a model patient and it was an honour and privilege to care for him at home, just as he had wished. Mum has lead by example and her unconditional love and care for Dad is truly inspiring. We also received fantastic external support in the shape of Eileen Hogan and the Enfield palliative care team, who played their part in keeping Dad at the heart of the family and at home right until the end.
Dad's belief in quality, not quantity of life ensured we shared many precious and hilarious moments with him over the last few weeks. His spirit never faltered and he died with the same dignity and optimism with which he lived his life.
We read all your blog replies out to Dad and we have been so touched by all your stories and your clear respect for our amazing dad.
Details of the funeral will be posted shortly, but until then...
please remember that life IS beautiful, life is for living, so never stop carpe-ing!
Laura, Katie, Luke and Frankie
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48 comments:
We are very sorry to hear of Pauls passing. We have followed his journey via his blog and hope that through this ordeal your strength as a family will help you through life.
He has been in our thoughts over the past weeks.
Peter and Lynne Cherry
We are deeply saddened by the news. So many people have been touched in some way by Paul during his all too short a lifetime - he was a warm, witty and wonderful person. It was a privilege to know him.
Shirley and Noel Kerr
Laura, Katie, Luke, Frank, and Daniela, my heart is with you and I have to say that I see in each of you the grace and humor and love of life that I've seen in Paul during the few years I've had the honor of knowing your father and husband. Much love to you all,
Michelle
Such a sad day for this world.
Ric and I truly appreciate your generosity in making possible the time we time were able to spend together last week.
Paul talked about you all so often, and always with such love and admiration – it is easy to see why he is so proud of his beautiful family.
When we think of Paul, we think of a man who lived life with honesty, dignity and passion; full of wit and cheek; devoted family man, generous mentor, good fun… good friend. Not a bad model for a life well lived, no matter how long or short.
We think of a man who made a difference in the lives of so many that he touched – both personally and professionally. We think of a teacher par excellence whose legacy will live on forever.
We think how grateful we are to have had the opportunity to call him our friend.
Our love and prayers are with you all right now.
Ric and Kerry Payne
We are very sorry to hear the news and our sympathies are with you all at this time.
We have followed Paul's blog closely and it is clear that he lived life to the full. You must all be very proud. I am sure he is up above right now suggesting how they could run things a bit more efficiently!
You are in our prayers.
The Knight-Johnsons
Chicago
Although I only met Paul on several occassions he has been such an integral part of the way I have run my accounting practice. His contribution to the accounting profession here in Australia and no doubt the rest of the world has been so inspiring. I know his legacy will continue with the strategies that I and many other accountants are now implementing. I will never forget his charm, wit and the genuine interest he had for helping others. The way in which he has continued to work with such passion over the last couple of years with such a love for life has also been so inspirational.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Geoff Richmond
Adelaide, Australia
My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Paul was such an inspiration and I admire his strength through all this.
Whenever I saw him he always seemed himself and would joke in his usual way. He didn't seem to let the whole experience get to him and I never heard him complain.
Its been a real privilege working with him for the last 11 years. Things won't be the same without him. He'll be truly missed.
I only hope you can remain as strong as you all have been through this.
Love Teresa (from OBK) xx
..Heartbroken,
See yo soon, our love & prayer
Mum,AnnMarie & CatherineXxxX,
Dear Daniela, Laura, Katie, Luke & Frank.
I am very sorry to hear your news. Paul was so inspirational and has touched so many lives, directly and indirectly. I learned so much from Paul and the leasons will stick with me for ever. Every time I am faced with a life decision I think of what advice Paul would have given. I hope that at this time it will be comfort to you to know that through his legacy Paul will live on.
My thoughts are with you.
Robin Somerville
Dearest Daniella, Laura, Katie, Luke and Frank
So very sorry and sad to hear the news. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. Paul was an inspiraton to me as he was so many others. I was priviledged to have worked with him for 12 years and to have known you all (when you were much younger!)My life is better for having known and worked with O'Byrne and Kennedy.
As others have said, Paul will live on through you all and through the legacy he has left.
With love and best wishes to you all
Jo Bown
xx
I am very sad to hear the news. Paul and I go back many years and my visits to his office and the times we spent in Ron Baker's company were priceless. He was a true friend and excellent host. Professional in his work and caring about his friends.
When we got back in touch after I heard about his illness it was just like old times. We had lunch just a couple of months ago and could have spent the whole afternoon just talking.
He bore his illness with courage and was grateful for everything that had come his way.
We are all poorer for his passing and my condolences go out to his family at this time.
I will never forget my good friend Paul.
Mark Saunders
Dear Daniela,Laura,Kate,Luke and Frankie
I count myself so so lucky to have been able to have spent time with Paul and you guys less than 3 weeks ago and be able to say all the things I wanted to say to him over 3 days.
For the last year or two when faced with a serious decision on something I often thought "now what would Paul do in this situation?" and if I didnt know I would ring or skype him and as you know we would often speak for long long periods.
Even though I wont be able to ring or skype him again I will never stop asking "what would Paul do?".
I suspect I will not be alone in these thoughts and I like 1000's of people from all over the world have been touched and their personal and business lives enriched enormously for having known your Dad/husband.
His impact on the legal and accounting profession in Australia has been signifcant and will continue to be so for many years yet.
He set out to change the world- and succeeded in changing everyone he met.
It has truly been an honour and a priviledge to be his friend.
The Chisholms send all their love to each of you.
John
To the family and friends of POB -
On behalf of all of us, I extend my personal sympathies and thoughts upon learning of Paul's passing.
Like so many, I too had the pleasure of working with and spending great moments with Paul. His uncanny ability to frame his observations and questions always made me stop and think that much harder.
Paul always recognized the value of the important over the urgent. The necessary over the unnecessary. The fun over the mundane. I doubt I will ever visit a museum without thinking about Paul and his camera snapping photos while avoiding being spotted.
From his wit and manners, to his pictures and videos. From his quiet conversations about friends, family, customers, and colleagues to his outstanding presentations, Paul always directed people towards the better....towards the enlightenment....towards a future worth living.
Thank Paul - for all that you have and will continue to do.
Dan Morris
Dear Laura, Katie, Luke, Frank and Daniela. Such terribly sad news. I keep thinking back to my interview witn Paul at OBK almost 7 years ago now. He was such a charismatic and up beat guy that I warmed to him immediately. He had such a positive attitude not just to business but to life in general. I have learned so much from him and echo the other comments on the blog - I also find myself thinking what would Paul do here!
On a personal level Paul was also extremely supportive to me in helping me work with my hearing loss and deal with it with confidence.
It has been an honour to know and work with him and OBK life will never be the same again.
Love to you all
Justine x
Dear Danni, Laura, Katie, Luke & Frankie,
Very big hugs to you all. Lots and lots love from Trudes xxxx
Am deeply saddened to hear Paul has departed us. Paul was a really lovely, positive upbeat guy who will be missed by many. I got to meet Paul when i started Jubilee Hall Clubs and he was great at making you feel at ease in any situation whenever he visited to go through accounts etc. Life is definitely to be loved and lived to its fullest. I hope his memories and ways of life will help you to go on in life.
Deepest Sympathies and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Chas and Family(Jubilee Hall Clubs)
I only know the O'Byrne's via Katies involvement with Enfield Town Ladies FC. But its obvious from the blog that the family have built a bond and family unit that are an example to us all. I wish them all well at this very difficult time but know that those bonds will see them through. Similar bonds in my own family are always brought even closer togther during times of adversity.
Hi All
I am so very truly sorry for your loss, my heartfelt sympathies to you all.
Keeping you all in thoughts and prayers.
Much love
Debby M
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Paul. He will be GREATLY missed, not only by me as a friend and a swimming colleague, but by all within Halliwick and particularly those at his local club, where, for so many years, he has been totally dedicated to the club and its members. We will all miss Paul very much - things won't be the same but we shall continue the work that he was so committed to for much of his life. On behalf of all at the club, I pass on our thoughts to his family (who are a credit to him) and his friends at this difficult time.
Paul - you will be greatly missed. You were a rising star and a prophet of our times. God Bless you may - rest in peace. A fellow colleague and admirer of everything you achieved.
Mark Lloydbottom
I'm very sad to hear this. Paul's good-nature and determinately positive outlook on life were inspirational. My condolences to all of you.
Richard
I was very sad to hear the news. I feel genuinely privileged to have known and to have worked with Paul: I'm so glad that I got the chance to tell him so last year. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David Whiscombe
Although I have only actually met Paul half a dozen times it's like we've known each other for ages!
He will continue to ignite and inspire us to rethink how we run our business and lives.
We offer our love and prayers to Paul's family and friends.
Carol and Denis O'Regan
Really sad to hear the news. Paul was such an inspiration - it was a privilege to have worked with him. Thinking of you all and promise never to stop carpe-ing.
Rob
I am so very sorry to hear the news of Pauls passing away. I was priveleged to be invited to the OBK 20th anniversary party. I will never forget Paul's speach that night which was truly inspiration for so many reasons. His strength, bravery and sense of humour was undeniably evedint as was the warmth and effection he was held in by everyone who was present. Graham Spitz
My heart is extremely sad at hearing the news.
Paul was one of the first to contact me after my breast cancer diagnosis. He told me to grieve, but be happy and be positive. His words have stayed with me throughout and I will never forget him.
It was an honor to know him.
Daniela, Laura, Katie, Luke and Frankie
So sorry to hear your news yesterday, big hugs to all of you and lots and lots of love,
anne xxxxx
It was my honour to know Paul and I too am saddened by our loss. In his honour, I will sign email messages with his mantra of "Carpe diem."
I'm really sorry to hear about your dad. He was a wonderful person and will be remembered with the utmost fondness. He touched many people and therefore will never be forgotten. You are all a credit to him.
lots of love
Lizzie, Julie & Sarah-Jane Luxton x x x
Thinking about you all and so sad to hear your news. Paul was so many things to so many people but most important of all he was a loving husband and a truly inspirational dad. So be strong and our prayers are with you.
Christine ,David,and children
We are very sad to hear the news of Paul's death. He was a lovely man who seemed to live life to the full, give his time generously and was never short of something to say.
We remember when he learned to sign at the church and evening classes. He was enthusiastic and always a lot of fun.
You are all in our thoughts,
John and Louise Weaver
Daniela, Laura, Katie, Luke & Frankie, so heartbroken for you all at the loss of your wonderful husband and father. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. All our love
Mary, Martin, Mark, Lucy & Tom Doyle
I am deeply saddened by the news. I have only known Paul professionally through the OBK MBA course and yet he has had a strong impact on my outlook to my life in general both personally and professionally.He was an inspirational, friendly and very witty person, extremely brave in dealing with his illness. His video asking for blood donors showed this and should be used nationwide to encourage people to give blood.He will be sorely missed by very many people.
My thoughts go out to all his family.
Paul Walden
So very sorry and deeply saddened to hear the news. You are all in my prayers and thoughts.
I enjoyed my 9 years working for OBK, even though I left over 8 years ago I still refer to it as if it were yesterday. It was a priviledged to have worked for Paul.
With love and best wishes to you all at this difficult time.
Judy Wareham (former OBK)
Dear Laura, Katie, Luke, Frank and Daniela,
We are deeply sorry to hear the news of Paul's passing. Paul's positive attitude throughout his illness is an inspiration to all of us. Like a lot of people who have already commented he made a real difference to everyone around him. Our heartfelt sympathies are with you all.
Nick and Claire
Daniela, Laura, Katie, Luke & Frank. So very sorry at your sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Pat, Jimmy, Laura & James Bayley
To Daniela, Laura, Katie, Luke and Frank,
We are so sorry to hear of Paul's death and, through aunt Rene, know what you have endured in recent times. Nothing can be said to reduce the grief you must feel.
Even meeting Paul only a few times, his enthusiasm and willingness to help, will dominate my memory of him. The way Paul chose to fight his battle and his determination to spend what time he had left with his family must be a great source of pride for you.
Our thoughts are with you.
Much love,
Tino and family.
I was so very sad to hear the news and feel for you all at this difficult time. I knew Paul professionally as one of OBK's MBA students and he was truly inspirational! Paul had such warmth and charisma and an infectious personality that I will never forget. If I could make half the difference he made to the lives of those around him I would be so very proud.
Mickey Wilson
Paul was a remarkable chap that I will certainly never forget. He had a way with words that I, unfortunately, do not.
I have been following his blog since I heard news of his diagnosis, and it is a truly sad day to hear of his passing, but heartwarming to see so many other responses - which shows just how many people he has touched.
My thoughts are with your family, and everyone else lucky enough to be close to such a wonderfully witty and honorable man.
We are deeply saddened by the news of Pauls passing and have no doubt he will be sadly missed by all that knew him. It seemed whomever Paul met was affected by him in one way or another, whether you had met him 1 or 100 times he was always read to talk, listen and impart knowledge.
He was infectious with his lust for life, his eagerness to learn and his enthusiasm to teach others.
We hope it is of comfort to his family that although his life was short he touched many, made a difference and was hugely respected by all.
Andy Sheen & Colleagues X
The sad news made it's way to New England today and we were, as are so many, deeply saddened to hear about Paul. We have fond memories of Paul and Daniela's visit to Massachusetts and New Hampshire a few years ago. Sending you love and strength across the pond.
Martha for the Muldoon family
So sorry to hear your sad news. Having read everyones comments you must be so very proud. Paul was a very warm and engaging person. I knew him from one of OBK's MBA Courses. He would always deliver his presentations with such humour and wit and we would laugh out loud during what was meant to be a serious topic!! To have the ability to make someone laugh like that is a truly amazing quality and one that Paul will be remembered for by all who knew him.
Paul has been in my thoughts much over the past months. Having followed his blog, his strength of character has been remarkable and I am sure this will give you the strength to build back some of the pieces. I am sure all the memories you have will bring you some comfort and stay with you always.
My very best wishes to you all
Polly McConachie
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Paul, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.
I feel privledged to have meet and spoken with Paul on a couple of his visits to Aust and a more unassuming, giving person you would not find.
He will truely be missed but his inspiration to the accounting industry and living life will never be forgotten.
Rohan Brown
We are all so glad to have known someone like Paul in our lives.He will be sorely missed by everyone but what a family he has left behind. What fantastic parents, that have been so inspirational to their own family and to others who came within their circle.
He was a shining example and it was a privelege to know him.
Susan
Daniella and family -
we are so far away from you in physical distance but we are close to you in spirit, love and sympathy.
We wish you God's strength as you face the days ahead and hope to see you in the near future.
With Love
Eric Schuck and Family
Dear Daniela and the children that made Paul so proud,
your husband and father was easily the best and natural employer I ever had in the accounting profession. He took me on back in '91 when in Enfiled to get married. You were blessed to have such a person in your life and I know how proud I was that he (you)visited us in the tours in NZ. Margaret emailed me last week and I'm so devastated that I did not get in touch - but I assure you he was constantly in my thoughts. Such a gentleman. Please accept my hopes that you can celebrate his life with family and friends in a way that leaves you smiling.
See you in March
David HURLE
New Zealand
The world has lost a big-hearted, inspiring man who contributed to our family in many different ways. I'll miss him.
Love to you all
Maggie
I drop a comment whenever I especially enjoy a post on a site
or I have something to add to the conversation. It's caused by the fire communicated in the article I read. And on this article "From Paul's kids". I was actually excited enough to drop a thought ;-) I do have 2 questions for you if you don't mind. Could it be simply me or do some of the comments come across like they are coming from brain dead visitors? :-P And, if you are posting at additional places, I would like to keep up with everything new you have to post. Could you list all of all your communal pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
Here is my webpage iklan poskota
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