The day before my dad passed we went fishing down on our shoreline. He taught me how to cast a line into the water, with his patient but enthusiastic way of teaching. We didn’t catch any fish but it didn’t matter. He talked about how he saw the similarities between fishing and meditation. To be honest, my dad could find the joy in just about anything. Afterwards we sat by the water and watched a family of Loons float by as the sun set.

It was an incredibly peaceful, beautiful moment that I’ll remember forever.

Paul’s last couple days were filled with all his favorite things. This was my last picture with him overlooking Lake Superior at the 12th hole of the golf course in Bayfield with my stepdad just two days before he died. Right before this, we had stopped at a flea market where he snagged a bright red gas tank, a sweet little antique clock, and a bunch of great old records for us to listen to. I distinctly remember Paul cheering me on the last hole as I was putting for par, finishing off my first and his last round of golf with a beautiful day overlooking the water. We hopped in the car afterwards to do the next best thing – meeting up with Madeline, Michelle and my mom in Bayfield and going to Madeline island. Paul experienced so much joy that day and I’m thankful to have been a part of it.

While spending a few days in Cross Plains in August 2021, Paul took me for a “ride” on his Cadillac cherry picker. Then he and Michele made us a five star dinner. I have so many fond memories with Paul - my handyman partner - he was the best, most knowledgeable and patient person to work with.

Our heart goes out to Michele and Madeline.

Over the years of knowing Paul, the memories of him that linger and recur for me are those that speak to me of his particular brand of being in this world. He had a delightfully quirky way of combining whimsey and skill, and sharing the results with others.

I took a photo at one of our American Players Theater pre-play picnics that seems to me to capture this part of his legacy. Knowing that s’mores are a great favorite of mine, he concentrated on preparing them for our dessert with each marshmallow torched to the recipient’s exact preferred state of doneness….so Paul in every way: the concentration, the creativity, the generosity and the thoughtfulness.

I met the Guyette family through my good friend Gary Erickson many years ago. Paul and Gary were kindred spirits-- creative, playful, adventurous, and generous with their welcoming ways of BEing.

I will fondly remember Paul's care and thoughtful gesture during a time when I was experiencing a health crisis. He came to Minneapolis and offered to paint some color into my dull, unfinished walls in my home. There were memorable conversations and words of encouragement. After he left I discovered a 'signature hand-print' in a corner of daughter Kristen's closet. It was like a wink and an eye-twinkle - and it made us smile and feel loved.

Paul was very good at making people around him feel special, noticed and loved. We will certainly miss him - and will carry his special example of how to BE in our memories.

One of the things that struck me most about Paul was that he didn't live life complacently - he was a rule breaker and had the most adventurous spirit. Whether it was hanging a 30 pound mirror in our 200 sq foot dorm room (which was most definitely not allowed!), to taking a road trip with Madeline with no real destination, and just seeing where they end up - he lived life to the fullest, and didn't let anyone tell him "no". He instilled these qualities within Madeline, enabling her to become the inquisitive, intelligent & resilient woman she is today. "Only boring people get bored", is a favorite Paul quote of mine and now acts as a reminder to live life to the fullest, as Paul demonstrated to us all so beautifully.

Over the last day or so a question came up about whether to post some videos of Paul swinging the golf club. I’m sure Paul would like to show his golf swing but for reasons that made Paul so special.

Most people with his golf skill would be showing off their technique and scores driven at least partially by their ego. In Paul’s case he didn’t like ego.

If we had asked Paul if he wanted to show his golf swing he probably would have said ok, but it would primarily have been motivated by his passion for the game, to help stimulate new golfers to become interested in learning to play golf, and he would want to encourage current golfers to think about new and better ways to hit the ball. Paul was both a teacher of golf swing mechanics and a student/researcher of golf swing mechanics. He was always happy to either teach or further learn what caused what among the variable components that comprise the golf swing. If people in Texas have one word for snow and people in Wisconsin have 7 words for snow and people in Alaska have 13 words for snow Paul had a 100 - 1000 words and potentially an endless number of words (some of which he made up :) for how to make the golf club swing and hit the ball in a repeatable manner. Paul wanted to hit the ball the intended direction and distance, and on just the right trajectory.

In many respects golf was a metaphor and a model of life for Paul. He liked to talk about golf and life and describe and understand both, but Paul especially wanted to be in it, be all around it, observe it from every angle, enjoy it, and radiate and share the joy he experienced while almost never reacting or becoming frustrated - all the while being appreciative and thankful. When things didn’t go the way he might have preferred Paul adjusted while always staying positive. And in situations where things just weren’t working and seemed like a dead end, Paul applied what he called Kobayashi Maru - which to Paul meant “change the rules.”

Paul spent hours and days over years since 9th grade enjoying and figuring out golf. He loved the challenge of the theoretical physics and the practical mechanics behind the golf swing, he loved being outdoors and playing year-round even in the snow, and he loved playing with people of all skill levels. Some very skillful golfers might become anxious or distracted playing with beginners but almost nothing could throw Paul off his game and his outlook. He thoroughly enjoyed mentoring new golfers and he enjoyed competing against excellent golfers.

Paul could also play a round by himself which offered him the opportunity to hit 2-4 balls for every shot. Some days Paul could effectively play the equivalent of a four-day 72-hole tournament in one 18-hole round. Even if he played “two ball” or “four ball” he knew where every ball landed and after the round he could recite the specifics of each shot. On a technical level he adopted the “single plane swing” and he could talk about the details of this and other swing techniques for hours. And clearly his golf swing worked very well. He could often shoot around par or sometimes better and he had several holes in one – but for Paul none of this was to brag about it in any way. Golf took some physical and mental focus but it was a nearly effortless way to keep his mind clear of thoughts served up by ego, and it gave him a way to totally enjoy and appreciate being present.

For Paul in golf and life it was all about being present and conscious with good intentions, enjoying the moment and sharing the joy with whoever was around. Seldom if ever was it about him or his ego. Paul was part of golf and the world, and golf and the world were part of him - yet he didn’t think in terms of himself and the world. To Paul it was all one universe manifesting opportunities for kindness, laughter, and joy through always being present while operating with the best of intentions. Paul had a wonderful sense of humor and a great laugh, but he would always laugh at the situation or himself and never at someone else’s expense. If you asked Paul how he could always be so positive and happy, he’d reply by asking “what’s the alternative?” This didn’t mean Paul wasn’t thinking analytically it just meant he didn’t let his thoughts define him or take over his being, he just lived present, aware, and appreciative in the world. He was part of everything and everything was part of him – everything was connected – and his purpose was to do the best he could with the best of intentions while appreciating everyone and everything around him. He was a truly remarkable human being and a tremendous friend. I will miss him greatly and think of him every day for the rest of my life.

Paul Guyette - eccentric - enthusiastic - adventurous - positive - flash of lightning at times. I met Paul about 30 years ago, as a friend of my husband at the time (my husband's golfing buddy). Paul began dating a beautiful spirit named Michelle Smith. My husband said "I think you would really like her" - which brings me to my life changing memory. I was asked to be present at the birth of their child. WOW - I was so honored to be asked ! ! ! I was up for the adventure (not knowing what was ahead of me). It was Saturday afternoon (April 20, 1996) when I got the call that it was time.....I arrived at their home to a "chill" atmosphere of the soon to be parents. The excitement that a birth of a child was soon to be and signs of labor surrounded us. I spent the night in the upstairs bedroom of their barn home, sleeping...... waiting for the words, it's "GO TIME". Paul was ready to go, packed up like a grand adventure with his suitcase full of games, music, books, baseball glove, cake, etc. I thought where are we going?

Then came Sunday (April 21) when the birthing coach came to assess the progress. She suggested we go to the hospital in Madison WI to be checked out (Triage) - labor was on - we were assigned a room - I knew we were getting closer. Then came Monday (April 22) hanging in through some pretty rough spells of labor, position changing, baths, showers, back rubbing, etc........Michelle hung in there, with Paul's support and excitement (camera in hand)........right into Tuesday (April 23) when Michelle was told, unless the baby turns, she would be having a c-section, but the doctor was able to turn this precious little baby and Michelle's integrity for a natural birth paid off. There was a lot going on, between contractions, but Paul was the director of the event. Paul was our videographer and along with Michelle's parents (Robert & Sally) calling from Pennsylvania to get updates, Paul's sister, Chris showed up to join in the birthing process. Paul was READY - I was just hoping the excitement would not have him popping up a tent and serving brunch, but he was going to be a DAD!! I wasn't leaving.....

Then in the early morning on Tuesday (April 23) Michelle, Paul, Chris and I chanted some silly/silly song to welcome the birth of a beautiful baby girl - Madeline Guyette had arrived. It was a 63 hour event that I will never forget.

“He was always finding joy in every task… like grocery shopping and getting new phones! I remember our slumber party in the van outside of the mall waiting “in line” to get the new iPhone for Madeline. We played candy land with Australians and had so much fun. He created a beautiful environment of safety and excitement.”

I’ve known Paul since I was a student of Michele’s back in the late 90s.

One of my favourite memories is calling the house and leaving a message on the answering machine for Paul and Michele’s anniversary probably ten or fifteen years ago now. It turns out that both of them had forgotten, and Paul heard the message first. I don’t remember now if he ran out and got Michele a card/gift or if he just acknowledged it first, but he got credit for a day or so for remembering before he admitted he’d forgotten too until he heard my message. We all had a good laugh when they told me.

Bowling ball gardens; vintage pinball machines; remodeling the kitchen (getting the big round table through the door to the porch was a fun time); Paul was a constant, quiet presence through more than half my life. Quick to laugh, and always with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

I think I’ll still call him on him on his birthday; and if he doesn’t pick up, well, he’s probably golfing.

On four separate canoe trips I was lucky enough to take with Paul he was laughing most of the time.

On a trip with our mutual friend Leslie there was a forest fire in progress and Paul and Leslie only got permission to enter the wilderness because I was already there and they were my ride back to Wisconsin.

The hundred thousand acre fire created its own weather systems starting with snow squalls and white caps and ending with 80 degree sunshine. We had most of the boundary waters wilderness to ourselves and were able to eat fresh walleye and hike up to this summit behind our tent site for a few photos.

We will miss Paul’s ability to make every activity a fun adventure.

My husband and I were camping in a remote Colorado valley between two beautiful mountain ranges one early summer evening just after school ended. This out of the way oasis is 175 miles from Denver and is a natural hot springs.

One morning in the restroom I was surprised by a women’s voice who called my name. “Joan?” she inquired. I turned around to see Michele. We both laughed and hugged, wondering how two teachers who worked at the same high school ended up at the same campground a thousand miles away from home.

Michele tells me we have to meet Paul so we invite them to our campsite. A few minutes later, we all meet and exchange pleasantries. And I should mention, this hot springs area was clothing optional…and Paul was taking full advantage! I kept telling myself as we discussed hiking trails and favorite pools, don’t look down!

Now that’s a first impression!

One warm, long summer weekend, we spent our days in the pool/lake and our nights around the campfire telling stories and eating smores (and smoking cigars; yes, sorry, it was a thing). As you would expect there was plenty of horseplay at the pool. Andrew was a shallow-end, feet-on-the-bottom of the pool swimmer. He did not have any strokes in his skillset. He did use armbands which gave him some confidence and he always seemed pretty fearless. We had taken a swimming break but were still at the pool. Andrew had taken his armbands off when Paul picked him up and tossed him in the deep end. Big brother Kyle reacted the fastest and jumped in to bring him up and help him to the side. His eyes were as big as saucers and he did not find the situation as funny as the rest of us (he was never in danger with us all right there). I believe Paul made sure Andrew had extra portions of smores that night.

Kyle and Andrew both love Paul. When Kyle was about 20 Paul hired him as an apprentice in painting and wallpapering. That was a great experience for Kyle who still uses those skills Paul taught him, in his own business.

Les and Susan

A number of years ago we would golf at the Devils Head course each year. After golf, we would get lunch at the Old School House restaurant. Paul made a golf trophy, it was an old paint brush sticking up out of an old paint can cemented together with globs of old paint. We placed it on the shelf of the restaurant. It sorta blended in wth the antiques the place used for decor. It was always there each year we returned. Paul would get it down when the waitress wasn't looking and with a sharpie marker add the date and golf scores.

Paul and I have known each other for 25 years, Maureen for 10. He was like a brother to me. Like everyone else we knew him as a kind, thoughtful, loving and fun man.

We have traveled on many a trip together, and enjoyed many camping adventures. We canoed, hiked, biked and played many games of dominoes and Skipbo under the lights of the tent. Paul's laugh could be heard thru the whole campground! We went to many of the beautiful state parks in Wisconsin and even one in Illinois.

We ate out at new restaurants that Paul would find as he was driving around for his painting jobs. He also cooked us some fabulous meals at his house, and even a couple at our house! Then we would play more games, tell stories and laugh. Even during COVID he, Michele, and us would have Zoom fish fry fridays together with a game of dominoes.

Before Covid, we would meet Paul at some unusual places to watch football and basketball games. We went to hotels and movie theaters. We saw some good games and Paul never held back!!! Again, his laugh could be heard above all other cheering!

We also went to movies and shows at the Overture and American Players Theater. Once during a comedy at American Players we left early because it wasn't funny! We especially liked Duck Soup Cinema at the Capital Theater so we could watch Michele do the interpreting of the Vaudeville acts before the silent movie.

Concerts on the Square was a special time for all of us. We would meet family and friends for good food, great music, laughs and just being together. Sometimes it was just the 4 of us, and sometimes there would be up to 10 people. All were welcome! And Michele always made sure a neighbor on the next blanket would take our picture.

Someone mentioned that Paul didn't play by the rules. We went to Sedona many years back, and Paul lied to a hotel clerk saying that his wife lost her room key so security gave us a ride to the gate for the hike we wanted to take. At Canoecopia one year, he told a presenter that he was French Canadian so he could get a free hat!

In the long run, even though we did a lot of things together, the main thing was that we loved being with each other. Everything we did was a joy. He left us with many fond memories and we will really miss him.

I really enjoyed working with Paul.

Even on boring or frustrating or just low energy days of painting homes with Paul, there was the oasis of lunch. Often we would just “wing it”, and drive about while Paul recited a list of places nearby. He would continue to give more options even after we’d decided on the one. Sometimes we would go to Metcalfe’s or some other supermarket that served food or just had a really good selection of free stuff. These were memorable in how I can see Paul walking ahead of me (I could rarely catch up) with his unique gait leading us to the next free sample table on the route. He would know when to go to the store, where the samples were, and the most efficient route to take to visit them all. He told me supermarkets were one of his favorite places.

Some of my favorite days were when we could be in the same room or part of the house and listen to music or a podcast together. We loved shows related to alternative health ideas. It didn’t matter how ridiculous the idea might sound to most people but wed be all over it and wanting to buy the product or try the technique. Our guilty podcast pleasure, however, was aliens. Paul found Netflix documentary alien stuff that was just over the top, but oh so entertaining. Aliens who built the pyramids, lived underground, lived underwater, started life on earth, you name it. We would just laugh and laugh, or I would hear Paul go “whaaaat?” From the other room and we’d have to back it up and listen again. We would only play alien stuff when the owners were gone.

Then the music. Paul played those artist-based music “stations” . Our favorite artist, again sort of a guilty pleasure, was Tom Jones. When Paul mentioned his liking of Tom Jones I was not into it. It wasn’t long, however, until I was hollering along with Paul, “Hey.Tom Jones!!! “, whenever he’d come on. It didn’t matter if the owner was home or not. We’d holler and sing along with Tom and it was just fun.

I especially enjoyed talking with Paul about things like meditation and being present. The concept of ‘patience’ was very important to Paul. One day he asked me “what is it that patience gives you?” I thought about it for awhile. Compassion? Understanding? Then I had it. “Paul!” I yelled, “It’s patience!”. “Yes!” He said. I was pretty proud of myself. Then I asked him “What was that from. Did Roy Masters say that?” “No”, he said “I came up with that on my own” Then we laughed and went back to work.

I loved working with Paul.

When the girls were at Scripps, I remember arriving to help my sister move in and meeting Paul + Michele. He did not sit down during the entire process of moving in! He had a level of energy and vigor that was born out of such deep love for Madeline - wanting her to have the best experience in college... Which may have led him to doing some unauthorized landscaping outside their window! Paul was always so joyful, adventurous and up for a challenge. Madeline and him are truly kindred spirits in their longing to create something beautiful, journey on the road less traveled and meet incredible people along the way. And boy did he put MANY miles on all the Guyette cars! Up for a road trip anytime, something Madeline has definitely inherited. The artist in both of them was always so obvious and they were always conspiring on their next project together. It was such a gift to know Paul and seen the immense love he had for Madeline and Michele. Our hearts are with you both.