In Memory

Paul Blaskowski - Class Of 1976

Paul Blaskowski

Paul Blaskowski left us to be with the lord on March 26, 1994.



 
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06/06/13 10:51 PM #1    

Glen Duncan (1976)

Paul, I have missed you for years. 

I moved to Jacksonville over Christmas break during 7th grade. I had joined the band in my previous school, so joined the Arlington band and sat next to Paul. I guess that clinched it. We played together in band and spent hours together outside band, including learning how to ask girls out.  He was a great organist as well as cornet player, and I used to be fascinated to watch his hands and feet while visiting his home to watch him play.

I also can't remember a class I had that he wasn't in. We also were in a string of science fairs together - starting in 7th grade.

We were the short guys in band, but I learned a lot from him - including how to read a score and conduct. So we had this neat pairing going on. We went to contest as student conductors, and at TP, when we weren't tall enough to be drum majors (thanks Phil Skinner and and Jim Mayfield), Mr. Lippo made us "Captains".

He married young, of course, while we were still in school, and that started our drift apart.  But his impact on me and my family lasted for many years.  Paul was openly and matter-of-factly diabetic and taught me a lot about that condition.

When my mother was diagnosed late in life, and was having trouble adjusting, I told her the name of Paul's doctor (Dr. Montgomery, who was also our trip doctor in Europe).  He became my mom's doc for the next 30 years or so.

I wish I had been close when he died.

Once again...Paul, buddy, I miss you.   - your old friend, glen

 


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