Paul Close was one of the best friends I ever had. He had the misfortune of being in a terrible bicycle accident many years ago while he was living in Ojai and he never really recovered. His funeral was in Placerville, the town that he moved to with his wife, Kathy, and his kids Shayne and Kyle. Gary Booth and I made the trip together and Paul's very best friend Tom Chandler was also a pall bearer. Paul was buried with his ball cap from SPHS. His wife thought that his happiest memories were from playing baseball in SoPas so it was an appropriate gesture. The only upside to the funeral was that it gave me a chance to visit with Paul's 5 sisters that I spent so many hours with when we were kids. He was the MVP of our American Legion baseball team when we were 18 years old. Paul could hit for average and for power, had a great glove, and a strong arm. My parents loved him like a son.
It's amazing the little things you remember about high school. I didn't know Paul well, especially because he was the strong silent type. But he was also affable and a gentleman. I do remember a huddle with several girls who were advising a student at South Pas High, Desi, who wasn't there long. But she was crazy...and I mean crazy...about this boy Paul Close. The discussion went on for a good 45 minutes about whether she should simply go up to him and kiss him. She wanted to kiss him more than anyone I've ever seen, but was also shy. No, she didn't want to send a note. She just wanted to kiss him. I wish I weren't in my mid-50s and starting to forget, but as I recall, she did finally go up to him and kiss him. We couldn't believe it. She moved a short time later. As I recall, Paul was his usual calm, cool, collected self. I'm sure he was a wonderful husband and father.
Timothy Bennett
Paul Close was one of the best friends I ever had. He had the misfortune of being in a terrible bicycle accident many years ago while he was living in Ojai and he never really recovered. His funeral was in Placerville, the town that he moved to with his wife, Kathy, and his kids Shayne and Kyle. Gary Booth and I made the trip together and Paul's very best friend Tom Chandler was also a pall bearer. Paul was buried with his ball cap from SPHS. His wife thought that his happiest memories were from playing baseball in SoPas so it was an appropriate gesture. The only upside to the funeral was that it gave me a chance to visit with Paul's 5 sisters that I spent so many hours with when we were kids. He was the MVP of our American Legion baseball team when we were 18 years old. Paul could hit for average and for power, had a great glove, and a strong arm. My parents loved him like a son.Karen Clifford (Romano)
Paul was my neighbor and friend. I remember him as a quiet giant. I am so sorry to see that he is gone.Marsha L Ginsburg
It's amazing the little things you remember about high school. I didn't know Paul well, especially because he was the strong silent type. But he was also affable and a gentleman. I do remember a huddle with several girls who were advising a student at South Pas High, Desi, who wasn't there long. But she was crazy...and I mean crazy...about this boy Paul Close. The discussion went on for a good 45 minutes about whether she should simply go up to him and kiss him. She wanted to kiss him more than anyone I've ever seen, but was also shy. No, she didn't want to send a note. She just wanted to kiss him. I wish I weren't in my mid-50s and starting to forget, but as I recall, she did finally go up to him and kiss him. We couldn't believe it. She moved a short time later. As I recall, Paul was his usual calm, cool, collected self. I'm sure he was a wonderful husband and father.
We will always remember you, Paul.