PLEASE SEE VIDEO OF PAUL'S LIFE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS WEBSITE -- "PLAY VIDEO" -- The following is an expanded biography of Paul's life. It differs from the obituary in that it tells more about what a special person Paul was:
Paul Leinweber was born on February 29, 1924, in Longmont, Co. He was a “leap year” baby, who was born at home. Paul was one of 14 children born to Henry and Matilda Leinweber, German Immigrants, who moved to the United States from Russia. He was the last surviving child, preceded in death by 13 siblings. Paul worked on the family farm from the time he was old enough to hold a tool. He attended school in Niwot and Longmont. Paul graduated from the “Old” Longmont High School in 1942, while working full time on the family farm. Some of his older brothers did not finish high school due to demands of the farm. As a result, Paul was determined that his children would not only graduate from high school, but from college, as well. His wish for his children was achieved, as both of his daughters graduated with honors from the University of Colorado Business School.
Paul met his wife, Charlotte, in 1942 at Boulder’s Roller Skating Rink. They were married March 4, 1945 in Abilene, Texas. Charlotte enjoyed giving Paul, a “leap year” baby, special cards on his “real” birthday each 4 years.
Paul worked as a Farmer until he entered the Army during World War II in 1944. He served as a Medic until his Honorable Discharge as a Staff Sergeant in 1946. He began his career with Public Service Company in Dec., 1947, where he worked until he retired as an Operations Supervisor in March, 1986. Paul was deeply respected by the many men who worked with and for him during his 39 years at Public Service Co. Many of the men during this time period had nicknames; Paul’s nickname was “Gooney”, the origin of which is unknown. But to this day he continues to be referred to by his nickname. Several years ago, and many years after Paul retired, one of his daughters contacted Xcel to report a natural gas leak. The gentleman who responded to the call asked if she was “Gooney’s” daughter, and stated that his name was “Chuy.”
Paul was an institution and fixture in Boulder!! Regardless of where his daughter, who kept her maiden name of Leinweber, went in Boulder, she was asked if she was Paul’s daughter. When she returned to Boulder and purchased a home, she discovered that the neighbor behind her, as well the neighbor to the north of her, knew her Father well. Further, a resident of the street behind her had ridden with Paul to the Sugar Beet Factory when they were young men. These neighbors looked out for Paul’s daughter for him, one in particular. He would call Paul and not the daughter whenever a light needed repaired or even when the tractor fell off of the hose.
Paul and Charlotte lived in two homes on the same street; most recently they lived together for 56 yrs in one residence and prior to that lived next door in a smaller home. Following Charlotte’s death in 2011, Paul stayed in this residence until his death.
Their first child, Judy, was born in Boulder Memorial Hospital; Jan, their second daughter, was born in Boulder Community Hospital. One daughter was born on Tax Day and the other on Election Day; This was a source of humor throughout the years. Judy and Jan both attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Grade School; Casey Junior High; Boulder High School; and as previously stated, graduated from the University of Colorado with honors. Charlotte had also attended Casey Junior High and graduated from Boulder High School.
Paul and Charlotte “adopted” Robin Bovard as their third daughter, not legally, but emotionally. She moved in with Judy in 1996, as for health reasons, Judy cannot live alone. Not only does she help Judy, but has taken care of Paul and Charlotte for over 17 years. In particular, she took care of Paul’s and Charlotte’s medications and other health care needs. Robin is a Certified Cancer Registrar for Exempla Healthcare.
Paul was also close to his son-in-law, Jim Mulstay, who watched sports with him when visiting.
Paul’s hobbies included watching: Baseball, particularly the Yankees (as years ago, the farm team for the Yankees was the Denver Bears); Football, obviously the Broncos; and old Western Movies; as well as working in his garden/yard. Before losing his eye sight, he loved to fly fish, especially with his baby brother, Richard, who preceded him in death. In 1989 Paul and Charlotte visited Judy in Newport Beach during the Christmas Season. Paul went on a deep sea fishing trip, where he won an award for catching not only the first fish, but also the largest. A picture is included. Paul was a lifetime member of the Boulder Elks Club, and attended weekly meetings until his eyesight prevented him from doing so. Paul and Charlotte loved animals. They loved their 3 miniature schnauzers: Tess, Millie, and Fritz, as well as their “grand-dogs”.
Following Charlotte’s retirement, Paul and Charlotte purchased a Fifth Wheel. They traveled to many locations around the United States, during which they made many new friends.
As referenced in his Obituary Notice, Paul never met a stranger. Paul and Charlotte were one of two residents from the neighborhood who lived there when Judy and Jan were children. Since they did not have grandchildren, they adopted the young children of the neighborhood’s second generation. As one well known former First Lady and Secretary of State has said many times: “It Takes A Village”, which is a wonderful segue to describing Paul’s neighbors. Despite losing sight in one of his eyes as a child in an accident and suffering from Macular Degeneration for 25 yrs., resulting in being legally blind, Paul was able to remain in his residence, as was Charlotte, who suffered from Alzheimer’s until her death. This was due in great part to the love and caring of Paul’s neighbors, who are a “Village.” They watched over him and treated him as a Father. These wonderful people were always there for Paul and Charlotte, shoveling snow, bringing firewood and food, and providing companionship. Paul was the “Guest of Honor” at each neighborhood gathering, which he loved to talk about. Paul did not have a “Seeing Eye” Dog, but did have a special canine companion, Koko, who would visit Paul looking for hugs and treats. Koko spent many hours with Paul providing unconditional love. There are several pictures of Paul’s beloved neighbors, and of course, a picture of Koko, included in this Biography.
The other part of Paul’s Village was the Homewatch CareGivers; In particular, Ulla Westermann, Terri Kirk and Shari Griffin, who provided love and care to Paul and Charlotte for many years, and more recently Sandy MacKay, Diane Robison and Deb Gingerich!!
There are pictures included with this Biography, including of Paul, Charlotte, neighbors, friends, and of course, Koko.
Judy, Jan, and Robin wish to thank everyone who has provided love and companionship to Paul and Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.
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