Paul Ridgeway

Paul suffered from a rare neurological disease his last several years, and passed away from Primary Progressive Aphasia on October, 23, 2017. It progressed quite quickly and robbed him of his ability to communicate and his normal lifestyle. Yet, he continued to be as active as possible, and continued to grow fiercely in his faith and love, often clutching his Bible, holding it up to his heart.

Paul Ridgeway was born in Phoenix, AZ on December 25, 1945. He grew up with only one older brother, Douglas Ridgeway. When Paul was 10 years old he was featured as a poster child/yo-yo champion on the front page of the Sunday Milwaukee Journal and the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune, sitting in a sea of yo-yo’s. His picture can be found in older and newer Klutz Yo-Yo Books which are still sold today. This year the Luck Area Historical Society made post cards of Paul’s picture to sell in their museum.

Since his father was a traveling salesman, Paul has lived in almost every state of our country. Once he graduated from high school, Paul joined the U.S. Navy. It was while serving on this new guided missile frigate, the USS Fox, as an electronics/radar technician, that Paul was involved in the Vietnam War where he earned a Bronze Star.

Once out of the Navy, Paul used his training to work in the emerging computer field. Paul found that his knowledge made him a very good marketer and he went into computer sales which he loved. Next he applied his skills to real estate and that became his passion. Paul moved to Mt. Baldy, CA where he enjoyed the best years of his life. Paul enjoyed being active and some of his hobbies included, scuba diving, water skiing, and running 10K’s. He maintained his Ham Radio license, was part of the Mt. Baldy Ski Patrol, and later volunteered many years on the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue teams.

In 1991, Paul married his wife, Janie Ridgeway. Paul always said he never wanted to grow up and together they shared many fun times together. His “Princess Janie” brought a large family that he loved.

Paul Ridgeway was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Herman Ridgeway, and his dear nephew, Alan Ridgeway. Paul and Alan were very close, always trying to outdo each other’s wit and humor.

Paul and Janie, have been married 27 years, and with the 2 daughters, Christy Licato and Julie Carrillo, their families brought 2 son-in-laws, Tige Licato and John Carrillo, eventually 7 grand-children: Samantha (Licato) Madrigal, and her husband, Jesse, Adara Carrillo, Kayla Licato, Natalie Carrillo, Nicholas Rocco Licato, Tommy Carrillo, John Carrillo, and 1 great granddaughter, Roselyn Grace Madrigal. Paul’s dog, Gidget, and mostly his great grand-child, Roselyn, could do no harm. Roselyn (great-grand child) brought smiles to Paul’s face into his very last days. Paul loved Janie very much and the family they shared. Holidays, birthdays, graduations, sports events, or any family get together, were very important, and Paul would travel any distance, always putting their faith and family first. Paul was proud of being a U.S. veteran, and loved living in Mt Baldy. Paul expressed his gratitude that he was blessed with such a wonderful life, which he said was almost too good to be real. We give praise and thanks to our God, Lord and Savior, for Paul’s life and the time we were able to spend with him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

The Ranch, Mount Pleasant, P.O. Box 2167 Mount Plesant TX 75456

A Christian Men's Ministry for Alcohol and Drugs,

a program developed by the inspiration of Rich Harmsen, Chaplain

www.theranchmp.com; a 501c3 non-profit