Paul Cadey Segard

Paul Cadey Segard, 56, husband of Lisa (nee Maring) Segard, went to “fly in the heavens” on July 14, 2024 at the home he built in Belmont, Michigan. Born November 25, 1967 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was the son of the late George Cadey Segard and Janice (Dryer) Segard.

Anyone who knew Paul would say his defining trait was his work ethic. His family often joked that he only took vacation to have more time to focus on his second (or third?) job. As a lifelong learner, Paul had many interests, from biology and chemistry to aviation and metal scrapping. Paul never had one full-time job; he had multiple, simultaneously. “Get the degree or certification or training, and the opportunity will present itself,” he would say. And somehow, it always did. In 1985, he graduated from Grand Rapids Baptist Academy and went on to study at Michigan State University and Grand Rapids Community College before graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University.

As a young husband and father, Paul worked with Henry Houkes Concrete, learning to work hard, in the way of “old school Dutch” and to never waste time. “The concrete is drying; eat while you trowel,” Henry would remind him. As a boss and friend, Henry encouraged the work ethic Paul was famous for and was a guiding example of honesty in business. One job that Paul always had, although not always at the same place, was ice arena maintenance. Beginning his career at Western Michigan University’s Lawson Ice Arena as a student, Paul moved on to work with Patterson Ice Center, Griff's Ice House, and Walker Ice and Fitness. Paul’s time at WIFC was made special by all “the ladies” he was blessed to work with. Our nightly debrief always included an overview of their latest antics.

But aviation was Paul’s true passion, inspired by a childhood fly-in fishing trip. Paul began pursuing his pilot license with Colonel Clare and Joan McCombs at the Lowell airport. When he took on a position as Flight Instructor with the School of Missionary Aviation (SMAT), his dream of flying as a career came to fruition. His greatest joy was knowing the pilots he trained would go out in the world and proclaim the Word of God. Paul had a quiet faith demonstrated by actions. Never one to miss an opportunity, Paul was certified as a glider instructor and took on a side job towing banners, his self-proclaimed favorite job ever. Paul’s flying dreams and love of a challenge brought him to CSA Air where he enjoyed flying a Cessna Caravan for FedEx and becoming the company check airman. After achieving all levels of certification for fixed wing aircraft, Paul decided to try something new and earned his private pilot helicopter license. When flying was no longer an option for medical reasons and having moved to full-time work with Walker Ice and Fitness, Paul went back to school and earned his commercial driver's license, working part-time for Metro Transportation, hauling mail from FedEx. His old loading crew met him at the freight dock with applause.

Paul is survived by his wife of nearly 34 years, Lisa Segard; daughters Cadey (Andrew) Korson and Peyton Segard; beloved granddaughter, Kinvara Korson; mother, Janice Segard; brothers John (Carol) Segard and Christopher (Heather) Segard; sisters-in-law Teri (Steve) Tabiolo, Lori (Joseph) Hovingh; many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.

A celebration of life open house is planned for Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the School of Missionary Aviation Technology hangar at the Ionia Airport, 84 E. Sprague Rd., Ionia, MI 48846. An “expression of love” is planned for 2:30 p.m.

Paul would have shook his head at the expense of flowers, so in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the School of Missionary Aviation and Technology. https://smat.edu/support-smat/ Paul's family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in his online guestbook.