Paul gave in death as he gave in life he was an organ and tissue donor. Paul's final act of kindness was to give the gift of sight by being able to donate both corneas' to give sight to two individuals who have never seen before.
Paul was born in Peoria, Illinois on September 23, 1964. His parents are Lester Dale Bergsten and Jeanette Elsie Bergsten of Peoria, Illinois.
Paul is survived by his Father Lester Dale Bergsten of Peoria, Illinois. Brother Dr. Eric Dale Bergsten (Rebecca) of Lombard, Illinois, Sister Ann Lee Arrowood of League City, Texas, Niece Tova Marie Bergsten of Chicago, Illinois, Galen Justice Bergsten of Tucson, Arizona. Great-Nephew Jase Lee Arrowood and Great-Niece Macy Renee Arrowood of Angleton, Texas and many cousins and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his Mother Jeanette Elsie Bergsten of Peoria, Illinois. Grandparents Samuel and Florence Bergsten, Gerald and Elsie Griggs of Delphos, Kansas and his Nephew Houston Lee Arrowood of Friendswood, Texas.
Paul graduated from Richwood's High school class of 1982. He then attended Illinois Central College. Early in his career he worked at Holiday Inn Brandywine Peoria, Illinois. Paul followed his dreams and moved to Oxnard, California with several of his close lifelong friends from Illinois. Paul was employed by The United States Navy at Port Hueneme Navy Base for over 10 yrs. He continued his love for music working in Ventura, CA, Las Vegas, NV and Hollywood, CA as store Manager and Guitar specialist and repair.
Paule Lester was many things during his 56 years of life. A loving son, brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend. But to truly speak of Paul's life one only needs to know this... Paul was a driven, talented, unrelenting artist, his art was the guitar and his medium was Rock & Roll. Other than his love for his family Paul had one true love that consumed his every waking moment and lasted his lifetime right up to the very moment he left this earth...and that was the guitar. Paul, a son of the mid-west, made the classic young artists pilgrimage to California in 1983 to pursue his dreams and his craft. He quickly fell in love with like-minded musicians and began a 38 year career in recording and playing live shows that consumed his every waking hour. Like so many artists he of course had to work various "day jobs" to pay the bills but it was always clear to Paul and everyone around him that these jobs were simply a means to an end and his real career started as the amplifier light turned on, the guitar was slung around his neck and a quiet gentleman let his instrument do his talking... and many epic stories it told. Paul's signature playing quickly became in demand and so started a sort of "gunslinger for hire" career lending his signature chops and legendary cool style to well-known bands such as Dark Carnival, Jones N Five, Kill Two Birds and central coasts favorite No Regrets. Paul went on to record and release popular regional album releases with both The Narcotics and Gasoline, the latter band, Gasoline, even working with fames record producer Kym Fowley who went on to be a huge fan of Paul's playing. During his Rock & Roll career he played hundreds if not thousands of shows throughout the western United States including with Gasoline, many huge shows at the world famous venues such as Roxy Theatre, The Whiskey as well as opening tour slots for the iconic bands such as Megadeth and Cheap Trick. Later in 2007, Paul started a new phase of his career when he ventured into the world of Jive theatre as both an actor and musician. He was a member of The Street School Artist Club for 14 years and starred in many stage productions including "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" which was co-written with famous actor Josh Brolin and featured on James Lipton's famous" Actors Studio". Paul was an iconic fixture in the music scene of Hollywood California...known for his black hats coats and threads quick original wit and calm and cool demeanor. Paul was an American original in a world full of imitators...a true blue Rock & Roller and one of the BEST "guitarists for hire" in a city where that title is hard to come by. The Hollywood music scene and the whole world in general just lost a little cool with Paul's passing to the other side. His music and his soul will be irreplaceable and greatly missed.
Celebration of life and memorial services will be held Saturday August 21, 2021. Visitation from 9:30 am to 11 am CST and services at 11 am CST at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home 2408 W Willow Knolls Drive Peoria, IL 61614. The services will be shown live on Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home Facebook for all of his family and friends unable to celebrate Paul in person.
Memorial contributions may be made to University United Methodist Church 2818 N University St Peoria, Illinois 61604.
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