Kenneth Do Bucki
Paul V. Greenwade, Jr.- If one could pick all the strengths of their favorite heroes, real or not, the thoughts of their favorite of philosophers and inspirational leaders and instill them into a single person, that person could not measure up to the life of Paul V. Greenwade Jr. He possessed the basic instincts of a Tarzan. My Mom tells a story of a trip to Paul's family homestead in Floyd TX. Here Paul wanted to go see his Grandfathers resting place one more time. Paul's failing vision caused him to need some assistance. Mom said "Paul there is tall grass going down to that creek what about the critters?" Paul, like Tarzan said "Just watch they'll let you know if there are there." Paul had an appreciation of all life much like that of St. Francis of Assisi. Those pesky squirrels overturned the bird feeders, uprooted flowers and dug holes in the lawn. Paul would not allow them to be harmed. He went to the feed store purchased a live trap, caught them one by one and carted them down the road to the park and released them. When it came to finances, Paul believed like Ben Franklin, a penny saved was a penny earned. Anyone who spent any time around Paul heard him correct a bank or utility for an over charge or error in billing. I once heard Paul asked how he wanted to get paid for something he had sold? Paul repeated the question and replied:"cash in full now!" It seems super human strengths were available to Paul also. A couple of years ago an electrical fire gutted most of Paul's home. Now this is an event that would devastate most, but not Paul. He kept his faith and cool grabbed his personal phone book, cell phone and began calling vacant houses he knew of in the neighborhood. He made arrangements on a house for sale across the street from his. The next day we began moving person items across the street to the house he had rented. We came to this heavy teak bar Paul had brought home from the Philippines, I said don't worry I've got some help on the way. An almost John Wayne like voice said "Yes sir" as his big hands grasp the top "Now grab a hold of that side and lets go." Yes we carried it across the street. If Paul did have a weakness it was his sweet tooth, as Nancy had mentioned. He used to joke that his little truck would automatically stop at the Red Oven Bakery anytime he was near and would not go again until he bought something. Paul shared the beliefs of Gandhi, that one must be the change they wish to see and I believe that like Martin Luther King he shared a dream of peaceful co-existence for all. I remember once saying something about someone doing some terrible thing and should be put away. Paul didn't say anything, but the look he gave me spoke volumes and clearly, it said "we don't talk like that in my house" Some of his last words were said over grace at dinner, in which he gave thanks to all that served their country and asked for wisdom and strength for those who lost someone. The Colonel Paul V. Greenwade will always fly high in my heart and mind.