Our search ends

Sadly, earlier this morning (Tuesday July 7), the Sheriff's dept. recovered Paul's body from the Columbia river. He was found near the Event Site.

Thanks to everyone who tirelessly helped with this search. Whether it was by plane or boat or kayak or windsurfer or jet-ski or forming a circle of friends or raising your sails or sending your thoughts and prayers, you helped find our friend Paul. Thank you!

As of yet, no arrangements have been made.

Rest in peace dear friend.

Comments

[Adriana R. Vera]

Rest in peace dear friend. Your beaming smile will so be missed, as well as your spirit and generosity. We have truly lossed a great friend, to forever be held in our hearts.
Adriana :)

[Nic and Jeff]

Rest in peace, Paul. We love you.

[Jim Isherwood]

One of the greatest. Our hearts are heavy with your passing. Memories are racing with your insight and humor. Rest well dear friend.
Jim

[Christina Beattie]

It is so sad. I am sorry that I never got to meet you Paul...what can I say, you made my sister really happy, and I will be grateful for that. Thanks for brining her joy.

[stephanie h.]

I can't imagine not seeing your smiling face at Crissy. I'll never forget my first visit to the North Tower, thanks for taking me. You will be missed greatly, words cannot express. My sympathies to Michelle, your family and all the people who loved you.

[Jen h]

Rest in peace Paul. All my love and prayers go to Michelle, both families, and everyone touched by him.

[Tricia Brooks]

Paul, you have moved on to be with your beloved father but we all will miss you so much. I hope the wind blows hard where you're at now.

[Dianne Younger]

Paul, you will always be a huge presence at Crissy Field. Spotting your sail in the distance and knowing that as you got closer, every time, --every single time-- you sailed past you would flash that grin! Did you even know how great that was? You will live on in our hearts forever.

[Chantalle]

Our hearts go out to you. Although we have never met Paul, we have been so moved by all the comments and support from his friends. He will be missed.
Randy and Chantalle.

[Nesrin Umur Lueck]

Rest in peace our friend. We will really miss your smile! I will miss my time keeper on the water... We send you warm winds wherever you are and we send all our thoughts and strength to your friends, to Michelle and to your family.

Nes and Derek

[Ross Goo]

We, at the Embarcadero Y, were deeply affected by news of your disappearance and now saddened by your premature departure from us. Our collective comfort and strength go to Michelle. We are here for you. Our prayers to your family and loved ones during a difficult and confusing time.

[steve bodner]

Fare thee well PJ Mann!
Godspeed on your next journey.

[Connie S]

May your spirit rest in peace dear man. My heart felt sympathy goes out to everyone that knew and loved you. Michelle, if you need anything.................
I am here.

Connie

[Ron Hoffman]

I met Paul in 8th Grade.He was into Zeppelin, skateboarding and bass. He taught me the coveted forehand Frisbee throw and how to skip off the ground at Gracie Mansion Park. We went to The Who @ Madison Square Garden in ,76. He moved to California just Like the Zeppelin song. Goodbye old friend. I'll miss your spirit.
Ron

[Hartley]

I met Paul our freshman year at UC Berkeley in 1978. We soon became great friends jammin' together and playing ultimate. After college, I never had the chance to spend much time with Paul. Last summer at Golden Gate Park, Paul and Jeremy put on a most memorable 30th year reunion bash. There, my wife and kids got to meet Paul for the first time. It was a very special day and one that I thought we could repeat many, many times in the future now that I had moved back to California.

I am totally speechless that he is now so suddenly gone. Two things make me take this a little better. One, he apparently left us doing something he loved at a place that was special to him. Second, it is clear from the messages left here and elsewhere and the gatherings last night that he touched so many people in a positive way. May we all be so lucky.

Paul, I miss you.

Hartley

[Bonnie Bertrand]

I was truely blessed to have had the privledge to meet and spend a few evenings with the man that my daughter Michelle cared so deeply for. I can see why she was so fond of him. I am sorry that Michelle's dad Ted did not have the opportunity to meet Paul. He just has to take our word for it that he was a peach. My sympathys to all Paul's family and friends.
Bless you Mr. Paul Mann

[Ted Bertrand]

Although your life was much too brief you touch many with your kindness, affection, and friendship, including to my daughter Michelle, which I am very grateful for. You will not be forgotten by your friends and family. The wonderful memories of you will make the pain less painful and the hurt less hurtful to all. May you rest in peace.

[Chris Murphy]

I remember Paul's first season at Crissy - it was great to have another former East Coast sailor in the mix. His enthusiasm for the sport is part of the reason why windsurfing is still alive and well down by the bridge. I'm glad we had a chance to catch up a couple weeks ago after an epic day. Life always is good on a day like that... Bon Voyage!

[Mary Kaselitz]

Bruce and I (Michelle's aunt and uncle) had the pleasure of dining with Michelle and Paul on June 25th when we were visiting our son in SF. In just a matter of several hours we were so taken in by his enthusiasm for life and his obvious love for Michelle. We will never forget his bright smile. God Bless Michelle and Paul's family and his many friends during this most difficult time. Rest in Peace Paul Mann!

[kimberly mann]

Dear Paul and everyone,

I am sorry I was not able to join everyone at the Hook. I lit a candle for you Paul, at Napeague Harbor, our local sailing site in the Hamptons, where we met and shared many great sessions.

You were so much fun --traveling, sailing,boarding,blading, biking- and will always be my family.

I know I will see you again-someday.

Love, Kimberly Mann

[Gip and Carmen Moore]

We never had the privilege of meeting Paul. However, our Grand-daughter, Claire Elise DeCoste, and her parents, daughter, Gloria and dad, David did have the privilege! Claire (Clairemo)loved the time spent with her Aunt Chelle and Paul! He was such a special person!! We know Paul loved Michelle and that made her very happy. This made us happy for both of them. It isn't every day someone special comes into our lives and brings happiness, joy and contentment! This is a blessing not everyone experiences. We are happy, Michelle, you experienced this with Paul. However, losing him is such a great loss for you! We extend our sympathies to you, Michelle, and to Paul's family and friends. Rest well, Paul!Michelle, you know we are here for you in thought, word and action. It goes without saying you are always welcome to visit us anytime you want. You are so loved, Michelle!
Hugs and support to you
Aunt Carmen and Gip Moore

[Nancy King]

I was Paul's girlfriend in college. I, too, am so glad that I went to the 30 year reunion that Paul organized last summer. It was the last time I saw him. I am so glad he was able to meet my husband and my son. I am also grateful that he found Michelle. I have some great photos of Paul from when he was a kid. He had long hair, lots of it! I'm too sad to write anything else. I'm sorry.

[Gip and Carmen Moore]

Gone Too Soon
Like A Comet Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly, And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day, Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day Gone One Night

Like A Sunset Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

[Jannette]

All your dear friends back in Michigan have a broken heart right along with you Michelle. My every thought is with you. I feel so incredibly sad not to have met him. I know your exuberant spirit brought him some fabulous memories that he'll have with him forever. Our hugs and support are with you

[Dianne Younger]

Last night, Hardy and Kimberly brought sunflowers to Crissy. After sailing, Hardy, Kimberly, Diane P., Brian, Soheil, and I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge to the North Tower and let the blossoms float down to the water. As we watched the ebb tide take them out to sea, a dolphin surfaced and swam in the area. Then two sea lions joined in. It was an incredibly beautiful warm evening, the kind we never get in July. We all stood there looking over at the water, noticing things we'd never noticed before, thinking of Paul and the love he had for this special place, a love we all shared with him, a love that will continue on.

We shared stories and laughed, we were quiet and just took it all in. We are so fortunate to have Paul in our hearts forever, and so fortunate to have our friends and families to share our grief, our memories, and our lives going forward. Thanks, Paul.

Dianne