Paul V. Dannels was born on January 7, 1950, and his mystery ship took him beyond the sunset to life eternal on March 14, 2020.  Throughout Paul’s journey with ALS, negativity never took hold.  He always focused on soaking up all the love and positivity as he prepared to ride off into the sunset.  His signature song became “Ride Captain Ride”.  For Paul, the lyrics of this song resonated with his thoughts about his mystery ship.    Paul’s light continues to shine brightly each and every day as we continue to live our lives in the way Paul led us as he traveled his journey with ALS.

 

Paul was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS on January 18, 2019.  This is the day that changed all of our lives forever as shock set in as we faced a disease that none of us were familiar with.    We quickly learned about this horrible, unforgiving disease as Paul began to experience daily changes in his physical body.  ALS for Paul was very progressive and his journey following diagnosis was less than 14 months.  Paul lived each day with hope.  He tackled the challenges of the disease as only he could with courage and humility. 

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His insight, wisdom, compassion, grace, unconditional love, and appreciation of life around him defined his character and the legacy that all will remember.  Paul had a tremendous impact on many people, whether they met him directly or just through the stories they hear about Paul.  

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Our Family “Village” was created and nurtured by Paul.  While “it takes a Village” is a common saying; for Paul, nothing was ever more important than his “Village”.  This legacy of love continues today as his Family “Village” stays strong in honoring his life through ongoing support to #end ALS. 

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Honoring Paul’s life and bringing awareness to ALS is important to our Village.  Paul was a selfless person.  Paul was a great listener and compassionate about every conversation he would have.  Paul consciously lived his life showing kindness to everyone he came in contact with.

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Paul’s Faith and Love for his Family & Friends are the key components to any discussion about Paul’s legacy, whether mentoring youth and young adults, sharing his gift of music,  or being the support to others experiencing hardship.   Paul’s contagious smile will never be forgotten.  

Paul was our Witness and taught us to live life to its fullest each day.  The fortitude that Paul displayed as he traveled his journey with ALS to the sunset is a life lesson to all of us.  Paul’s gentle, kind spirit and incredible faith in God lives on.  

 

Paul’s mottos became:

“Always BE Humble & Kind”

“It’s OK To Be GOOD”

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This is why Paul’s Mystery Ship “Ride Captain Ride” sails #end ALS