Celebrating Paul Keller, July 8, 1939 - January 9, 2015
“Paul was one of the best volunteers Advent has ever had,” says Stephanie Simunic, resource development associate. “He exemplified a true servant’s heart. He was always in a good mood, and he had a strong, steady personality. I never saw him get frazzled or upset. He was a gem.”
Paul became involved with Advent soon after Ann, his wife of 45 years, started working with Friendship Families in 2010. He began volunteering and would accompany her to the group homes for monthly game nights.
The outpatient clients got to know Paul quite well, as he would provide transportation for them from their homes to the Advent office. There were times the kids would be playing loud rap music and Paul would be as stalwart as ever. And he thought it was great when they all started calling him Pops.
Picking up boxes of food at Second Harvest Food Bank, then delivering them to Advent for the outpatient and residential kids, was yet another service Paul joyfully provided.
In 2011, Paul was named Volunteer of the Year, an award he well deserved.
After retiring from 43 years at Burke Industries in San Jose, Paul served as “unofficial janitor” at Bernal Bible Church, where he and Ann had been attending. He also enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren, three girls and three boys.
Paul was a solid, humble, dependable man who lived a simple life. He will be greatly missed.
