Paul Vincent Dannels

Obituary "RIDE CAPTAIN RIDE" Farewell My Dear Friend ... "Ride, captain ride upon your mystery ship Be amazed at the friends you have here on your trip Ride captain ride upon your mystery ship On your way to a world that others might have missed" Paul Vincent Dannels was born on January 7, 1950 in Berkeley, California. Paul lived in the San Francisco Bay area of California and Timnath, Colorado during his childhood years. Paul settled back to the Fort Collins area for his senior year of high school and then on to college to study engineering and begin his adult life. Paul was a talented athlete and participated in many sports, but his favorites in high school were football and wrestling. Pauls passion for sports led him to coach many youth teams as well as adult softball teams. He was not only a coach, but a mentor and a teacher of life principles and had such a positive influence on many lives. God granted Paul the gift of an amazing voice along with a natural talent for music of all kinds. Paul was involved in school choirs, started his own rock band as a teenager and in his adult life sang in church choirs, singing groups and at many special events. Sometimes Paul would sing solos, sometimes duets or trios, which led him to be a part of many weddings, memorial services, and celebrations. Paul's beautiful voice was one of his ministries and ways to express his kind and gentle spirit to others. Paul had an incredible work ethic that started when he was at a very young age. After school, Paul's job was to fill the night smelting pots at the construction sites for his Father's construction company. During the time Paul's family lived in Timnath on the dairy farm, Paul enjoyed building a new barn which he was always proud of. Paul had numerous part time jobs during his school years. He became interested in the fire industry and became a volunteer firefighter for Timnath Fire Department. Paul later became a full-time firefighter for the Poudre Valley Rural Fire Department. As a firefighter, Paul had additional part-time jobs working for a plumbing company and a water district, which eventually led him to become the Manager of the Soldier Canyon Water Treatment Plant in Fort Collins. In December, 1981, Paul became the District Manager for Castle Pines Metro District in Castle Rock, CO. Paul was a vital part of the Castle Pines Village operations for 34 years before retirement. Following retirement, Paul started a consulting company for a couple years and then worked part-time for a driving school as an instructor teaching teenagers how to drive. Paul's most rewarding career was mentoring youth and young adults. Paul's gentle spirit was a gift to so many youth over the years. Paul was active in the youth program at the First United Methodist Church in Castle Rock for years as well as school events and sports programs. Paul was a listener and always would ask questions and want to learn about the person he was talking to. His insight, wisdom and "love of life" along with his contagious smile and his desire to always have fun and laughter involved, is part of his legacy that will live on in the lives of all youth. A hobby for Paul was best described as FAMILY. Paul's face would always "light up" and he would share a "Huge Smile and Hug" each time he was able to be with any of his 8 grandchildren. He loved to stretch the boundaries of good behavior and get into a bit of trouble with the grandkids' parents or Grandma and then just laugh and laugh, because he "lived life for the moment" and having fun was his favorite thing to do. We called our family a "Village" and Paul was the Rock that always brought the wisdom, insight and solution to any situation. Paul enjoyed being the "handyman" for all of our Village, as well as for family and friends. He loved to fix things and had a huge bag of various glues and repair tools. As the grandkids would always say when anything would need repair or a toy would be broken, "Papa Can Fix It." Paul was an avid reader and his preference was always to read a hardback book. He did eventually transition to electronic books. His reading choices would not only be fiction novels, but nonfiction, history and sports. Paul's day was never complete without spending a fair amount of time on current world affairs and political talk shows. Paul's journey to the sunset began in January, 2019 when he was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS. ALS is a horrible, unforgiving disease with no cure. Paul lived each day with HOPE. Paul tackled the challenges of this disease as only he could with courage, grace and dignity. He was always so thankful for each day and with gratitude in his heart he would say, "I made it one more day. Thank you for taking care of me." Paul's physical body became more and more compromised, but his caring, giving heart remained. When his voice became compromised, Paul did not give up on communicating. He then shared his wisdom via an electronic device. Paul was a man of great faith that has touched the lives of all that were lucky enough to know him. His insight, wisdom, compassion, grace, unconditional love and appreciation of life around him define his character and the legacy that all will remember. His motto became "Always Be Humble & Kind" and he would end many conversations with his favorite words of wisdom, "It's OK to be Good." As a "Village" we have been blessed with the gift of Family and Friends who have traveled this journey with us. Paul loved to be surrounded and enjoyed every visit. Even in his final hours, he still would smile that contagious smile that would radiate outside of the ventilator mask. Thank you for being our witness and teaching us to live life to its fullest each day. As in the words of the song, "Well Done, Well Done, My Good and Faithful One." Your mystery ship has taken you "Over the Rainbow" and beyond the sunset to life eternal. Have a Great Ride Soulmate, Dad, Papa/Gpa, Brother and Friend. Until we meet again you will be in our hearts. We Love You Bonnie, your soulmate for 45 years, your children-Nathan Dannels, Amy Dannels-McClure and Julie Casten (Nate C.), your amazing grandchildrenMo, Cade & Camille Dannels; Haley & Tobyn Casten; JonPaul & Becker McClure & Gabby Your four sisters-Paulette(John), Gloria(Joe), MaryAnn(Walter) and Barbara Jean(Wayne) and your brother Dave(Doris) Along with all of your Family and Friends who have traveled this journey with you over your lifetime. A celebration of Paul's life will be held at a future time in Castle Rock, Colorado when the world settles down and we are again able to gather in large groups. Paul's request was to follow his celebration with a RAMily "tailgate" party to include his favorite tailgate foods, margaritas, beer, wine and of course his famous "Silver Patron" shots. Memorial contributions can be made in Paul's memory to: First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Youth Group 1200 South Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Read More Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Paul Vincent Dannels