Paul E. Laos

Paul Ernest Laos Jr. Age 85 passed peacefully on April 14th, 2016. Paul was a loving father of 4 sons: Paul Laos 3rd, Jett Alex, Fred Laos, and Matthew Laos. Paul was born on February 16th, 1931 in Guadalajara Mexico the son of Paul and Amelia Laos both from Tucson Arizona. His father and mother were both Tucsonans from pioneer roots and his Father went to Mexico to work for the Southern Pacific railroad where Paul was born. Paul's younger siblings were Art (d 2012) and Tony and both were later born in Tucson. His mother Amelia Pacheco Laos was from the historic Pacheco family which operated Ranches in Southern Arizona that originated from historic Land Grants from the King of Spain. Paul ultimately grew up in a loving household in Tucson always near his 2 loving aunts Pauline and Minnie Pacheco too. Paul attended school at St Peter & Paul and he always fondly remembered serving Masses as an Altar boy at the Benedictine Convent. Paul was a classically trained violinist by the age of 6 and later loved to play Piano around Tucson in bands. His best friend from childhood and adulthood was Mike Borozan a Tucson educator and later City Councilman. Paul attended Tucson High School graduating in the class of 1949 and he went onto attend classes at the University of Arizona studying Political Science and Pre-Law. He left school and enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War serving as an Infantryman with the 31st Regimental Combat Team (Polar Bears). He returned home from the Korean War and returned to school part time. He worked several jobs until he began serving as a Principal assistant to Pima County Chair and DNC Committeman Frank Minarik. He worked on State Party issues and ultimately served as a Arizona Delegate to the Democratic Party in Los Angeles helping to nominate John F Kennedy for President. After the election of JFK, Paul spent time working in Washington DC gaining valuable experiences until he returned to Tucson. Next, he worked as an aide to the State Examiner and former Arizona Governor Dan Garvey helping to audit Arizona County governments throughout the State. Later, Paul was asked to serve as the Town Manager for South Tucson for several years. He was credited with bringing real professionalism to the town and beginning it's first low cost housing projects. Then, Paul was recruited to become the President of Rural Development Corporation in Los Angeles, a Non-Profit providing affordable low cost housing throughout California, the United States and some projects Overseas. In the late 70s, Paul was recruited to run as a candidate for the LA City Council against longtime Incumbent John Ferraro. While unsuccessful, he championed needed changes to LA city government. He continued on as President of RDC, until later he decided to go into into Private Contracting throughout LA for several years. Then, he and his wife Bonnie, both fluent in Spanish started a successful private business in Los Angeles which served the growing interpreting needs of Major Insurance companies. It provided Professional Interpreting services and many jobs for people throughout Southern California in over 100 languages. Throughout his many years in Los Angeles, Paul always loved entertaining family and friends at his Home in LA. He lived in the historic Hancock Park neighborhood. He was an accomplished pilot who flew often out of Santa Monica Airport. He enjoyed visiting the Marina and learned to Sail proficiently too. His annual New Years Eve party in LA became a real tradition bringing together neighbors, friends, employees, clients and family for many years. He finally retired to a quiet retirement in Tucson to just enjoy his family and Grandchildren. Paul is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Jean Vaughan Laos, his sons Paul (w Karen), Jett (w Holly), Fred (w Tracy), and Matthew and his loving brother Tony (w Andra) and his loving grandchildren Nick, Jacque, Justin, West, Chase, Vaughan and Lake. Funeral Services at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church at (1946 E. Lee Street) on Saturday April 23rd, at 9:30 AM. Reception to follow.