[Geysers] Paul Strasser

[greg walljasper]

  My first trip to Yellowstone in the early 80's I believe it was, I  happened to meet Paul and Thomas V at a late evening Great Fountain eruption.  His knowledge and enthusiasm for geysers was quite apparent.  He was very generous in sharing that knowledge and enthusiasm to the completely ignorant newbie that I was at the time.
  Of course he was there on many of my visits to Yellowstone.
  Not having been to the park for years recently, I was unaware of Paul's recent struggle.
  Suzanne, I had to read that opening sentence of your letter three times to comprehend it. The first reading might as well  have been Greek. It made no sense.
  I find it personally surprising just how many feelings that your letter released in me, considering that to my mind we were fleeting acquaintances more than friends.  I suppose that speaks to the quality of his personality.

Greg Walljasper
  
On May 20, 2013, at 9:27 AM, MA Bellingham <mabdepot at msn.com> wrote:

> Whether or not you knew Paul personally, his knowledge was obvious and his brilliant humor also often came through in his many posts to the listserve.
> 
> Sometimes it was slightly hidden but if you did know him, it was there!  Even a seemingly simple reply about geyser activity could cause me to chuckle out loud!!  Future researchers who read every post from the inception of the listserve will undoubtedly get to know Paul and will not only learn a great deal about the progression of understanding of geyser behaviors, but his wit and personality will come through and live on! 
> 
> There is one 'Paul-ism' post in particular that I quote... often!  I will do some research and see if I can find it in the archives. 
> 
> Yellowstone and geyser gazing is a better place because of Paul and Suzanne.  In recent years, from the progression of slowed speech, to slower walking, to huge rental vans and wheelchairs, it was so apparent that Suzanne and Paul needed to continue their Yellowstone trips.
> 
> Suzanne made it happen, for him.  I salute your love and dedication, Suzanne, and grieve with you and yours.  
> 
> RIP Paul
> 
> MA   
> 
> M.A. Bellingham
> mabdepot at msn.com
> 
> 
> From: sjstrasser at comcast.net
> To: Geysers at lists.wallawalla.edu
> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 17:18:13 -0600
> Subject: [Geysers] Paul Strasser
> 
> Dear friends,
>  
> I am so sorry to have to tell you that Paul passed away yesterday, after a 3-year long battle with ALS.  It is much consolation to the family that he passed peacefully and was spared dealing with the end stages of the disease.  On the other hand, it was still a shock to us.  He had been fairly stable until Monday, and then suddenly went downhill fast.
>  
> He and I appreciated the friendships we formed with you in the geyser basins, and I will always treasure the memories.
>  
> We have a vacation in Yellowstone planned for July 20-28, and I am hoping we can have a memorial get together in remembrance of Paul for friends that are there.  Something upbeat to remember all the good times we had.  And I do also hope to be there for Labor Day weekend to raise a glass for Paul at the wine and cheese party.
>  
> I hope he is looking down on us all to witness many eruptions of Morning, Giant, Fan and Mortar, Splendid, Steamboat, Grand... and many, many more.
>  
> With much love,
> Suzanne
> 
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