Paul Alan Fahey

life story

Paul's Life Was All About Giving

As a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia, Paul began a lifelong quest to help others. As the author of his newspaper obituary observed, "Paul must have visited the land of Oz at one time, because, like the Lion, Tinman, and Strawman, he had a kind and loving heart, and the courage and the brains to carry out his acts of love."

A Legacy of Kindness, Creativity, Love & Hugs

Paul was a writer, a teacher, a wise counselor to countless college students and a joyful presence in the lives of many. Friends described him as a "mentor, mensch, and all-around kind man."

He spent his early childhood in San Francisco's South Bay area and graduated from Barstow (CA) High School in 1963. He went on to earn an undergrad degree in sociology, a master's from DePaul University in Chicago, and a doctorate in special education from the University of San Francisco.

Beginning with a three-year stint in the Peace Corps, his dedication to helping others became evident. He made such an impression that the government of Ethiopia contracted with him to spend an extra year there. The Peace Corps was the first of many experiences he enjoyed while learning and participating in other cultures. One of Paul's greatest skills was in making life-long friends in these many venues. Once a friend, always a friend.

He taught and advised at the college level for nearly 40 years, finishing his career as a professor at Alan Hancock College in Santa Maria, CA. There, he established a learning disabilities curriculum and founded "Mindprints: A Literary Journal," an award- winning forum for writers and artists with disabilities.

Writing was Paul's passion, and he was an active participant in the California Central Coast writing community. He won many awards for his publications over the years, including the prestigious Rainbow Award for "The Other Man" and for a writing reference, "The Long and Short of It." He published 27 novellas and many short stories.

Paul also compiled and edited "Equality: What Do You Think About When You Think of Equality?", a compendium of compelling essays by renowned authors whom he recruited for the project.

Paul was pre-deceased by his mother, Mary Eileen Nugent, who was the protagonist in his short stories over the years. Shortly before his death, his hybrid work of memoir, fiction and poetry was released, telling the story of his special relationship with his mother.

Paul passed away in Nipomo, CA, five weeks before his 73rd birthday after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his husband, Robert Franks, with whom he shared 41 wonderful years, along with their gaggle of Shelties, lovingly called "The Kids."

Paul's friends and colleagues celebrated his life November 18, 2017, at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.