Paul N. Kelpin

Paul began his life on May 19, 1930. An adventurous boy, he grew up hunting and fishing in the hills, river bottoms, creeks, and lakes of Chula Vista, National City and Bonita. His love of the outdoors continued throughout his life. He was an avid sportsman, a real man’s man. He passed this love of the outdoors down to his son, grandsons and great grandchildren. Paul was a great lover of animals and had many dogs throughout his life, but none as dear to him as his German Shorthair Pointer “Fritz” which accompanied him on many hunting trips.

Paul attended Sweetwater High School where he lettered in track and played football; graduating with the class of 1948. Paul landed his first job as a butcher’s assistant when he was 13 years old. His strong work ethic carried him through many jobs as a young man, and he eventually settled into a career with Pacific Bell Phone Company. He began his career as an installer and retired as a buildings supervisor after 34 years of dedicated service.

Retirement did not slow him down but merely catapulted him into countless new endeavors. Paul became the president of the South County Senior Softball league and held the position for two decades. He also served on the San Diego County Grand Jury for a year. Paul coached his great grandchildren’s little league teams at Sweetwater Valley and instilled a love of the game in them. One of his proudest accomplishments was to serve as a Fish and Game Commissioner of the Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee. In this capacity he worked to promote conservation so that future generations could continue to enjoy the outdoors for years to come. He was instrumental in the re-opening of Sweetwater Reservoir for recreational fishing, which he was delighted to see accomplished during his lifetime.

Paul was dedicated to providing for his family and making the world a better place for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was in the business world, the local political scene, the sports field or the great outdoors Paul was a hard worker, devoted to his family, fiercely loyal, very sociable and always ready with a humorous quip or story.

Paul was very proud to be a GREAT-grandfather and would correct you if you did not acknowledge it. He never met a stranger, and he was “Grandpa” to all who knew him. The highest compliment you could pay to Paul would be to tell him that he took care of his family and his friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his son Steven Norman Kelpin, brother Gerald Kelpin, Mother Bobbie Kelpin and father Ed Kelpin.

He leaves behind his wife Diana of 64 years, his brother Marvin Kelpin, daughter Paula Coffey, granddaughter Deanna Carey (Sean Carey), grandson Damon Coffey (Monica Coffey) and 9 GREAT grandchildren: Evan Carey, Liam Carey, Susanna Carey, Christine Carey, Abigail Carey, Madeline Carey, Paul Carey, Caleb Coffey and Luke Coffey. His absence has left a huge hole in our lived. We will miss you Grandpa, no one could ever take your place.