Paul Majot Lau

Growing up, Paul was a talented athlete. At Elston High School, he was the center for the football team. He also ran track and excelled on the swim team. He also enjoyed one of his first jobs working as a lifeguard at Washington Park on Lake Michigan.

Graduating from high school, Paul like many his age was drawn to help his country. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps and spent 12 years of dedicated service to our country. He was honored to be part of the flight crew for Marine One, the presidential helicopter squadron for both, President Ford and President Carter.

After his honorable discharge, Paul spent several years working for General Instruments and Crosfield Electronics in Chicago. Eventually, settling his family in Grand Rapids, Paul worked for DuPont and Heidelberg as a software Technician before moving on to CSN Manufacturing, and ultimately ended up at Alliance Beverage working in warehouse operations. He enjoyed staying busy, and also had two fun jobs. He worked for Staffing, Inc. as the parking director for LMCU Ballpark where he was in charge of traffic direction for the Whitecaps games in the summer. He was head ticket taker at Van Andel Arena for all their events especially Griffins hockey games.

On June 1, 1985, Paul was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Irene Grimm. Together, they raised their two daughters. Education was important to Paul so he took an active role in the Northview Schools as a booster member. He wanted to make sure all the kids had the support they needed to succeed. Friday night Football games you would find him grilling up Wildcat burgers at the food concession.

He was known for his Jeep that was decked out in Marine Corps regalia. They say once a Marine always a Marine, and this was true Paul. He supported all veterans, but whenever he spotted a fellow Marine they were instant friends. He even had the nickname “The Sarge” after his rank in the service.

Paul had a real talent for rescuing strays. Cats and dogs gravitated to Paul. He was a pet whisperer in every sense. Cats would walk on leashes and dogs would retrieve on command with his gentle training and patient way. Mac and Chance will miss their human.

Paul loved to work and his “fun jobs” were his hobbies. It was in June of 2021, that his life took a dramatic twist while working his fun job at the ballpark. After suffering a medical emergency, the instant actions of those in proximity, were able to save Paul’s life. After weeks of touch and go, Paul surprised all with a miraculous recovery. His journey of strength and perseverance, and the heroism from those involved made Paul the third most inspiring story of 2021 for Grand Rapids on Wood TV 8 this past year.

The devoted husband, loving father, caring son and loyal friend will be missed for his dry sense of humor, his work ethic, and his love for his family and country. Semper Fi.

Paul is survived by his wife of 36 years, Irene, his daughters Corina (Brian) Wiles and Katie (Anthony Rendak) Lau; his mother Mary-Lynn Lau-Schaaf; his step-father Richard Schaaf; his siblings: David (Charla) Lau, Jr., Matthew Lau and Amy (Kevin Herzberg) Lau-Herzberg, Christine (Kurt Meyer) Schaaf-Meyer and Libby (Salvatore Fahey) Schaaf and 9 nieces and nephews, 2 brothers in-law & sisters in-law, great nieces & nephews (“Don’t take my blankee Uncle Paul”) and dozens of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father David, Sr. in 1998 and his brother Andrew Lau in 2004.

Cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held followed by burial at Quantico National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled and announced in the spring once it’s safer to congregate in larger groups.

In memory of Paul, memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or Marine Corps League in Stafford, VA.