Please accept my condolences to the Omi family. My name is Doug Dringoli and Mr Omi was my gymnastics coach from 1980-1984 at Naperville North H.S.
I had always hoped of reconnecting with him to tell him what a great influence he was during my time there.

Mr Omi pulled me aside as I struggled through volleyball PE at NNHS.  I was a skinny geeky kid who never did anything athletic.  He said I should try out for pommel horse on the gymnastics team because I had long arms, and changed my life.  He had a instinctual understanding of biomechanics and a knack for teaching perfect fundamentals.   The quest for that “perfect circle” was the basis for all tricks leading me to a 2nd place NCAA finish on pommel horse in 1991, and first place big 10 finish in 1992.  

He had a calm thoughtful demeanor even as he brought hundreds of high school upstarts to their knees with his ultra crazy painful finger holds lol.  He was the definition of cool. 

Coach Omi was a major influence in shaping the direction of my life. As my varsity gymnastics coach at Lyons Township High School from 1972-73, he taught me lessons that have proven vital over the past 50 years. His were lessons in the value of perseverance and staying focused; of working harder than you ever have before--especially if it was on something that had initially come too easily for you; and most important, he showed us by his own stellar example how to move through the world with humility, a quiet grace, and a determination to achieve undeniable excellence wherever and whenever possible. That over his career he helped thousands of young athletes pursue their dreams is a stellar achievement, and a hallmark of the life of a true champion of the human spirit. Thank you, Coach Omi, for all of it. May you rest in eternal peace.

Coach Omi was a huge positive influence on me and I am so appreciative of all he gave.  Back in the early 80's he asked if I wanted to come out for the gymnastics team during PE at NNHS.  I had done track the previous Spring but thought it would be great to try something different.  It was.  Coach Omi taught us about envisioning our success, enabling it through practice/repetition and preparation through flexibility and strength training.  He helped us build a great team mentality where we supported each other.   I remember many moments waiting in a line with the guys waiting to take our turn on the pommel horse and coach at our sides helping us with our skills and tips.  I also remember him still being so strong and skilled - he was clearly a master at his craft of gymnastics and teaching - a true role model man who built our confidence and led with a smile.  To the Omi family you will be in my thoughts over the days ahead.

Mr. Omi was one of the nicest teachers. I was in his classes in the 80's and still can remember specific acts of kindness.I am so sorry to hear of his death. He made high school a much more pleasant experience for so many. His kindness may have come naturally but it made such a difference.

-Donna Kouri

Hi Sue.  I don't know if you remember me from IAHPERD, but I remember you and Paul.  I was very sorry to hear of his passing.  I enjoyed talking gymnastics with him as I have been judging over 30 years.  I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.  Sincerely, Hilary Carlson

I was fortunate as a young teacher to be around Paul.  His forward thinking always challenged me and it still does to this day.  He is a true “Huskie” and will forever be a part of North!

We are so sorry to hear about Paul's passing.  So many fond memories of Paul  as a teacher and a coach.  His dedication to young people who were his gymnasts and track athletes spanned four decades and countless relationships.   I will miss our fishing trips and our storytelling while sitting in the boat in Canada.  Funny how much you can learn from someone whose desk is right next to yours.  A most insightful man.  Rest in peace Omison.

So sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man and will be missed by all. 

I was sorry to hear of Paul's passing.  I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.  

Uncle Paul was incredibly kind and dear. From the time that I was a little girl to the present; he always listened and cared. It was always nice to get his perspective and sound advice. He was also fun.  I was always impressed by his great coaching and his great success with the athletes that he helped shape. He will always be very much loved. My prayers are with him and all who love him. 

Dear Sue and Family,
Jimmy and family,

We are so sad to hear of Paul’s passing. He was such a devoted husband, dad, grandfather and wonderful coach. Our families (Oyama and Omi) go back through wartime shared incarceration, during WW II, to coming to Chicago, rebuilding their lives, raising children, and sharing a deep Christian faith. We were neighbors, on Kenmore Avenue for seven years; our moms shopped together with Mrs. Ken Yamada.  We all, and  our children, remained connected through their church, ours, Rev. Hibino’s church  and shared summer Camp Lake Chi-Ko! 

Paul was a bit of a rascal when younger, hung out with my twin, Peter,  Paul, Bob and older Kenmore Ave. Yamada boys. As he grew older, through sports, faith, family role-models, Paul developed into the quietly confident, disciplined, humble,   disciplined, compassionate and mature professional mentor of youth,  to his own children and others. He did this joyfully, with the same great sense of humor, wonderful smile, devotion and twinkle in his eyes as his Mom, Betty, and with the steadfast loyalty and humility of his dad, Fred. I would run into Danny and Paul, later, while visiting his dad after his mom died. It was wonderful to share some Oyama New Year celebrations with you, Paul, and some of your family after  “Mr. Omi”passed.  We’re comforted that Paul, your dad/granddad  lives eternally in Heaven, reunited with Danny, Dwight, his parents and LORD and Savior, Jesus, as well as  in our hearts and memories. Paul lived faithfully, joyfully, and lovingly and Reiko/Doug and my family and Oyama’s hold you all in our prayers for God’s comfort and Perfect Peace. 
His word says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
With  deepest sympathy,
Aiko Yamada 
(Lillian Oyama)


The most kind and gentle soul that we have ever met. It was an honor to have known such an amazing man. Our thoughts and prayers are with The Omi Family. 
With love The Quintana Family. 


Sue and Family,

Steve and I were saddened to hear of Paul's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

Judy Latman

Our deepest sympathy to you and your wonderful family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Our fondest memories of sweet Paul are his wonderful kind and thoughtful manners and his great big smile always. He will be missed. R.I.P. Paul

Sue- It saddens me so to hear of Paul's passing. I have such fond memories of meeting you in Chicago followed by your and Paul's visit to Maine and sharing lobsters at our house. We found such a common thread and were put together at that time. 
Joe and I send our love and support to you during this time. Be well, my friend!  

I always enjoyed lunch with Sue and Paul, sitting at the kitchen table and catching up.  He was so generous to share his home with the ladies who would come and craft with Sue.

Ellen … I still remember one night when we were in high school and we were sitting around the kitchen table at your house.  Your dad stepped out for #1 and didn’t close the bathroom door.  Your mom was so embarrassed and commented that the sound of him using the bathroom was so loud. Then someone said “at least he isn’t tall” and we all got a good laugh!

Today I honor this great man. Coach Paul Omi not only taught me about gymnastics, but how to coach. My coaching style follows his - fun-filled, encouraging, disciplined and knowledgeable. He built confidence in the people he coached, certainly in me. One memory is when I was just learning a double back off of still rings and I asked him to spot me. He said he’d be right there, so I proceeded to go. When I landed it just fine he was still standing in the same place as when I had called him, laughing. He said “I didn’t think you’d go Lovett!” I will often let my athletes “go” when I know they’re ready and able, wanting them to realize what I already knew … they’re ready.  Much later in life I was absolutely thrilled to meet up with Coach again. Not on the gym floor, but on the pole vault runway. God had orchestrated our lives in such a way that we both ended up coaching gymnastics and then pole vault. I ran into him at several high school state meets. He was officiating at the pits and I was there with both my daughters, and also with other girls that I have coached. It was such a pleasure to introduce my girls to “the man who taught me how to coach”. I am thankful that I was able to tell Paul in person what an impact he had on me. He has left a legacy and great memories. What a great coach, what a great man. Thank you Paul Omi.   Sue, not sure if you get to read these, but Paul touched so many lives. Thanks for sharing 😊

That great smile, those kind eyes & subtle laugh, that’s what we are going to miss.  Paul was truly a gentleman. It was plain to see that he & Sue were soulmates.  Rest easy.   We will miss you greatly Paul. 

I met Paul as a member of the Board of Directors of the HOA we both live in.  I was always impressed by his devotion to helping others - especially pole vaulters!  Though I was never a recipient of this I can easily imagine that his knowledge and demeaner would be of great benefit to the athlete.
I hope that Sue and all those who loved him find some solace in the knowledge that he was genuinely a decent man - something to be admired. 

Sue and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you on Paul's passing.   Paul and Sue are part of the Camp Tsukara family.  Paul was an excellent coach and will be missed by many.
Kathy Krebs

Paul and his family (the Omis) were part of my our childhood including his parents and grandparents.  Paul and his brothers were part of part of church, Japanese-American activities and just family friendships.  Paul and his brothers also shared in Camp Lake Chi-Ko activities and Paul’s children with my children.  I will miss Paul’s sense of humor which he had since early childhood.  You could always count on some prank if Paul was around.  As we grew older, Paul’s humor and love of children and athletics was evident as he became a coach.  I will miss his gentle soul and humor.  
Paul- you made a world a better place and now you will be missed just as the Oyama’s miss all the other Omi family members!  Much love to Sue and your children.

Hichan

Vince and I were so sorry to see that Paul had died.  We so enjoyed our times with Paul and Sue when we were neighbors.  Our sympathy to the Omi family.


I shared office space at Lyons Township High School South Campus with Paul in the PE Dept. He was such a quiet man and so kind. I will never forget how he could press up to a handstand from the floor onto his desk. He was a good gymnastics coach and great colleague. I'm so sorry that he's gone. ~ Carol Marasovich, Retired LTPE

Rest In Peace, dear precious Paul.🙏🏻 Our family will never be the same without you, but all the wonderful times we have shared will be such beautiful loving memories!  I know you and my Steve are now in a place of eternal joy and happiness together.  With much love, Judy
Bundren 

OBITUARY

Paul Motoyuki Omi

January 9, 1947 – September 2, 2021

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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