It's with heavy heart I write this. News of Brian's passing nearly broke me. I met Brian when we both had just moved to the Dallas area when we were 13 years old. From that day on I had the best of best friends. He was always there, always picked up the phone or just showing up. We've lived a thousand miles apart for most of the years yet we always found the time to get together or at least talk. 

Now to Brian. We've had a life together albeit too short. I love you like a brother and you will be sorely missed.

The flyover performed by T-6 Texans from Training Airwing Four where Brian spent many years as a flight instructor.

This is the US Navy flight crew that performed the flyover for Brian’s burial service. Brian flew more than 3,000 hours instructing future Naval Aviators, ensuring our Navy and our nation’s defense would be strong.

Brian was my friend and one of a handful who will leave such an unfillable hole.
We met through our boys in youth sports as coaches.  Those boys have grown into fine young men because he was such a great father.
I am honored to have called him my friend.  
I am proud that he knows Jesus Christ as his savior. 
I am better for having known Brian K Paul.

Brian’s Navy BIO at the conclusion of his command tour. Courtesy of Jim Allen.

Brian as Commanding Officer. Courtesy of Jim Allen.

This is Brian’s biography from the 2009 Change of Command program when Brian passed the reigns of VT-27 Squadron Augment Unit over to me.

This is from the 2009 Change of Command program when Brian passed the reigns of VT-27 Squadron Augment Unit over to me.

You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. A true friend and mentor. Always a pleasure to be around. It deeply saddens us that you were taken to soon. May you rest in peace in the glory of God's kingdom in heaven.

This is rather hard for me to do...as I've known Brian my whole life.  How can this be?   Well, his m other Joyce is my beloved first cousin, daughter of my Aunt Dee, my dad's sister.  The last time I saw Brian was at least 23 years ago when he stopped by our house in Moline, IL where I lived with my dad as I care gave him, a stroke victim.  It was a short but pleasant visit as I remember we had rented a water vac in our lower level, open basement where a pipe at burst behind the drywall due to a hose not being detached at the outside faucet, freezing and causing breakage.  So, those two events are simultaneous in my mind as I remember conversing in our lower level, although I don't remember the conversation.  Wyatt may have been a baby at the time, and I don't remember what occasion brought Brian into town, except that perhaps his grandmother, my Aunt Dee, still lived in Moline.  I don't remember what year she moved to Texas, but it could have been the summer of 2003, the year my dad died (hat May) that I drove down to Oklahoma with three of my aunt's friends to visit her and also, of course, Joyce and Norval at the farm house.  It was a fun and memorable trip.

Back to Brian....the one thing that stands out in my my about Brian is that he was always smiling.  I remember running into the Paul family (not literally, but we were each in our cars, me with my parents whom I was visiting)...and there was baby Brian (maybe about a year), grinning from ear to ear.  Always smiling...I don't ever remember him being unhappy, even though I know he can be and is serious sometimes.  Anyway, he had the most pleasant disposition of any baby I've ever seen!  

So, that was Brian's disposition...a happy and contended person.  Not that he didn't have his challenges for which to trust the Lord...I'm sure there were many.  And, as Joyce and I are the same age, and she was adopted at about the age of five, we have been close ever since.  I think I've run out of room, so thank you!

Brian was my brother Phil's best friend for several decades so we knew him for years.  He was one of a handful of people that we felt was part of our family.  He could walk through the front door without knocking and nobody would think twice about it.  He led a more interesting and exciting life than the rest of us and I always enjoyed hearing what he was up to.  You'll be missed Brian, thanks for being such a good friend to my brother.

Joyce, We are so sorry for the loss of your son.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
  Kelly and Debbie Patterson

I’m so sorry to hear that Brian has passed. It’s been over 20 years since our time working together in VT-28.  I remember Brian as an exceptional pilot but more importantly as a wonderful person who was always happy and upbeat doing what he loved.  My condolences to Ginger and family.

The house of Pablo is strong!  You taught me and my roommate how to fly, how to be officers.  Thank you Brian for your friendship and mentorship.  I retired a Commander and now am the Chief Pilot for the state of Texas.  Tony Chavez  who was also your onwing in this picture is a Captain and 3rd Fleet CSO….you taught us well my friend.  Rest in peace your legacy lives on.

Dea Paul family and friends, 

My name is Ted Cossette, I was one of Paul's instructor pilots at HSL-40, and then later at HSL-48 his Air Boss on our six-month cruise around South America.  I spent many, many hours flying with Paul, he was a great student and later a great stick.  I lost track back in 96 or so, when I transferred out. 

I liked him a great deal.  I got word of his passing through the NHA pipeline.  I'm very sorry for your loss.  We lost a great man, friend, and Patriot.  Praying for all of you.  
Fair winds and following Seas

Very Respectfully,  
"Uncle Ted"  
tedcossette2002@yahoo.com

Courtney informed me before I went on a long run this afternoon. It’s amazing where your mind goes, thinking of his life along the way. God speed my brother!

Allison, I'm so sorry for the passing of your brother. I know how much he meant to you.  I will keep his soul, Rion, your mother and you in my prayers.  I'm here if you need me. May God keep you during this difficult time.

I’m grateful for Brian’s friendship  over many years.  He and I were junior pilots together on our first deployment thirty years ago.  We flew together in two squadrons.  I watched with pride his successful career in the Navy and CBP.  As good as a Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and Officer he was, he was a better person and friend.  Brian took a genuine interest in everyone he met.  Anyone who knew him more than a day considered him a friend.   He loved sharing sea stories and making people laugh.  He’ll be profoundly missed.  I take consolation knowing Brian as a man of strong faith and his close relationship with our Lord.  Deepest condolences to Ginger, Wyatt, Garret, and all of his family.

I had the privilege to care for Brian this summer. With his charismatic presence shining through at all times, one would hardly know the battle he was fighting. Especially with the matched energy, of his warrior wife, Ginger at his side. Brian has affected my life forever in a moment. May God receive him with open arms,  Novie.

I am deeply saddened by his passing. Brian was an amazing director at the Albuquerque Customs Office. Brian was my boss as well as my friend. Brian wanted to make a difference, and he truly cared about his people.  Many prayers to Ginger, the boys, and his family. God bless sailor and blue skies.

Brian and I flew together while at VT-28 in Corpus Christi.  He was a superb pilot and outstanding gentleman.  I am very grieved to hear of his passing and tremendously grateful for his life and friendship.

May God heal the hearts of his wife Ginger, his two sons Wyatt and Garrett, and his entire family. +

Joe Whalen

Brian, I will always cherish our friendship and brotherhood. You always gave selflessly and loved unconditionally. I will be here for Ginger and the boys. Godspeed my Friend!

I am extremely saddened by Brain's passing. I have wonderful memories serving under his leadership while at CBP Albuquerque.
He was the only other former "Navy Guy" in the building, which meant lots of sea-stories.'
My prayers go out to Ginger, the boys, and the rest of his family.

OBITUARY

CAPT Brian K. Paul

August 10, 1968 – September 1, 2024

Johnson's Funeral Home

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