San Anselmo

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael R. Paul, who died Nov. 5th at his San Anselmo, California, home with his wife by his side. He was 79.

Michael was born March 4, 1943 in Williamsburg, Kentucky. As a young man, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was a paratrooper and radio repairman in the 101st Airborne Division. From 1971 to 1977, Michael was a track promoter at Florence Speedway at Union, Kentucky.

In 1977, Michael moved to California to raise his family. He worked for the Marin County Fire Department as a mechanic while working for a small excavation contractor in the San Geronimo Valley. In 1979, after receiving his contractor’s license, he started Michael Paul Company with a loader and dump truck and grew the company to become a very successful construction business, operating for more than 40 years.

Michael was a thrill-seeker. For decades, he enjoyed racing cars at the Petaluma Speedway and at tracks from Oregon to Las Vegas. He was a three-time racetrack champion.

Michael also enjoyed flying his airplanes and helicopter and cruising his hot rods.

He is survived by his loving wife Cathy, son Michael Jr., daughter Alison, granddaughter Bailey, and many nieces and nephews.

He will be sorely missed.