William M. Paz

We’re here today to celebrate our father, William Malachico Paz. He died last week Tuesday at the age of 77. Our father was a remarkable man. He was born into poverty on a plantation in Hawaii, the son of Filipino immigrant laborers. His opportunities were scarce; his future was limited. But with determination, hard work, and a never ceasing push for more, Bill Paz put his face on achievement. Dad never believed in limits. When he was told that a sugarcane worker couldn’t get off the plantation, he found a way. When he was told that opportunities were limited for an uneducated man, he graduated from high school and then from the University of Hawaii. When jobs were difficult to find, he found steady employment that had advancement and a career path. When Dad was told he couldn’t court our late mother, Anita Seu Wah Chang, he won her heart and married her. When Dad was told he couldn’t, he did. And he did it with flourish. Bill Paz was a man of vision. He wanted improvement for himself and his family. He was an ambitious man who worked with a passion. At first the work was just to earn his daily bread, but later the passion turned to a higher purpose. Dad was a career civil servant, serving many years with the Navy, GSA, and the FAA. He was in charge of the civilian evacuation of Vietnam during the fall of Saigon in 1974. He was later appointed to Under Secretary of the Navy. After his retirement, he became a consultant to the State Department, continuing his trips around the world. His expertise and sage council were always in demand. Dad was a generous man and always remembered his humble beginnings. He gave liberally to his church, charitable organizations, family, and to poor souls, down on their luck. Dad was quick to forgive and easy to get along with. He was a soft touch and a kind soul. Dad loved our mother and his children. He pushed education and hard work of all of us. He wanted our best efforts and excellence. He stressed family and always made a home for all of us to return to. His greatest pride was his grandsons, Michael Kestler, Jonathan Paz, and Nicholas Paz. From their births, he contributed in their future and in their education We miss you, Dad, and your love of life. Bill Paz always had a witty sense of humor and a quick laugh. Generous with stories and advice, he knew that teaching a lesson was easier with a light story and with a joke. Disarming and kind, people knew to go to him with questions and problems. It is hard to imagine a world without our Dad. But I think that he missed our mother too much to stay away. Bill Paz left this world only 54 days after his beloved Anita passed away. We’re sorry he left us so quickly, but we understand why he chose to do so. He loved you all as we loved him. He will be missed by all of us, especially my sister, Veronica Anne Ohara and her husband Mamoru; his son, Bill Paz, Jr.; Mark Paz and his wife Beth, and their sons, Jonathan and Nicholas. Dad will also be missed by his sisters Ruth Tavares-Toma, Roseline Brito, and Sally Lau. I, Lani Paz, will miss my Dad, as will m husband, Joe Kitchell, and our son, Michael Kestler. Good night Dad, and kiss Mom for all of us.