Joseph L. Paddock

Who was Joseph L. Paddock?

 

 

My dad, Joe Paddock, my inspiration to do a lot of stuff in my life like go to medical school, ski hard, work hard, keep a garden, go to church, take the high road, lead with kindness. He was a wonderful, family oriented person as you may recall. He was always able to insert intelligent humor or important insight into any conversation. I turned to him for wise advice and I admired him. He was 85 years old, but, to me, he was ageless. I feel I was a very lucky person to have him as a dad.

Karen Brazil (Paddock), Daughter 

  

Grandpa meant a smile everytime I saw him. He meant an expected squeeze of the cheek or for the girls with ponytails a quick tug. He meant the first time I heard someone call me beautiful. He meant a loving grandfather who is dearly missed. Love you forever and for always. 

Sarah Price, Granddaughter 

On one of the many grandparent visits up to our Placerville home, Grandpa had brought a special surprise for all of us boys. We all waited in suspense looking out the front window for the first peek whatever he had brought us. After we had all rushed out to meet them on the driveway we wanted to know what the big surprise was. So he pulled out a very large yellow pedal NASCAR, equipped with racing stripes and stickers. We immediately fell in love with it and would pedal around our backyard non stop. As we grew older the back yard was to easy for us so we took it out to the front of our property were the was a steep hill and we could make jumps for it and of course us as well. As you can imagine this produced great joy and in turn many wrecks which destroyed the plastic on the outside reducing it to just a metal frame with a wooden seat that we had fashioned for it. Any who, this streamlined version still was a great off-roading vehicle, which was instrumental in many more great memories. We still have the red frame with wheels (the pedals have broken) and enjoy rolling down hills with it. Thanks you Grandpa Joe for such a great toy, and so many great memories and the Placerville house.

Noah Price, Grandson

One of my best memories of Grandpa Joe were our conversations where his humor and wit brightened the discussion. He always had a great comment to add or witty remark that would make you laugh or smile. In many ways, he set the tone for how we Paddock's relate in conversation, something that is not exactly measurable but clearly influenced us all.
Kaleb Paddock, Grandson

Joe Paddock was such a blessing to our family. Since Joe and Elaine generally lived miles away from us, on the occasions we did get together, he was always gracious and friendly. Always understanding and wanting to help. When I visited California, even though Joe had great pain in his back, he insisted on giving me a wonderful tour. I will remember him for his kindness and caring whether it was in CA or Buffalo. Our last get together for his birthday celebration at the Kurt's Gardens will always be memorable to me,
Chesterine Evanisko (Chet), Cousin

Dee and I would like to extend our sympathy on the death of your dad.  Joseph Paddock was a fine man. One thing he did really impacted me. It was about 25 years ago and I was a new Christian. Joe and Elaine had invited Dee and me and another couple for dinner here in White Gate. During the dinner the phone rang and it was news about a friend of Joe and Elaine's who had a serious medical problem. Joe told us all about it and then said "Why are we just
talking about it? Let's pray right now." Then he interrupted the dinner and prayed. As a new Christian, I was stunned that this man took his faith so seriously and that it directly intersected with his every day life. I have never forgotten that lesson and have tried to follow the same pattern in my own life. Christianity is not a religion......it is a relationship with our Creator that demands that we live it out everyday in everything that we do. Joe Paddock was that kind of man. He will be sorely missed. 

Terry Thompson, Friend

Grandpa Joe believed in me. He was always interested in whatever I was up to. He came to my horse events and listened to me sing, and was always delighted when I did really well, but never surprised. "That's my girl," he would say. He was proud of me, before I had proved anything. I felt that kind of support from him as I grew up, and it helped me find the courage to try new thing or to try harder. He expected me to succeed; not that is was impossible for me to fail, but I felt his confidence in me, that ultimately I would surpass even my own expectations. This gift to me as a young girl still encourages me as an adult, and all of the more now that he is gone. I will go on trying and succeeding in his honor, and take the opportunities that God gives me and do great things with them as a memorial to my dear Grandpa Joe.
Claire Price, Granddaughter

Papa Joe is always funny at Christmas time.  Papa Joe loves his family and likes showing old movies of them.  

Joshua Paddock, Grandson, age 9

For the past three years my family and I have been going to Sea Cliff Beach with Papa Joe and Grandma Elaine. Every time we go there, Papa Joe is quietly sitting in his chair reading and listening to the sound of the waves. One time while we were on the beach, he walked over to us and asked if we wanted to fly a kite. That was the first time I had ever flown a kite. It would not be the last time. Thank you so much Papa Joe, for all those good times at the beach.

Jessica Paddock, Granddaughter, age 13

When I think of Grandpa Joe, I always remember his USA hat that he wore, the one with the American flag on it. I think I'll get one of those for myself. He was always making dry jokes about me being let out of the jail early to come to Christmas at his house, or telling old stories from, "Back in my day". He was always ready to listen to anything I had to say, and now I just wish I had said more. I think, what I will miss most about Grandpa, is not seeing him each Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love you Grandpa. Requiescat-rest in peace.

Nicholas Paddock, Grandson

Papa Joe always brought humor into every conversation. In our family we have all gotten the humor genes from him. His humor will always last on. He always was a believer in all of his grandchildren. No matter what his grandchildren were doing or interested in or thinking about he was always there to cheer us on.  Also I loved talking to him about computers. I will always remember every story he has told me about "Back in the IBM days." Papa Joe you will be missed and we will be patiently awaiting our time to be with you.

Kyle Paddock, Grandson

Whenever I think of PaPa Joe I think of how much he loved and cared for his family.  When I saw him at get-togethers he would always tug my hair gently and say, "Here comes another beautiful girl."  Then he would procede to tie my long hair in a knot.:)  When I was little and he would be sitting down he would beckon me near.  As soon as I was close enough he would grab me and tickle me until I was laughing like crazy.:)  And whatever I was doing, he wanted to hear about it.  He encouraged me in everything.  He would never give up in anything he did and he taught me to do the same.  He was very stubborn and wouldn't let anything take him down.  (I inherited his stubborn nature).:)Whenever you saw him he could make you laugh (must be that Joe Paddock humor).  Wherever we went he was always teaching me something.  He was full of knowledge and love.  He was proud of his whole Paddock family and I know he loved us all with an endless love.  I love you and miss you, Grandpa.

Alicia Paddock, Granddaughter