Paul was born in Albia, Iowa June 25, 1927, the fifth child of Oscar and Blanche (Taylor) Tedford. In 1932, the Tedford family was forced to move to a farm outside the town that had no electricity or running water. Paul's greatest accomplishment during the farm years was to help his father build the family barn at the tender age of 10 years old. Walking the two miles on a country gravel road to the one room country school house before other students arrived to get the pot belly stove fired up to heat the school was also a responsibility he enjoyed. Paul was always first in his class during the country school house years. Often, he forgot to mention that he was the only student in his class.
At seventeen years, Paul attempted to join the Navy without his parent's permission. Later, and with his father's permission, he was able to join the war effort in the Pacific. Seaman First Class Tedford served on the USS Catskill LSV-1 for the duration of his service in the Navy.
After the war, Paul was able to attend college on the GI bill and graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa. Upon graduation from Central, Paul began his professional career with the YMCA in Des Moines, Iowa; Springfield, Massachusetts; Galveston, Texas and finally, Wilmington, Delaware. He embraced the Y values of "body, mind and spirit" and was known as "Mr. YMCA" in Wilmington. He was a true inspiration to the many who came to know him at the Y always giving encouragement and genuine support to live a healthy, balanced life.
Over the years, Paul accomplished many physical goals including: running in three marathons, joining the Biking Blue Hens of Delaware to do eight RAGBRAI biking tours of Iowa, and numerous biking vacations: Canadian Rockies, Nova Scotia, Provence, France, Dordogne region France, and Tuscany, Italy to name a few. On his 70th birthday, Paul rode his bike up Mt Ventoux in France, noted for a difficult ride on the Tour de France, and finished ahead of his younger companion. Hiking the 14K foot mountains of Colorado with friends brought him much satisfaction.
In addition to his vocation and advocation for being physically fit and leading a well-balanced lifestyle, Paul also volunteered to support numerous causes to help others in need. Over the years, he mentored young students, served on the ContactLifeline Suicide Prevention hotline, and most recently, The St Paul's Cathedral Showers of Blessings project. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Patricia; two daughters, Ann Tedford and Jane Tedford Walter (Darryl); stepson, Jeremy Gercke (Calina) and four grand-children: Kyle, Lela & Hannah Walter and Joseph Gercke.
Paul will be remembered for his kind spirit, gentle nature, and caring support for all whose lives he touched.
(www.dignitymemorial.com)
At seventeen years, Paul attempted to join the Navy without his parent's permission. Later, and with his father's permission, he was able to join the war effort in the Pacific. Seaman First Class Tedford served on the USS Catskill LSV-1 for the duration of his service in the Navy.
After the war, Paul was able to attend college on the GI bill and graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa. Upon graduation from Central, Paul began his professional career with the YMCA in Des Moines, Iowa; Springfield, Massachusetts; Galveston, Texas and finally, Wilmington, Delaware. He embraced the Y values of "body, mind and spirit" and was known as "Mr. YMCA" in Wilmington. He was a true inspiration to the many who came to know him at the Y always giving encouragement and genuine support to live a healthy, balanced life.
Over the years, Paul accomplished many physical goals including: running in three marathons, joining the Biking Blue Hens of Delaware to do eight RAGBRAI biking tours of Iowa, and numerous biking vacations: Canadian Rockies, Nova Scotia, Provence, France, Dordogne region France, and Tuscany, Italy to name a few. On his 70th birthday, Paul rode his bike up Mt Ventoux in France, noted for a difficult ride on the Tour de France, and finished ahead of his younger companion. Hiking the 14K foot mountains of Colorado with friends brought him much satisfaction.
In addition to his vocation and advocation for being physically fit and leading a well-balanced lifestyle, Paul also volunteered to support numerous causes to help others in need. Over the years, he mentored young students, served on the ContactLifeline Suicide Prevention hotline, and most recently, The St Paul's Cathedral Showers of Blessings project. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Patricia; two daughters, Ann Tedford and Jane Tedford Walter (Darryl); stepson, Jeremy Gercke (Calina) and four grand-children: Kyle, Lela & Hannah Walter and Joseph Gercke.
Paul will be remembered for his kind spirit, gentle nature, and caring support for all whose lives he touched.
(www.dignitymemorial.com)
Paul was born in Albia, Iowa June 25, 1927, the fifth child of Oscar and Blanche (Taylor) Tedford. In 1932, the Tedford family was forced to move to a farm outside the town that had no electricity or running water. Paul's greatest accomplishment during the farm years was to help his father build the family barn at the tender age of 10 years old. Walking the two miles on a country gravel road to the one room country school house before other students arrived to get the pot belly stove fired up to heat the school was also a responsibility he enjoyed. Paul was always first in his class during the country school house years. Often, he forgot to mention that he was the only student in his class.
At seventeen years, Paul attempted to join the Navy without his parent's permission. Later, and with his father's permission, he was able to join the war effort in the Pacific. Seaman First Class Tedford served on the USS Catskill LSV-1 for the duration of his service in the Navy.
After the war, Paul was able to attend college on the GI bill and graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa. Upon graduation from Central, Paul began his professional career with the YMCA in Des Moines, Iowa; Springfield, Massachusetts; Galveston, Texas and finally, Wilmington, Delaware. He embraced the Y values of "body, mind and spirit" and was known as "Mr. YMCA" in Wilmington. He was a true inspiration to the many who came to know him at the Y always giving encouragement and genuine support to live a healthy, balanced life.
Over the years, Paul accomplished many physical goals including: running in three marathons, joining the Biking Blue Hens of Delaware to do eight RAGBRAI biking tours of Iowa, and numerous biking vacations: Canadian Rockies, Nova Scotia, Provence, France, Dordogne region France, and Tuscany, Italy to name a few. On his 70th birthday, Paul rode his bike up Mt Ventoux in France, noted for a difficult ride on the Tour de France, and finished ahead of his younger companion. Hiking the 14K foot mountains of Colorado with friends brought him much satisfaction.
In addition to his vocation and advocation for being physically fit and leading a well-balanced lifestyle, Paul also volunteered to support numerous causes to help others in need. Over the years, he mentored young students, served on the ContactLifeline Suicide Prevention hotline, and most recently, The St Paul's Cathedral Showers of Blessings project. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Patricia; two daughters, Ann Tedford and Jane Tedford Walter (Darryl); stepson, Jeremy Gercke (Calina) and four grand-children: Kyle, Lela & Hannah Walter and Joseph Gercke.
Paul will be remembered for his kind spirit, gentle nature, and caring support for all whose lives he touched.
(www.dignitymemorial.com)
At seventeen years, Paul attempted to join the Navy without his parent's permission. Later, and with his father's permission, he was able to join the war effort in the Pacific. Seaman First Class Tedford served on the USS Catskill LSV-1 for the duration of his service in the Navy.
After the war, Paul was able to attend college on the GI bill and graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa. Upon graduation from Central, Paul began his professional career with the YMCA in Des Moines, Iowa; Springfield, Massachusetts; Galveston, Texas and finally, Wilmington, Delaware. He embraced the Y values of "body, mind and spirit" and was known as "Mr. YMCA" in Wilmington. He was a true inspiration to the many who came to know him at the Y always giving encouragement and genuine support to live a healthy, balanced life.
Over the years, Paul accomplished many physical goals including: running in three marathons, joining the Biking Blue Hens of Delaware to do eight RAGBRAI biking tours of Iowa, and numerous biking vacations: Canadian Rockies, Nova Scotia, Provence, France, Dordogne region France, and Tuscany, Italy to name a few. On his 70th birthday, Paul rode his bike up Mt Ventoux in France, noted for a difficult ride on the Tour de France, and finished ahead of his younger companion. Hiking the 14K foot mountains of Colorado with friends brought him much satisfaction.
In addition to his vocation and advocation for being physically fit and leading a well-balanced lifestyle, Paul also volunteered to support numerous causes to help others in need. Over the years, he mentored young students, served on the ContactLifeline Suicide Prevention hotline, and most recently, The St Paul's Cathedral Showers of Blessings project. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Patricia; two daughters, Ann Tedford and Jane Tedford Walter (Darryl); stepson, Jeremy Gercke (Calina) and four grand-children: Kyle, Lela & Hannah Walter and Joseph Gercke.
Paul will be remembered for his kind spirit, gentle nature, and caring support for all whose lives he touched.
(www.dignitymemorial.com)
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