Paul C. Vogelheim
Paul passed away peacefully with memories of his departed wife, Mary, in his heart and his children by his side.
Raised in Rogers City, Michigan, Paul was the eleventh of 12 children. After a brief stint in the Navy during World War II, Paul graduated from the University of Arizona, then made his way to San Francisco where, on a blind date, he met a beautiful Pan Am stewardess named Mary Whitney. From the first night he was smitten and remained so for the next 62 years.
Paul and Mary found their true home in Mill Valley, where they raised five children. They filled their lives with a shared love of family, faith, friendships, and music.
Paul's lifelong passion was playing the piano. Showing talent at a young age, he was running a band by high school, then supported himself in college with his group "Paul's Vets." Famous for his song sheets, a day did not go by without hearing Paul on the piano and the house filled with the sound of friends and family singing along. For his entire life, Paul was doing "gigs" at local venues, providing music for charity events, and engaging in musical performances through his long affiliations with The Family Club and the Bohemian Club.
In addition to his music, Paul had a successful business career, first at NCR and later in commercial real estate. Gregarious, positive, and persuasive, Paul was a natural in sales and always found a way to make the glass half full. He often said that the two most important things in life were a sense of humor and a sense of appreciation — and he had both in abundance.
Paul's Catholicism was his foundation and served as his guide to many acts of charity. He served on the board of the Salvation Army in San Francisco and as a Regent for Gonzaga University. He was a member of the Knights of Malta, which supported the Little Sisters of the Poor, and up to the age of 86, Paul served meals at St. Vincent de Paul to those less fortunate than he. Paul lived a full life and touched all he met with his infectious enthusiasm, loyalty and strong sense of faith.
Paul is survived by five children: Paul D. Vogelheim (Rebecca) of Jackson Hole, WY; Charles Vogelheim (Christine) of Mill Valley; Katie Vogelheim (John Hansen) of Tiburon; Nanette Gordon of San Francisco; and Tom Vogelheim (Sabrina Simmons) of Fairfax. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A funeral mass will be held June 11th at Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Mill Valley at 3:00 P.M. followed by a reception at the Outdoor Art Club next door.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Paul's name to: The Salvation Army of San Francisco, Little Sisters of the Poor, or Hospice by the Bay.