Paul Loren Gage

IN  LOVING  MEMORY  OF

Paul Loren Gage

May 19, 1943 — June 10, 2019

INTERMENT

Fowler Cemetery District

8523 S. Fowler, Fowler, California

CELEBRATION  OF  LIFE

Monday, June 17, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

5685 N. Cedar Ave., Fresno, California

OBITUARY

Paul Loren Gage passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 10, 2019. He was 76. Paul was born in Fresno on May 19, 1943 to George & Sylvia Gage. He joined older brothers Ben and Lee on the farm and twin sisters Loretta and Nedra came a few years later. He attended Oleander Elementary School and then Washington Union High School. Paul helped start the chess club, “The Knights of Noon.” They played during lunch in the back room of the library. After graduation in 1961 he attended Fresno State.

A cute girl caught his eye while at a youth camp at Sequoia Lake. He learned her name was Joyce Feaver and she lived in Fowler. After two years of dating he asked her, “Will you be mine forever?” They were married for over 57 years. One of his famous quotes that he constantly told his children and grandchildren, plus countless others was, “The most important decision you ever make is who you marry.” He realized how much that one decision shaped his life. Paul and Joyce had date nights every Friday, held hands when they prayed together, kissed after each prayer, went on trips and drives together, watched sunsets, and enjoyed just being together. He knew what an angel Joyce was, and he was so grateful to have her by his side in this life and forever.

Paul and Joyce had seven children, Christopher Gage (Deborah), Shelly Eagar (Cory), Michael Gage (Mechelle), Kevin Gage (Mariah), Paul Andrew Gage, Jennifer Haroldsen and Julie Harrison (Bret). He was a wonderful father and taught his children how to work hard. Many of those lessons were learned on the job site. Family vacations of camping, the Feaver cabin, going to the beach and Disneyland created special memories. He lived his life serving others, including at home. He was always willing to help with math homework, school projects, pinewood derby cars, build a fort in the backyard or give a foot massage. He was a proud father as his children served missions, earned their eagle scout awards, pursued educations and started families of their own. There are 29 grandchildren. Once a month he would hold “Grandpa Fun Day” for the grandkids that were over eight years old. He used that time to teach them memorization skills, locations of the 50 states using the state quarters, the presidents of the church and many other things. He also took them on field trips to have hands on experiences. The annual trip to the Butterfly Grove at Pismo Beach to see the monarch butterflies was a favorite.

Paul worked as a general contractor, specializing in commercial buildings. He developed his skills while working with his brothers. In 1973, Paul and Joyce moved with their three kids to New Zealand, where he built chapels for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After five years in New Zealand, they returned to Fresno with six children. Paul started his own business and he continued building. His most favorite job was at the end of his career in 2016. He built Gage Pediatrics in Hanford, a medical office for his son, Michael.

Paul and Joyce became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1964. Paul had an unwavering testimony of the gospel and his Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith was unwavering. He served in many callings throughout the years, including in bishoprics, on the high council, stake young mens presidencies, as Cambodian Branch President and countless years in young mens program and scouting. His favorite scripture was 2 Nephi 28:30 “…line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little…” Paul was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord and truly did his best to follow the Saviors example.

He was involved in Boy Scouts of America for 45 years. Joyce was a scouting widow, but it was most rewarding to Paul when he was able to spend time with his own boys in the program. He was a scoutmaster three times, adult trainer about 20 times and served on Wood Badge staff four times. Even in his later years when he could no longer go camping, he was able to work with the cub scouts. He first attended Wood Badge in 1989 and it was a life changing experience for him. “I used to be an owl…” From that time on, he encouraged many people to go to Wood Badge. Six of his seven kids followed in his footsteps and were heavily involved in scouting. Paul was recognized for his dedication to scouting and honored with the silver beaver award in 1993.

He loved the great outdoors, especially giant sequoias. The mountains had a calming effect on him. He hiked Mt. Whitney six times, Halfdome four times, Jennie Lake 20+ times and many other trails. Most of those hikes he was able to experience with his own kids. Paul’s favorite day hike was Redwood Canyon, a seven-mile circle trail in Kings Canyon National Park. He averaged once a year for the last 30 years. His last time hiking that trail was just eight months ago. Redwood Canyon was a very special place for him and he wanted others to experience the sacred spirit which he felt there. He developed a plan to teach useful life principles while on the hike and invited many people over the years to do the hike with him. This special hike is outlined in his book, “A Walk with God.” Paul had a fascination with the stars and loved to share his knowledge with others. If you had a chance to be with Paul at night time, no doubt he would point out constellations and teach you about the brightest stars in the sky, including how many light years away they were and other details.

He would often tell others, “You don’t know how lucky you are.” And even more often he acknowledged that he himself didn’t have a clue as to how lucky he was. All who knew Paul would agree that they were lucky to have known him and were blessed because of his influence in their life. We will never forget him and will always remember that we don’t know how lucky we are.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 17, 2019 at 11:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5685 N. Cedar Ave. in Fresno, California. Arrangements made by Wildrose Chapel & Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund.

RELATIVES

Wife: Joyce Gage

Son and Daughter-In-Law: Christopher and Deborah Gage

Daughter and Son-In-Law: Shelly and Cory Eagar

Son and Daughter-In-Law: Michael and Mechelle Gage

Son and Daughter-In-Law: Kevin and Mariah Gage

Son: Paul Andrew Gage

Daughter: Jennifer Haroldsen

Daughter and Son-In-Law: Julie and Bret Harrison

Brother: Ben Gage (deceased)

Brother: Lee Gage (deceased)

Sister: Loretta Nichols

Sister: Nedra Zambrana

Granddaughter and Grandson-In-Law: Rebecca and Thomas Cantido

Grandson:  Jared Gage

Grandson: Kyle Gage

Grandson: Zachary Eagar

Granddaughter: Rachel Eagar

Grandson: Nathan Eagar

Granddaughter: Sarah Eagar

Grandson: Bryce Gage

Granddaughter: Macy Gage

Granddaughter: Emily Gage

Granddaughter: Melanie Gage

Grandson: Daniel Gage

Granddaughter: Alleeda Gage

Grandson: Matthew Gage

Grandson: Jonathan Gage

Granddaughter: Mahayla Gage

Granddaughter: Lillia Gage

Grandson: Michael Gage

Grandson: Cannon Gage

Granddaughter: Heidi Gage

Granddaughter: Kayla Gage

Grandson: Jet Gage

Granddaughter: Hannah Haroldsen

Grandson: Cole Haroldsen

Grandson: Trent Haroldsen

Granddaughter: Kristen Harrison

Granddaughter: Laura Harrison

Granddaughter: Emma Harrison

Granddaughter: Kara Harrison

HOW  GREAT  THOU  ART

by Stuart K. Hine

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed.

When thru the woods and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,

Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing

He bled and died to take away my sin.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration

And there proclaim, “My God, how great thou art!”

CHORUS

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee:

How great Thou art!  How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee:

How great Thou art!  How great Thou art!

“May God touch you

with His healing hand

and give you the peace and comfort

you need to get through.”

Anon.

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