In Remembrance: Paul Epner

It is with the greatest sadness that I resume blogging: I want to write about a lovely, funny, creative person who died suddenly last month. Paul Epner was the father of Thalia's best friend from pre-school, and our friend too. I don't know the details of his death, only that it was sudden and that he left our world far too soon. My heart breaks for his family--his wonderful, gracious wife and his adorable daughter, and his extended family. Especially for his daughter, who is fatherless at the tender age of 6.

Paul was a middle school math teacher for many years, and for that he should have received a medal! I can only imagine how his students must feel, suddenly teacher-less in the middle of the school year. You got the sense that he really connected with the kids, because he wasn't going to talk down to them and they "got" his humor. He also wrote several books for children, which we are proud to own and will always treasure. He was always self-deprecating about his writing, but the books are real gems. Thalia adores them. I am rather partial to Paul's Herbert Hilligan series of books myself. Several of his books taught math to kids in a "fun" way.

Paul was great fun to talk to. You really couldn't have even the shortest conversation with him without laughing. He had a dry humor and an unusual take on the world around him. I'll miss talking to him!

I looked him up on the Internet today, and found his teacher bio on his school's website. It was uniquely "Paul-esque" and made me laugh out loud, of course. Here it is:

Epner, Paul
Mr. Epner's Story
Math Guru for team 6.3

Paul Epner was spawned from loving parents Marcia and Martin Epner on December 21, 1963. Hatched in a hospital in Yonkers, New York, Paul was the cutest and youngest of his 4 siblings. Even as a small child, Paul's proud parents realized he was a "gifted" child. His mom was over protective, while his father felt that the "gifted" label meant that he could put Paul in a box, wrap him up, seal with a bow, and "gift" to someone else. Growing up in a family of "overachievers" it soon become apparent to Paul's family that he had "super powers". He soon began flying at the speed of light, could leap tall buildings and was able to solve math problems in his head. As Paul grew up and became a more "portly" child, he lost his power to fly and leap tall buildings, though he once did leap over a bush and broke his arm, Paul retained his ability to solve math problems in his head. Realizing Paul had superhuman mathematical abilities, he enrolled in an elementary education program at UTSA, and in 1988 received his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. It did take two years extra for Paul to earn his degree, because Paul had a hard time understanding that a Bachelor's Degree referred to something other than his ability to remain single. However, Paul's insistence on carrying a lunchbox to all his college classes did not help Paul to become more attractive to the opposite gender. Only because of his father's large dowery to his future wife, was Paul able to marry and allow his father to get the empty nest he longed for since Paul graduated from college.
If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the Paul Epner fan club, operators are standing by. Due to the high volume of calls and e-mails from Paul's fans, it is sometimes up to 24 hours before he can respond to his adoring fans.
As for how Paul ranks the interest level of his fans, he assesses that 60%of their interest stems from the tests they put Paul through, and 40% of their interest is figured by how they treat him on a daily basis.
At this time Mr. Epner is tied up in a tour of talk shows and appearances throughout the United States, but he does try to make himself available for discussions and conferences from around 10:30-11:30 each day.
Your support is always appreciated and Mr. Epner loves to hear from his fans!

If you feel like getting help from your math textbook..... Check out this website and take a good look Tutorials, videos and other cool stuff..... Make math easier and not so tough. Don't be afraid, do it, I say...[website] will make your school day! Mr. Epner is here, he's the coolest of cool...... He will help all his students be successful in school. But you must always remember, put yourself to the test... I will always expect you, to do your absolute best!!!!!
Mr. Epner is here!

Paul once said in an interview: "In this world you've gotta find a passion in life. I love working with kids and I love to write, so I've found a special place." I hope he's found peace and another special place in Heaven.