Very sad news from my old and dear friend Janis Grady:
I’m deeply saddened to say, at 5:22 am this morning, December 30, 2021 my husband of 41 years, Paul Grady let go of his body and moved on.
He put up a good fight, he even managed to come out of being on a ventilator in an 11 day, medically-induced coma. His lungs, however, were heavily scarred from many years of smoking. He lived another 8 days and got to have final moments with family and several close friends. I got to be with him when he passed and our good friend, Scott Campbell, was there as well. We sat at his bedside to say good bye and wish him well on his new adventure.
I first met Paul in 1979, while visiting Clearwater, Florida. After I returned home to Gilman Hot Springs (Gold base), Paul and I wrote each other every three days which then increased to everyday for just over a year. I made a couple of trips to Clearwater, but finally, in August of 1980 he was able to transfer to the Gold Base and be with me. I was so excited he was finally arriving that I ended up getting a speeding ticket while driving to pick him up.
Paul grew up in Kettering Ohio and went to college at Ohio State. He studied medicine and later became a very knowledgeable Nutritionist. Using his knowledge in nutrition, Paul helped so many friends and even people he had never met, to help them heal their ailments with great success – and he did it simply to be of service and never asked for a dime. Even when we visited friends’ homes, if he saw something in need of repair, he offered his services to fix things for them, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. He had a good and helpful heart.
We married November 29th, 1980. It was the eve of our 41st anniversary that I had to call 911 and have him taken to hospital. I would have preferred showing up for the dinner reservation, he had made for us.
Paul like me, liked to ride horses, the only difference was, while mine walked, his bounced up and down.
Like every little boy with two older sisters, he grew to love them dearly.
And also loved the younger surprise brother.
During the first eleven years of our marriage, we lived at the Gold Base (International Headquarters) in Hemet, California.
Our sleeping quarters, our first night of freedom!
August 1990, with only a few hundred dollars in our pockets, we escaped together from the Gold Base and after a short stay with my brother, we moved to Las Vegas in 1991, 8 months pregnant we had the pleasure of meeting Chubby Checker after one of his shows.
We did many trips to Utah to camp and hike with our new found freedom and expanding family.
We worked hard to learn and make a new life together. With the help of family and new friends, we started a mortgage company and built it to being one of the largest mortgage brokerages, at that time, in Las Vegas. We were even able to purchase our own commercial building.
We played hard when visiting close friends every year for Memorial weekend in San Diego.
We visited (and had fun with) family in Ohio – pictured here with Paul’s younger brother’s family and their mother.
We spent our lives traveling the world with our children.
And let us not forget the fun trip to Sedona with his sisters where we each made our own protective hat.
Loving the new title of Grampa
And honored to welcome a new daughter to the family.
We have shared a great life and family together and while I am deeply saddened by this loss, I have no regrets and will always remember him with love and respect for who he was. Fly away and come back when you are ready.
Janis will be holding a celebration of life on his birthday, February 6, in Las Vegas, please contact her at janisgrady@aol.com if you wish to attend.
Dear Janis, Every once in a while I go to your FB page, frankly to see who I knew from those days back then in the ’70’s on the ship who might have recently passed away. Kind of like reading the obituaries in my local newspaper to see if it’s someone I knew. You have been such a good correspondent in this regard over the years and it’s appreciated. It took me by surprise when, this time, I saw it was your own husband Paul. I don’t know if it was covid, although the description I read made me think so. I lost a brother to that same scourge just a year earlier. I can only hope that your loss is starting to ease.
I lost a daughter 10+ years ago and it has taken quite some time for me to be at peace with that loss. It does get better. From the memorium it was clear you guys lived a full life with a great group of friends and family surrounding you both then and now. There’s little more one can ask but that. I was very lucky to have known your mum and dad back in the ’60’s at Saint Hill and later in L.A.. And it’s that continuity of family – Yvonne & Peter, you and Paul, and then your kids and now grandkids, that I now salute. God Bless.
Janis,
I just saw the tribute to Paul on our High school FB page. I knew Paul’s kindness and great smile from going to school with him in Kettering Ohio. I haven’t seen him since. Loved reading your wonderful tribute to a man who lived, loved and worked so well. He still has a great smile.
May your memories, your beloved family and friends be there as you grieve the loss of your husband.
Margo Hamlin Hutchison
St Paul Minnesota
Paul and I were close friends growing up. He started a lawn business in HS and I’ve never known anyone work so hard. We double dated, and made it out to the drive-in in Miamisburg to watch JAWS in a cornfield. Lost some of the suspense.
Haven’t spoken since I left for the army. Heartsick. I’ll miss Paul.
It makes absolute sense that he found love and lived a full life. I am sorry for your loss, but ever so grateful that you had each other. Bless.
Janis, I am so sorry to learn of this loss — for you, for your children and grandchildren, and for all the people who held him dear. You will miss him, and so will many other people. All our hearts are holding you in the light. You remain our oracle. Love, Rebecca
So sorry for your loss.
Janis, I’m so sorry to hear about this; I had chills up and down head to toe upon this news. I always think my comrades from Int will go on and on in their bodies, and that this lifetime will also go on and on.
What I remember most about this lovely being is what a bright light he was/is. I remember him in white uniform, his springy blonde hair bouncing up and down with his bouncy steps and how I seldom saw him with a long face. Most usually he seemed bright, smiles, expansive, peaceful and a white glow about him. Thinking about it now, I think he was an embodied angel. Such a pleasure to have known him, even though on the periphery. He came into Costumes now and then as an actor and was always a pleasure to work with.
My condolences. It was nice to see all these photos – what a good idea to share them. Even if one does not know the people, afterwards you feel like you know them a little…
Paul was Superman to so many of us who knew him and loved him. He saved lives by advising on nutrition and thought nothing of it. He thought the fact that his solutions helped was the reward in itself. Like many great people he had higher standards for himself than he had for other people. He could easily forgive others’ weaknesses but found it much harder to forgive himself for similar weaknesses. So he waited to long to ask for help when he really needed it? Who Knows? All we know is we lost an incredibly good person and a dear friend who will be sorely missed. May Janis and all his loved ones find the strength to honor him by living fulfilling lives without him.
Here’s what my son (who was one of the many who sought and benefitted from Paul’s advice) said when I announced in a family group text that Paul had passed away:
“He did amazing things with this body and had huge impact on me and I’m sure countless others. I’m sad I won’t get another chance to see him again in this life but I know he lives on and will continue to do great things wherever his journey takes him next. RIP Paul”
Beautiful tribute.
Sorry for your loss but it looks like you two played it out to the limit.😍
Janis,
What a magical and tremendous honor you did Paul with your write-up!
I never met him in real life, but now I really do feel I know him . . . and it is a honor to now know the Being you so loved and honor.
Roger
So sorry.
BIG hug!
Rheva
We were so stunned when we heard the news from Steve. We’re so very sorry for your loss, Janis – as well as your kids and beautiful little granddaughter. Words are always so inadequate – I didn’t know Paul well, but enjoyed visiting with him at Jeff’s wedding (he seemed to have knowledge about the most amazing things!) and Gale’s 50th birthday. I feel like I know the two of you better through Facebook and stories of (my Paul’s) backpacking trip with him. I’ve always very much admired the two of you as a couple and as a family. God Bless all of you as well as Paul’s family and all his many dear friends.
with love and deep condolences,
Linda Lindsay
A good man gone. RIP Paul,
Janis – our hearts go out to you.
Love
Mick and Nancy
Paul Grady always wanted to help.
He was extremely knowledgeable on nutrients, vitamins and minerals and was actually going to train in Med school as a Doctor before the cult hijacked his career diverting it to Sea org.
What a wonderful MD he would have been
Paul let people consult with him free on charge for decades, he just loved to help.
My warm condolences to Janis and all family members.
Fly high dear friend. ❤
Very sorry to hear of your loss, Janis.
I met Paul a few times , once at your house in Vegas
It just so happens that almost passed myself on the Thursday. I was at the hospital for a disrelated matter when the ICD in my heart started firing. I had gone into V-Tach where the heart is no longer pumping.
After 15 Shock’s to my heart it got going again. I was lucky that I was already in the E.R. the tech told me that without the shocks from the ICD, I would have been dead. Still in hospital but doing OK. Should get out in a few days. But this post is not about me; it is about Paul and you. So sorry for your loss
Love, Bill Straass
Janis, I don’t know either one of you but I send my sympathy and prayers. I’m so glad you got Out together and had so many years of happiness!
I’m shocked and saddened by the news of Paul’s passing. I am so sorry for Janis and their family to whom I send my heartfelt condolences.
Dear Janis,
What a lovely life you two shared.
I am so very sorry for your loss, and that of your family & friends. May you all who knew & loved Paul Grady
Celebrate his life. We who knew him were lucky to know him. May he fly high. 💜🎩🌹❤️⛩️
What a beautiful tribute to your husband. You had a wonderful life together
My condolences for your loss.
So sorry to hear, Janis.
I’m both sad and happy.
Sad for the immense loss you must be feeling, but happy that you got to enjoy a great life together. Thanks for sharing those pictures with us.
Fair journeys to you, good soul Paul…
My deepest sympathy. Paul Grady was an exceptional human being.
Oh Janis, We’re so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful husband and the amazing life you shared together. Our thoughts are with you. Sending hugs to you and your family.
Mo & Aza
A beautiful tribute!
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. What a fantasctic couple you are, & you damned well know had you NOT “escaped”….you’d not have had the life you shared together.
As you clearly stated: “We did many trips to Utah to camp and hike with our new found freedom and expanding family.” & had you remained dedicated to “them” NONE of that would have happened. So many pictures to review, so many happy stories to remember & tell the Grandchildren….so amazing to be able to recall & laugh, & even shed tears……but they are YOUR memories.
I know he’s a peace & watching over you & your family. He still walks besides you every day. Stay well, stay happy, & he will forever be in your heart.
A very sweet tribute to a much loved gentleman. Thank you.
Janis,
I think I’ve known you for about 35 years now, and you’ve always been a figure of grace and benevolence in my life. Not only my life, but everyone’s lives that you and Paul have touched.
Paul is a wonderful man. Together you have built a great community of family and friends, and we are forever grateful to you. Your love for others and the towering you strength you have shines through in everything you do. Please accept our deepest condolences for the too soon loss of your beloved husband. May God bless him and keep him on his next adventure in life!
Thank you for letting me come and be there with you and Paul at his passing. I know he is at peace now. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. What better person could anyone ever be?
Love to you and yours,
Scott & Karry
I was very impressed with him. I thought he always seemed at ease and interested in others and the moment. All these pics seem to confirm that my first impressions of him reflected his ongoing attitude towards others and life. Love and respect to you and all the others with whom he shared his life.
Sometime in 1979 this old outside world quotation below became internal LRH endorsed policy in Scientology.
I felt that Paul innately due to his character exemplified this one, and the few brief after Sea Org conversations I had with Paul, although he didn’t quote this, I felt it was something he did believe in.
“….There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill behooves any of us to find fault with the rest of us.
James Truslow Adams…..”
It’s this idea of remaining silent when one doesn’t have something positive to say about things.
It reminds me of what even my father and grandmother (both Ohioans) would say, which is “…if you don’t have something good to say, then don’t say anything…..” Polite silence, discretion.
That for sure is why I felt when Paul and Janis left, that kind of hope for discretion and better judgement, was lost and so untablizing to me.
Leaving it to descend to what is today there.
Paul and Janis were a kind of major loss of potential hope, for me.
I’m so sad about Paul’s passing.
I did not have the honor of knowing Paul, but it is obvious that you were blessed Janis to spend over forty years with such a wonderful person.
This is so sad. I wish all who ever were run by Paul on a mission or project could be told of Paul’s passing.
He made a huge impact on a lot of people’s lives, the stability and wise reassuring nature Paul provided to a lot of people on a lot of missions.
Bruno Moresi, I wish he could be told of Paul’s passing.
Bruno likewise, he and Paul impacted a lot of people’s lives, on a lot of missions.
All the people who were colleagues in Action during Paul’s years, I hope they are all told of Paul’s passing.
A lot of people I’m sure will miss Paul.
I lament that that whole Action view of things, fixing the things that were collapsing, and also building the new units per ongoing orders to build up new units, Paul oversaw the key missions and Jon Alesso comes to mind, and John DeVries comes to mind, David Paul comes to mind, and Peter Meade comes to mind, and Glenn Balantine comes to mind. The Action world CMO Int had a pretty stable long run in upper ranks history. It’s a huge chunk of 1980s history that I wished could have been laid out.
Paul was a good leader in that midst.
Condolences on your loss! ( <3 )
So sad about this. Paul and Janis, to me, when they left, it just pulled the bottom out of things. Paul had run so many missions, and was so wise and supportive, he saw the beginning of just about every new 1980s unit in the movement, knew in detail why each was formed, and ran the early teams in their forming.
It’s hard to even detail how much he knew.
I remember endless breakfasts, since Action was on the night schedule, and he and his Action colleagues would make their own breakfasts at the MCI galley at Gilman Hot Springs. If you were one of the teams waiting to “fire” you often shared those unique breakfasts.
He was a reassuring stable person in the maelstrom of the early 1980s, and when Janis and Paul chose to leave, it really was a double whammy in my head then.
He will be missed for the stability he provided.
It’s a shock and loss.
A happy life indeed. “Thanks for sharing the menories’
Janis, so saddened to hear that Paul has moved on in his soul journey. I have fond memories of intense
basketball challanges and good banter at Gilman. He will be missed by yourself and family in the physical realm, but always with us in spirit.
Janis:
Never knew about you or Paul until Mike posted this but I just want to say that I am sorry for your loss. It looks like the two of you had a great relationship together. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Todd Miller
AKA Alcoboy.
Dear Janis, I don’t have the words right now to express the mix of feelings I have for the loss of Paul. Thank you for letting us know. Thank you for being there for Paul as he went through his final moments of life on earth. And thank you for your strength, loyalty, friendship, and empathy. Our love and hugs.
Sad News, all of our thoughts go out to you and your family. The small amount that I have learned of the Grady family through your book will create a memory for years to come.
Bless you and all you touch.
Oh Janis….
Life is a river and we travel along many shores.
I’m glad you shared a life.
The secret is that you have always been and will always be together.
Hugs.