Long-time Mentor Of Youth Athletes Loses Cancer Battle

SAN JACINTO VALLEY, CA — A man who for decades served thousands of children across French Valley, Hemet, Menifee, San Jacinto, Sage and Winchester recently lost his long cancer battle.

Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District employee Michael Paul died July 9, the district announced.

"I will not attempt to find words to express our sadness, since there are no words that can really handle this moment," District General Manager Dean Wetter wrote in a message to the staff. "Michael has a rooted presence in the community; and, my heart is bleeding and my eyes are tearing."

Paul was with the district for more than 30 years before retiring in December 2018. He worked mostly as recreation supervisor, organizing and coordinating youth sports leagues. He also coached and officiated many games and is a former San Jacinto High School coach for boys varsity basketball.

“Thousands of children in the San Jacinto Valley benefited from his efforts,” the parks district said in its announcement.

The gymnasium in the Sport Center at Regional Park in San Jacinto was dedicated to Paul in June 2019. The facility was recently recognized as a Community Landmark by the California Association of Recreation and Park District. The annual Award of Distinction recognizes public park facilities that have served communities for 30 or more years and honors those facilities that have been at the core of recreation and park activities for a diverse user base and provide a wide range of experiences and activities to the community, the district said.

Some 200 people attended the dedication event, which was highlighted by the unveiling of a sign on the wall outside the Sport Center reading “Michael Paul Gymnasium.”

“I was touched by this,” Paul told the crowd. “For 32 years I was only doing my job. It’s truly an honor to me.”