Paul Kolb

Paul Mason Kolb, of Ruidoso, New Mexico, entered into Heaven on June 12, 2013 and is now with his Lord and Savior. Born in Houston, Texas on October 12, 1954, he is survived by his wife Susan, parents Joy and John Kolb of Goliad Texas and 5 brothers and sisters. His elder sister Susan Dunwoody and husband Mac, brother Jay Kolb and his wife Jeannie, sister Ellen Klepacki and husband Mike, and sister Ann Cuclis and husband Jay. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Paul studied at the Selwyn school in Denton Texas before attending college at Trinity University and Texas Lutheran University. His real calling was teaching in Mother Natures classroom as children and adults learned how to water ski, snow ski and snowboard from Uncle Paul. He loved the outdoors. Hiking with his beloved Labrador Jerry Jeff and finding new trails was his summer love. He also enjoyed car and motorcycle racing.

Paul excelled in the kitchen. He loved watching the cooking channels and creating new dishes and comparing notes with his other foodie friends. He won first place best soup in the Empty Bowl event last year benefitting the Nest. While working for the Ski Apache Snowsports Learning Center last season, he prepared breakfast tacos to his fellow instructors and the disabled ski school.
In 2004, Paul and Susan opened Lincoln County Tour Company offering activities for locals and tourists. The brightly colored bus, trailer and vans could be seen cruising throughout the area and up to Ski Apache. Paul loved people and enjoyed talking with tour guests about all the sights in Lincoln County.

Six years ago, Paul encouraged and supported his wife Susan as she began her professional music career. He was chief roadie, manager and equipment guru. They toured all over Texas in 2010 and Paul began playing the drums. He loved classic rock.

Paul was a person of exceptional character. He forgave quickly, always sought out the best in others and was loved by many. He found ways to help others and volunteered with numerous charities in Lincoln County. His calm, peaceful and positive nature coupled with his big smile was a welcome sight for those who needed encouragement.

Paul was struck with esophageal cancer in 2006. He never allowed cancer to define him and he fought bravely through numerous procedures and surgeries to prolong his life. Throughout his battle, he maintained a positive attitude and encouraged others with cancer to fight the good fight. Most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior who stood by him and helped him stay peaceful in uncertain times.

A celebration of his life will be held at The Community United Methodist Church on Wednesday June 19, 2013 at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and contributions to The Lincoln County Humane Society and Relay for Life are encouraged. Paul would want us all to live in peace and harmony and will be honored if we do so in his memory.

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