OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek Ray and Annie Pauszek influenced the lives of many with their shared love.

I would like to tell you a story about my (our) dad, Ray Pauszek. Ray and his wife Annie had six children, of which I was the oldest. For most of our (their) lives we did not have a car, or boat, etc. but we had each other.

This story could get really long, so I will focus on life lessons learned from Ray. I was a little turtle nipper and managed to make my mom mad. Imagine! My grandfather Stanley Pauszek was newly retired and decided he wanted to take me fishing. I was supposed to be grounded but Dzia dzia insisted that I go with him. I was really sweating going against my mom’s wishes but Dzia said, he would talk to my dad. Dzia was short, my dad was just shy of being superman. When dad came home from work, mom was upset, but after a closed door discussion, nothing more was said. Wow! How did that happen?

During my teen years my two best friends were only children, Joe and Dana. They both had cars. We hung out together and they would stop at our house and wait for me to finish dinner before we would all head out cruising. They would sit in our living room while we said prayers, then ate. I had to do dishes before heading out, but my sister Gail would finish up for me so I could go. I apologized for the wait, but years later both buddies confided that how lucky I was to have siblings and family like that.

Underage drinking was popular back then. When I turned 18 (legal age in 1969) I chuckled to dad that I could now drink and quit sneaking around. I was shocked that he knew all along and did not stop me. It was the Vietnam era. Dad looked me in the eye and told me he was allowing me to grow up and experience life, as long as I didn’t get in trouble, and “kept my nose clean!” and did not get my name in the paper. When I wrote my first Sportsmans Journal in 1988, I wise cracked that I hoped I wouldn’t get in trouble with him.

Ray was victim of industry closing in the area, twice. Raising a family of eight, money was always …. we’re not rich, but we always seemed to have enough. Dad was offered early retirement at the age of 57. I had the opportunity to finally go fishing with my dad. There were numerous adventures I have written about over the course of 31 years, but one day Ray stopped going because the rest of the family and kids needed him. I understood. Years later dad and I would re-connect by playing pinochle at the World War II Vets club, the only social club he belonged to. After the games were done Dad and I would sit in my truck and solve the worlds problems, until he would eventually head inside. All too soon, no one showed up to play anymore.

The love of his life Annie passed away on June 22, 2018. Ray took her hand and told her he would see her soon. Dad passed on Saturday, February 29, 2020. During their lives, they made numerous friends in the community. If you knew them, you liked them. They were nice people, who raised six children, that all got married, with no divorces, and now they are together again. Miss You! We all do.

Calendar: Pistol courses at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club. There will be another course on Wednesday March 18 from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 P.M. There is an $80 fee for these courses. For more information contact Gary at 366- 3397. On Monday evenings the “Con Club”is looking for people interested in learning “how to tie their own fishing flies.” Several advanced fly-tiers will be on hand to give individual attention to persons who would like to learn this hobby. All materials and equipment are provided free. The learning area is secure and a controlled environment from 6 until 8 p.m. You get to keep what you make. Refreshments are usually provided and always free. No experience necessary, no sign up required. Just show up and have fun. This would be a great opportunity for scout leaders to bring their young charges in for a great learning experience. Call 366-1772 days if you need more information or a contact number.

Upcoming Gun Shows: March 7-8 at the Hickory Post VFW, located at 5550 East State Street (US Route 62, East of PA 18, West of Mercer on 62) Hermitage, PA, 16148. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.