Paul Alan Mendelson

Paul Alan Mendelson, 71, was born on March 30, 1944 to Ray and Risia Mendelson, along with his 'younger' twin sister Phyllis, in Alameda, California. They lived in San Lorenzo until 1955, when they moved to Los Angeles to start the family business and to be closer to other family members. Paul attended and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1962, and was involved with track sports. He attended LA City College, and earned his BA in Business from San Fernando Valley State College. He served in the Marine Reserves for six years, and married Linda Ryave in 1966. They were married for 13 years, and had two children - Stacy Robin in 1970 and Scott Adam in 1972. Paul worked as an outside salesman in his father's wholesale toy and gift business, calling on hospital gift shops all over the state. When Ray became ill with cancer in 1981, Paul took the reins and moved the business to Orange County.

Paul met Kathy Sitton in 1978 through his work, as she was a buyer in one of the hotels he called on. They married in 1980 and they created a loving blended family with Stacy and Scott, and Kathy's children Debi, Don, and Linda. The family has grown over the years and Paul and Kathy welcomed their children's mates into the fold along with their 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was a very proud Dad, Papa, and Uncle.... and dearly loved his sister and her sons, Brian and Chris, and their families. Paul always carried pictures of his loved ones in his sample book to share with "his ladies", the hospital gift shop volunteers and buyers on his sales route.

Paul's wonderfully big heart, full of love, spilled over onto each and every person in our family, extended family, and so many, many friends across the country. He also enjoyed photography, model trains, wine tasting and picnics, walking every morning, Disneyland, playing Scrabble and Words With Friends, and having fun with and working with Kathy in their growing business for over 30 years.

Paul went to Heaven just before sunrise on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015, at age 71, after an eight month battle against cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family, with his wife by his side. He was a very happy man, at peace with his life, having overcome heart surgery and kidney failure with complete healing... he believed he would overcome the cancer, as well, and yet when it became clear that was not to be, he accepted the situation with grace and hope. He did not fight his passing, having great faith in God's love for him and in his eternal salvation. He will be sorely missed, always loved, and remembered fondly by all of us. We have the blessed assurance that we will see him again soon in Heaven.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to the Sea Crest Hospice Organization, and especially nurse Jeannie, for the compassionate and loving care they provided for Dad in his last weeks. These angels helped to carry him homeward with their gentle hands, and we are so thankful for them.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.