Monday, September 29, 2008

Memories












29 comments:

Joe said...

Pablo really touched people at ATI.

I was his coworker for only the last year, but was sure that Pablo and I would be lifelong friends. We worked California together. We were recovering from our respective mullets. He was Pauly, I was P. (planet) Hollywood. I had the pleasure of helping to train him to do the job he said he loved the most. He promised to teach me to surf, and I'm still gonna get some lessons.

I thought I was teaching him about the job, but I came to see he was teaching me about how to be with people. He did something special...connect with every person instantly and in an meaningful way. I have people skills. He loved people. No one and no relationship was trivial to Pablo. I can only aspire to being so genuine.

One of his last notes to me:

"P. Hollywood –

At 30,000 feet over Fresno and writing furiously while the suit next to me snores loudly into the window and strange odors are emanating from the gal across the aisle. Ah, the perils of flying in small airplanes.

-Pauly"

Miss you Pauly.

A friend of Pablo's is a friend of mine...jsalem@atitesting.com, thesalems@mac.com

Zachary Reiter said...

Joe, I never met you man but i can already tell you are an awesome guy. Maybe we could get together some time and talk about our experiences with him. =)

Jody Haagenson said...

Hi, this is Jody Haagenson. I remember when Pablo, Lori, and Zachary took Erin for a nice day of rafting -- no guide of course-- Just Pablo. The day will always be remembered as "the incident". I hope we can see you soon.

Love, Jody, Erin & Alec

Medina said...

I was blessed to have worked with Pablo over the last year and although I handle New York City and he handled the Northwest we always sent emails and found time to hangout at meetings. Now I could go on and on about the lessons Pablo taught me and how much he inspired me, but the one thing we always discussed and that was most important to him was his son Zach. Zach I know I have never met you, but I have to say your dad really liked you. He told me once that "parents have to love their kids, but that doesn't mean they always like them." Your father never had this problem. You challenged him, you made him a better person, and I can honestly say that every thing he did was for you and your mom. If I turn out to be half the man that your dad is, then I will consider myself a success. Anthony Medina

Rick Wagner said...

I Willl remember Pablo's sense of humor, always making people laugh. He was a character indeed. He had a soul that was filled with love and a heartfelt compassion for others around him. I remeber a story I heard him tell about teaching Zach how to help those less fortunate than us. He said he showed Zach that rather than give panhandlers at street corners money, it would be better to help their needs in a different way. Telling that if you give $$ they might go buy alcolhol. So instead, take that extra spare few dollars that he might have in his pocket go to the grocery store and buy the person an apple and some water. I saw that it not only was a great example for Zach but one I certainly could learn from as well.
I can only aspire to be have the influence on others as Pablo had. I love you Pablo and I will miss you.

Rosemary Brooks said...

I first met Pablo as a fellow volunteer teacher in the Uplands Elementary School Art Literacy program. He was dashing, charismatic and full of enthusiasm. Then I got to know Zach when he befriended my son, Ethan. Zach has remained a favorite companion of Ethan's, sharing their love for video games, trips to the "Deli-Market" near our house and numerous sleepovers. Tom (my husband) and I really regret now that our relationship with Lori and Pablo was mostly through the boys. However, I deeply appreciated being able to share the particular challenges of parenting teenagers with them both. It was apparent that they truly cared. Pablo told me that he would be sure to include Ethan in their many family activities, and he made good on that promise over and over again. There were many times that he would appear at our door early in the morning to pick Ethan up for a day of snowboarding on Mt. Hood, only to return him home later in the evening, usually leaving Zach with us to sleep over! :-) Tom and I don't surf or snowboard or raft or hike so what a treat it was for Ethan to have these experiences with Zach and Pablo under Pablo's watchful eye. Pablo was like the most fun, fun uncle a kid could have and Ethan loved him instantly and deeply. THANK YOU, Lori and Zach for sharing Pablo with our son!

Unknown said...

I had the pleasure to know Pablo a bit, as my husband, Mark, worked with him and my mom, Anita, worked with Lori (small world, Santa Cruz!). I remember that he was positive, engaging, warm and funny – so present in every encounter. You always felt a bit better after spending time in his company. Lori and Zach, our thoughts are with you.

Joanna

Kelley Gravelle said...

Pablo saw the ability in people even if they didn't see it in themselves.

I was lucky enough to work with Pablo at the University of Phoenix. Pablo gave me my first opportunity in sales. He trusted me to do the job even though I didn't think I would be sucessful. Pablo made every day at work a fun adventure. Every Friday we were lucky enough to experience "the Pablo show", (a teleconference that he created full of trivia questions and fun). I still miss the atmosphere that he created at work.

Pablo also had a lasting impression on my children. He invited our department to his house for a bar b que and softball game. My children were too young to play softball, but he helped them create the best waterballoon fight the had ever been in! My daughter remembers that day very fondly and cried when I told her Pablo was gone.

He touched so many lives and made everyone he met a little better.

Jeff said...

Pablo was the 1st neighbor to welcome us when we moved from California 4 years ago.
He could carry a conversation with all 4 of my family members (wife-Julie, son-Lucas, daughter-Annie, and me-Jeff) at once.

From Annie (sitting next to me): "He was a good neighbor. He was kind. He was funny. He never was mean. He yelled at cars to slow down on our street."

From Lucas: "You could always go over and jump on the trampoline. He always had nice things to say."

Recently he helped us moved some heavy rocks. He just showed up, rolled up his sleeves and jumped right in. He had this funny thing
about sneaking up on me while I was doing yard work (spooked me half the time).

Spontaneous beers were consumed on his back deck (always a good salsa and chip combo would appear). Random conversations about music, religion, child rearing, work and family. I never felt lectured to, but had the feeling stories were being told for a reason. Though we were only separated by a few years (I'm 42), his maturity and worldly views were beyond his years.

I will miss him. I will also do my best to help Lori and Zach (as I know he'd do the same for me).

Jeff Rodgers

EOU47 said...

Pablo Reiter was a heck of a guy. I hired Pablo into the University of Phoenix out of a sea of resumes. For some reason he just stood out, even on paper, as somebody I needed to meet. Upon meeting him, his bright personality, great attitude and quick wit sold me on finding him a spot on my team. I knew he could make the people around him (including me) better. And he did. He touched so many of our staff members, our students and our faculty. Our workplace has not been the same since he left and I know many of us will not be the same after what happened last week. I'm going to really miss my friend Pablo. At the same time, I am SO thankful that I got to know him and spend so much time with him over the last 6 years.

Flint

SJM008 said...

I'm not the best at articulating myself, but I can say this--Pablo left an impression on me. I worked with him at University of Phoenix and I literally can remember not one moment when he wasn't smiling or when he raised his voice in anger, or said a harsh word toward or about someone else, and I can hardly say the same for myself at the time. He was genuinely...genuine. I haven't spoken with him in person in two years, but I was able to email with him periodically and he did nothing but encourage me-- he had a way of unearthing the positive side of absolutely anything. I missed that guy already, but so much more now. And I'm SO glad to have his memory. Lori and Zach, my prayers are with you both.

Serah Muune

Dan Schoepf said...

I was one of the fortunate individuals involved in the hiring of Pablo at ATI. It was immediately apparent that he had "IT". Charisma, charm and the courage to use them to connect on a personal level. These are RARE characteristics. He made me better. I look forward to sharing stories with Lori & Zach about how Pablo touched lives.

Audrey said...

One of Pablo's last communications in ATI was to my boss and he said "I am the luckiest rep of all" and was referring to the fact that I live in Oregon and would help him build relationships here. But the truth be told, I am the luckiest one in R & D because I had the opportunity to work with him and share his zest for life. I will truely miss him.

Unknown said...

This is the first time I have been able to look at this Blog since Pablo's passing. I can't believe it's been two weeks since the accident. I'm still having a hard time accepting his death as reality. I'm trying so hard to celebrate the fact that Pablo was in my life for 22 years. The loss is too devastating and too new for me to get there yet. I loved Pablo more than I have loved any other man in my life. He was a brother, friend, advisor and mentor to me. Some of the best and most poignant moments of my life were spent with Pablo.

Although I am older than Pablo he possessed wisdom and a view of the world that few men ever obtain no matter how long they walked this planet. I will miss him the rest of my days. I can only hope I can provide Lori and Zachary with some comfort. I love them both and worry about there future without this wonderful man in their life.

richard said...

from brother Richard
(Hedge, Hedge-a-mite, Jake Zeta, Zeta, Reg, Rafael... and others!!)

This outpouring helps the hurt. It is both heart-wrenching and heart-warming to truly feel how Pablo touched all of our lives.

Love and hugs and support to Lori and Zachary. And more. You two knew the most, had the most, were loved by him the most.

Amazing thanks to all of you who held him as a friend, and who shared that with me - so that I could feel what he shared with you.

A future without him is still so unexpected and unwanted, that I have trouble accpeting it. I can only focus on what I learned from him, and told all of you on that day: choose your name - and be the person you want to be, and choose your dance - and live the life you want to live.

He did.

I will find and post more stories, nicknames, photos, music - and read all of your comments. They mean so much, as I can see he meant so much to so many of you.

Share a smile with anyone, for any reason, and keep his dance going!!

Room 10 said...

I have not seen Pablo since they moved from Aptos but the memory of his qualities are as clear today as if I had just seen him. I remember his wit, kindness, intelligence, genuine love for people, committed parenting and as a loving husband. Lori and Zach ...my heart goes out to you in a way that cannot be expressed with words. I just want you to know that I think of you often and hope to reconnect with you. I hope in your healing you can remember the gifts that Pablo gave to this world and know that we are inspired and reminded to be our best selves because of him. Your loss is insurmountable and you will be in my heart as you move forward to this new place in your life. I am, so sorry, for your loss. Love Susan and Emily Nunes

Mr. Brooks said...

Well, it has been 3 weeks since the accident. And I miss you so much. Zach and Lori gave me your old snowboard, I hope you don't mind.. I will treat it well I promise. I am really excited to go up to the mountain with Zach, Dan, and Eric this winter.. But it really wont be the same without you. I want you back with all of us, but I know that cannot happen. It isn't the same, and it isn't fair. You mean so much to me and I will use the skills you taught me for the rest of my life. I love you with all my heart. - Ethan (Mr. Brooks)

Rosemary Brooks said...

I'm up late, thinking about my son, Ethan, who got back late this afternoon from an overnight camping trip to the beach. And of course, I am thinking of Pablo, because this never would have happened without him. Pablo and Lori's friends, Evan and Tim, took Zach, Ethan, Daniel and Eric plus the tent-camper! When I spoke to Ethan yesterday, he said that Evan had gone to the store to get hotdogs and 'stuff'. He said that even though they left at 6 in the morning to do some surfing, the waves were too choppy. He said they had spent the day running around the beach and then building a campfire. When he arrived home today he smelled like a campfire and was tired. But he was so happy to have had this time with the guys. This is amazing to me -- that Pablo's legacy of fun and frolic is being carried forward by these men. Neither one of them have kids and they were up that early in the a.m. to take 4 teenagers camping -- SO amazing. Thank you, Evan and Tim -- you're both awesome!!! This is Pablo's legacy.
-- Rosemary Brooks

Jennifer Abel said...

Hey bud- wherever you are, just know that everyday I think of you, the great times drinking with the Wagner sisters, you and me throwing elbows to get to the smoked salmon, and most of all, the great legacy you leave in your wake- a beautiful wife and son and all of those who will miss you.

always love-
jen

Anonymous said...

It has been 6 months since the accident, last night.. Since Pablo passed on, two of my family members have totaled their cars. My dad, back right before Christmas was ran into head on, thankfully he was not hurt. Last night, a very strange coincidence happened. My brother totaled his new Volvo. Not just the fact that so many car wrecks, so close to me have happened this year, it's that last night at about 9:30 pm my brother was in his wreck. At that time it was exactly 6 months to that hour that Pablo was killed in his wreck. I pray and thank God every night that my family remains safe from car accidents. It is just destiny I guess. I love you so much Pablo. Miss you.

- Ethan

(Mr. Brooks)

Steve Brummett said...

I worked with Pablo while at ATI. I am currently in KC at a sales mtg. and keep thinking of him. I wanted everyone to know he is not forgotten. Each 6 months all of the ATI sales reps gather here to learn and have fun. At breaks and in the evenings, Pablo and I would hang out together He and I started with he ATI around the same time. He was a true renaissance man. He could appreciate a good Soy Cha Latte and some great health food-but could also talk about quilts and fried chicken with this NC southern boy. We always seemed to end up talking about life and what's important to us until the wee hours of each mornign in KC. He helped me through a difficult work situation and we often talked about how we could be better dads. This is the second mtg since his untimely death and I miss him. Last night we had a toast in his honor and told some great Pablo stories. Here's to you Pablo! To his family and other friends. I am sure I speak for all my colleagues in saying he will be with us always.

Unknown said...

Can anyone post some more pictures?

Tom Brooks said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tom Brooks said...

10 months since the accident today.. I can't stop thinking about you Pablo. Not one day goes by without thinking of all the good times we shared together with Zach. I love you. - Ethan

Joe said...

I've been thinking a lot about Pauly for the last week or so...drinking a lot of Soy Chai Latte's. He turned me on to those...Someone at work said to me take a break and have a moment of reflection about Pablo. This just sounds silly to me - I've had a year of reflection about Pablo. I'm so grateful for his influence. His memory is a constant reminder of what is important, and how lucky I have been.


At ATI an award was created in his honor. Here's a quote from the announcement: “The Spirit of Pablo Award represents the charismatic, cheerful person Pablo was,” said Mike Lynch, regional vice president (RVP) of Sales. “He possessed a zest for life, a witty sense of humor and a love for his family and friends. He was also passionate about his job at ATI. He truly loved his clients, and felt passion for the nursing profession."

It's a small gesture, but has a lot of value to us. Mike gave a very nice speech as he gave first award to Jan Heath - who was one of Pablo's favorites. She's an absolute gem - and she totally gets the spirit of Pablo. Get to know her if you can.

Pablo's reach and influence continues. Just for the hell of it I'm working on a new Mullet.

Miss you Pauly.

richard said...

Happy birthday Paublo -

I like making his birthday the main day of remembering, because birthdays are happy days. His 'dance' (as he always said) was all about living the moment fully and with a smile. So that does seem the best way to celebrate today's memories.

With a long flip of the frisbee into the air, and a big hug to you all - lots of love for a lost brother, and lots of love to all we still have.

^Richard

Unknown said...

Been 4 years. Feels like yesterday. Love you Pablo and miss you, Ethan "Mr." Brooks!

Unknown said...

Pablo:

Been a long time buddy. I still to this day always remember the wonderful times we had together. I can definitely say that I would not be the man I am today without you as a friend in my life for so many years. You taught me so much about this world. Many of the values/morals I have today are deeply influenced by having you as a mentor in my life for so long. You will always be missed, and never will be forgotten. Someday, somewhere, I am sure we will meet again. I have no doubt that will happen. Sending you my best wishes my dear friend.

Sincerely your friend,

Mr. Ethan Brooks

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.