Richard Greenwood Paxman

Richard Greenwood Paxman 1922-1997 Richard Greenwood Paxman was born in American Fork, Utah on January 10, 1922. His parents were Ernest Paxman and Juventa Greenwood Paxman. He came from a large family, and a close-knit family. He was married in the Salt Lake City, Utah temple to my grandmother Helen Paxman on March 20, 1948. This was the start of a long and happy marriage. As my grandfather recalled in his own personal journal, discovered after his passing away, he shared how him and his sweetheart loved to laugh together and to banter together. After marrying the love of his life, he moved them to Chicago to complete graduate school; it took him four years. He then took a job in Downey California, eventually moving to Tustin. Richard worked hard to provide for his family, and his three children; Richard Greenwood Paxman Junior, Jill Paxman Johnson, and Ann Paxman Davis. Thanks to his hard work, and dedication at every job he ever had, he was able to provide financial security for his family, and money was not an issue. Their home was one that stood out among others; beautiful with a tennis court and orange trees in the back yard. He resided as head of his house in Orange County, California. The city was Tustin, a beautiful place to raise a family. His children remember lots about him; there are a few things that stand out among others. All three children say that my grandfather had a superb sense of humor. Although subtle, it was definitely there and strong. My dad, Richard Greenwood Paxman Junior, says that he inherited his dad’s sense of humor. Often times, jokes that Grandfather Paxman made are still shared at any family get together. All three children share his sense of humor, as well as his looks. Even some of his grandchildren have inherited his humor. From what I understand, Grandfather was also a very respectable man. He was quiet yet very aware of what was going on around him, and very intellectual. He was a man of little words; but wise words. He also was very patient with those around him; from what I hear, especially patient my grandma. He was very financially smart while she loved to spend money as fast as it came in. Grandfather was not an emotional or physical man. Some fathers are very emotional and love hugging their children, but not my grandfather. My dad recollects when he would leave to college or return home from college, that his dad would shake his hand in a military fashion rather than give him hugs. My dad said this is just the way he was but all of his children knew that he loved them very much. He just showed it in different ways. After retirement, Grandfather decided to travel the world. He also knew that this is something his dear wife would love to do. He bought a travel agency, using all of his savings, and they went on literally dozens of cruises together, seeing the entire world. The adventures they had on these cruises was definitely worth the money they spent buying the travel agency. Unfortunately, they lost all their money because their employees stole it all. After the travel agency, my Grandfather loved spending his days at home, and watching Jeopardy in the evenings. He passed away of a stroke on February 18, 1997. Nobody had anything but positives to share at his funeral. I don’t believe there was a dry eye in the room. He lived a life full of accomplishments both in his career, but more importantly in his family.