“The Story of My Life” Born in ’56, I was a little small I had a nickname: Dinky-Doo Fall asleep to shoes tumblin’ in the dryer Mrs. Lee taught me to tie my shoes Kathy, my wife, the love of my life On the City Council for 20 years That Invisible Man with his muscles and bones Like many in my family, a teacher am I Follow your heart and do the right thing I like: Chicago Bears, macaroni and cheese Repeat Paul was born in Deadwood on January 2nd 1956. He has 3 siblings, an older brother and sister, and a younger brother. Growing up he loved football, basketball, running, and weight lifting. He was not the biggest kid, so he had to run faster, and play harder to be recognized. Both his worst and funniest moments were when he broke his nose. One time he jumped off a rocking horse and broke his nose. The other time he was sticking his tongue out at his brother through a cardboard box, and his brother hit him with an apple. Teachers always influenced his life. His Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Lee taught him how to tie his shoes. In 3rd grade Mrs. McCright brought a visible man to school and it inspired him to love anatomy. Ms. Trezona taught him how to write, and Ms. Gugle (his choir teacher) pushed him to be his best by believing in him. Paul was rarely in trouble, except the one time he showed up to school too early and had to wait in the principal’s office. As a child he earned the nickname Dinky Do. He loved being outdoors, but he had to be home by the 7:00 whistle. He always knew he wanted to be a teacher, so he went to Black Hills State College. His purpose in life is to help people achieve their goals, just like many in his family. Paul’s first job was an Elementary teacher at Eagle Butte, he has been teaching for 38 years. Paul married the love of his life, Kathy. She is a nurse in Spearfish and she takes care of people with bad owies. They have 3 children and a dog. He is very proud of Ryan, Andrew, and Katie in what they have accomplished with their lives. Ryan is a principal, Andy is a musician, and Katie is an artist. Let’s not forget Ronnie “his dog” he is proud of his Borky too. Growing up Paul taught his children right from wrong. He always let them know that you had to talk yourself into being bad, so doing the right thing should be easy. Paul loves his 5 grandchildren Madden, Palmer, Taylor, Henly, and Hudson. He was on the City Council for 20 years. They were always making things happen. They bought Lookout Mountain to preserve its beauty and to make sure it will always be a part of Spearfish. In his spare time he loves to sing and play music with his friends in the Lyle Berry Band. They have been doing it for 44 years and really enjoy each other’s company. One of Paul’s greatest influences was his dad. He was a Frogman in the Navy in World War 2 and the commander of Underwater Demolition Team 8. His dad wrote manuals on how to disarm underwater mines. His dad was a teacher and coach. He always had time for his students and even stood up the Governor of South Dakota to help out one of his students. That is probably why he was Spearfish’s Mayor and the Donald Young Center at BHSU is named after him. Paul would one day love to go to Australia where his dad was stationed in the Navy. This is on his bucket list for sure. We hope you have a GOOD DAY. Someday Paul. Paul enjoys watching the Chicago Bears, reading books by Brooks Kubik, spending time with his friends and family, learning about Anatomy, and eating VANILLA ICE CREAM. Paul’s advice to you would be: Never be afraid to ask questions, follow your heart and do the right thing, and be kind to each other. Help others to realize their potential, and be the best they can be! Love you Paul! You have influenced so many lives, including mine. I would not be the man I am today without you!!!
Words and music by Hank Fridell
with Mr. Bokker’s 5th Grade Class
©2019 Hank Fridell
Loved being outside, playing ball
The neighbor kids were older and bigger than me
So I had to play harder, run faster, you see
We had to be home before the whistle blew
I didn’t do as well as I hoped sometimes
I broke my nose two times
Always loved rhythm and singin’ in the choir
Got my first drum set when I was just five
In a band with friends, We Jive!
Ms. Trezona taught me to write
Mrs. Gugle pushed me to do my best
Ms. McCright got me thinking what to do with my life
Three children, five grandkids, oh what a life
I’m loving and try to support their goals
I’m a very very lucky guy
I like that we made things happen here
We bought Lookout Mountain to preserve the space
For mountain biking it’s a great place!
Led me to study Anatomy
And now I help others be the best they can be
On the University faculty
I want to make a difference in people’s lives
Teaching college students at BHSU
Helping one another is what we do
A stupid question? There’s no such thing!
Never be afraid to ask for help
We all need help sometimes
Music, Physiology, Anatomy
Strength training, The Little Prince
My friends and family, vanilla ice cream….