Birth date: Aug 14, 1953 Death date: Apr 29, 2022
Paul Earl Duerden, 68, of Orem, Utah, passed away on April 29 after a brave battle with a rare illness he was not destined to win. He was called home instead to be our loving Angel and forever Father, Grandfather, and not least of Read Obituary
I just read Paul's obituary again and it brought me great comfort. He is truly a remarkable man who brought so much good to so many lives. This all happened so fast that I'm striving to get a handle on it. May we always remember and treasure our memories of this good man and continue the remarkable legacy he left us.
I was saddened to hear of Paul's passing. My love and sympathy to your family. I am grateful I got to know Paul over the years at Provo City. I always enjoyed our visits. He will be missed!
I had the great blessing of working with Paul at the Covey Center for 8 years or so as the dramaturg there. He was always so willing to listen to my crazy ideas and exciting new projects. Then he would blink slowly several times, tell me “what you have to understand” about the Covey, and graciously let me move forward. He loved that little black box theatre and we got to do some amazing shows there. And for a while, he was making cameos in every show! He was generous and kind and encouraging and he had a great sense of humor and so much love for his work family. I will miss him, and the community will miss him, greatly.
Pepper what a wonderful tribute you have written to a great and very good man! I teared up as I read it and felt the tenderness that comes from witnessing true and good love. Kudos to you!
May our lives be living tributes to the goodness and fun this good man gave to all the lives he touched.
Heaven is blessed to have him!
Paul was my boss and friend at the Covey Center. I remember interviewing with him and Cassie. Everything went rather normally until he asked me if I knew what "Hangry" was. It was funny, and it threw me off. I appreciated him taking a chance on me, as my administration experience was quite old at that time. In retrospect, this chance that he had taken on me, really was the catalyst to launching my professional career, as it stands today. I appreciated his perspective, his focus on people- their situations as well as their wants and needs.
He was incredibly caring and kind. I learned so much from him, too much to articulate here. He was a man of many talents and even more connections. Everyone knew him and he knew everyone. His world was lovely and abstract. He loved his family deeply and made every effort to be present personally and professionally. He was always willing to help in anyway he could.
We kept in touch from time to time after I left the Covey- but he was always someone I felt like I could talk to and rely on. I appreciated his uplifting personality. He had a confidence in me that I often did not have in myself. We cried and laughed together- Lord knows we stressed out together. Paul, thank you for everything. You will be deeply missed. Take care old friend!
Love,
Katie Rossiter-Smith
I loved working with Paul. Years with BYU as director of BYU Theatre Ballet, on the Provo Arts Council and with the Covey Center as I was able to bring in shows since the doors opened at Covey.
He was always kind, honest, fair, and personable. His professionalism was always something I appreciated. He was interested in the people he worked with and genuinely hoped that they would succeed.
I am a better person for knowing him.
I am grateful that we were professional friends.
Much love to his family
Jennie Creer-King
Central Utah Ballet
Chrysalis Ballet
While visiting Paul and Paula’s home he made a spaghetti dinner for mama and I and we played and had fun with the bunny rabbit. The whole house and the yard was completely decorated in Disney character form including the Christmas tree, totally beautiful. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the smile on his face when he hollered for us to come to the kitchen, spaghetti was on. Thanks for the memories Paul and family.
I always remember Paul as a very kind and fun neighbor hiring me for various things like Woodstock ticket taking over the summer, watching his girls etc. I saw him often in the Harris Fine Arts Center though my years at BYU . He would always acknowledge me! I haven’t seen the family for what seems like ages but I give my condolences and wish the best to Paula and the girls and their children at this hard time. Paul is wonderful person.
-Tabatha Pace Priestley
Paul had a way of helping anyone he met. He especially knew how to make others feel better about themselves. I was grateful for his kind words during a rough time in my life. He will be missed by so many. My best wishes to Paula and their family during these challenging day.
I have worked with Paul as a Dance Studio owner at the Covey from the beginning. He was a wonderful soul and a joy to work with. Sending love to his family at this very sad news. Everyone at Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy will miss him dearly.
