The Deacon

[TazKristi]

There's no easy way to say this, so I will just say it. We recently learned that Paul Beretta (The Deacon) has passed away.

Paul was a pillar of this community. He was one of the earliest members of our forum, dating back over 20 years. Paul could be opinionated, but if your opinion differed, he would treat you just like anyone else. He was always happy to help anyone and everyone.

Paul was a computer programmer from upstate NY. When he retired, he moved down to South Carolina. He loved Hawaiian shirts (he had a huge collection), 1940s cars, his pup, his PT Cruiser, and did he ever love Spyderco (and this forum). In 2008, as a token of appreciation for all his vast knowledge of Spyderco and time spent helping others, we had a custom Spyderco Hawaiian shirt made for him. He was so grateful.

Paul also maintained a wealth of Spyderco knowledge on his own website. I'm working to safely secure the content of his site to ensure his knowledge will continue to help others.

Above all this, Paul was a genuinely KIND man. In some way, I believe we were a family of sorts for Paul. He made dear friends from around the world, was always welcoming to new members, and would answer the same question with the same grace a hundred times.

Deacon, you will be missed so much. It was indeed our pleasure to have you in our world. Rest in Peace.

Kristi

[yablanowitz]

There are no words to express my sorrow at this news. Rest in peace my friend.

[Evil D]

Heartbreaking. I liked and respected Paul a lot. I will miss him a lot. R.I.P. Deacon.

[Ramonade]

Did not have the chance to exchange with him, but I can tell that his website has helped me countless time, and I learned a lot thanks to him.

Sincere condoleances to his family and friends.

[224477]

Paul, though you knew, thanks for those almost 20 years of friendship that ment a lot. You were family.
You will be never forgotten.


May your soul find peace

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

Very sad to hear. My condolences to his family, friends, and all here who knew him.

I always enjoyed what he had to say and learned plenty from him.

[Larry_Mott]

My sincere condolences to his family and friends!
He will be missed!

[Manixguy@1994]

Condolences to family , I am truly devastated. MG2

[vivi]

this is sad to hear. Paul always struck me as a wise, kind and very knowledgable person. I wish the best for his family and loved ones.

[jwbnyc]

Condolences to his people and the forum.

[zenheretic]

Excellent obituary for The Deacon. Thanks Taz.

IIRC. the man liked has bolsters and his backlocks. His preferences never waivered. He stood by his principles. Was a great example of what a man should be.

[PMBohol]

Very sad to hear this. My condolences to his family and friends.

[AlexRus]

My condolences to his family and friends.

[James Y]

My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. He will be missed.

Jim

[Mushroom]

Very sad news. The Deacons contributions on this forum will be greatly missed.

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Paul.

[WilliamMunny]

Very sorry to hear this.

[Jimandchris2]

grateful for the opportunity to read his wisdom and knowledge over the years. His contributions to this community were invaluable. Condolences to his friends and family.

[shunsui]

He will be missed.

[Sharp Guy]

Dang, Sorry to hear this! A while back I realized he hadn't posted in quite awhile. RIP The Deacon

[Wartstein]

Sad news, condolences to his family and loved ones.

I chatted a few times with Paul, he was such a friendly and helpful guy.

And I shared his passion for the Spyderco Stretch (though he had much more than I - passion and Stretches)

Rest in peace!