Paul Robert Southwick

Paul Robert (Rubenthorpe) Southwick, age 84, passed away December 27, 2017 in St. George, Utah. He was born July 31, 1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Edward W. and Elaine C. Southwick. Paul married Sue Holman August 2, 1968. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Temple. The Southwick family moved to Cedar City when Paul was three years old and he had a happy and fun childhood. He graduated from Cedar High School in 1951 where he was the Boys Organization President, member of the concert and marching band (trombone and baritone), started in varsity sports football (running back), basketball (guard) and baseball (2nd base). Paul attended one year at Branch Agriculture College (later renamed Southern Utah University) and spent three years at BYU where he graduated in 1955 (major accounting – minor banking finance). Upon graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force and entered pilot training at Bartow Air Base, Florida. He received his wings in 1956 at Big Springs, Texas, and went to gunnery training, flying the jet fighter bomber the F-84F. At Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina he was inducted into The Mach Buster Club for exceeding the speed of sound in the F-100D Super Sabre. He was proud of his time in the Air Force, reaching the rank of Captain. He knows who flew mach speed over Cedar City, and blew out the windows. After active duty in the Air Force, he completed four quarters of graduate school at the University of Utah. In 1959 Paul was hired by a public accounting firm, became a CPA in 1962, and made partner in 1966. In 1967 Paul was hired as the Executive Vice President of Financial affairs at Southern Utah University. He served on the State of Utah Investment Committee as appointed by the governor, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the SUU Board of Trustees for maintaining fiscal viability, operating integrity, and enlightened leadership. Paul thought he had the best job in Utah and loved the people he worked with. He retired from SUU in 1995 after serving 27 ½ years. In 2001 Paul and Sue moved to St. George and enjoyed living in the same city with his two brothers, two of his sons and their families, and his mother-in-law. Paul was a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served a mission in the Bishop’s Storehouse and served as a stake financial clerk. His family was his greatest joy and believed “our love will be forever.” He enjoyed family traditions, family gatherings, and being a husband, dad, and grandpa. He is survived by Sue, his wife of 49 ½ years, his four children Paul W. (Angie) of St. George, Stafford W. (Jodee) of Las Vegas, Craig H. (Cherie) of St. George, and Kelly Ann (Glenn) of Springville, his eleven grandchildren (Ryker, Christian, Tayia, Finley, Porter, Preston, Warrick, Craig, Stafford, Jade, Ruby), and his mother-in-law Bethel Holman. He is preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Roy Holman. Viewing 10 am, Funeral 11am on December 30, 2017 at 2583 East 350 North St. George -- Cotton Acres meeting house. Burial services at the Cedar City Cemetery at 3pm. In lieu of flowers Paul would appreciate donations to The Dove Center, 1240 E 100 S Bldg. 22 Suite #221 St. George, UT 84790.

Paul Robert Southwick

July 31, 1933 - December 27, 2017