Paul Aldridge

Paul N. Aldridge, 86, went peacefully to his Heavenly home on December 28, 2021, after months of declining health.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughters, Linda (James) Watkins, Laura (Mike) Haynes, daughter-in-law Holly Aldridge; grandchildren, Resha (Jeremy) Still, Rachel Watkins, Jennifer (Kyle) Sauder, Jacob (Devon Adair) Haynes, Mary Haynes, Spencer Aldridge, Leah Aldridge, Macie Aldridge; and great-grandchildren, Wesley and Zaden Still, and Amelia and Kenzy Sauder. He was preceded in death by his parents Rachel and Herman Aldridge, sister Virginia Brown, and son David Aldridge.

Paul was born January 3, 1935 in Ironton, Missouri, His family moved frequently between Missouri, Colorado, and Arizona, before settling in Tempe, Arizona, where he graduated from Tempe High School and Arizona State University. While working as a lifeguard at Tempe Beach, he met Janet, the love of his life and wife of over 61 years. Paul worked in insurance and real estate before taking a teaching position in a one-room school in Hillside, Arizona. It was during the early 1970's that the family began vacationing in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, eventually buying property. In 1975, feeling led to move the family to Pagosa, he stepped out on faith, making the move without a job or home, trusting in God's provision.

Paul began in construction then eventually took a job as teacher and coach at Pagosa Springs Intermediate School. In 1982, he purchased a restaurant that he built into Ole Miner's Steakhouse. He remained owner and cook for 26 years, and became affectionately known as the "Ole Miner." Paul's faith in Jesus was evidenced in the love of his family, service to his church and community, generosity in providing meals to those in need, pastors, and others involved in ministry, and how he lived each day. He will be greatly missed as a loving husband, father, papa, and friend.

A celebration of Paul's life will be announced at a later date.