“Dedicated public servant,” Paul Keener has died

Alameda County
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Paul during the 2015 Ashland Cherryland FamFest & 5K Fun Run

Paul Keener, a Senior Transportation Planner at the Alameda County Public Works Agency, passed away this past Saturday. He will be remembered for his role in working with many community activists in Castro Valley and the unincorporated areas of Alameda County to create a more walkable and bikeable community.

“Paul Keener was a dedicated public servant that put service above self. He was passionate about making a difference in the active transportation environment,” Supervisor Nate Miley said in a statement to Castro Valley Matters. “Paul was an encouragement to so many people. He was a committed father, husband, and County employee who will truly be missed.”

JoAnne Lauer, a member of Castro Valley Matters who worked closely with Paul as part of  BikeWalkCV’s efforts to obtain grant funding for sidewalk and biking infrastructure for Castro Valley, recalled his contributions to the community.

Paul made a huge contribution to Castro Valley’s slowly blossoming infrastructure and education around pedestrian and bike safety and accessibility, including thousands of hours over the years in developing bike/pedestrian master plans, writing grants, and attending countless meetings with school and community groups.  He led our own Castro Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CV BPAC), supported and personally led Bike to School/Work Day at the CV BART station,  and most recently took on a huge role with all of the Safe Routes to Schools programs in Alameda County.”

Funeral services are planned for Friday, August 3.

“He always had a smile and a kind word,” Lauer wrote in an email to BikeWalkCV. “Even if he was stuck between the bureaucracy above him and the advocates in front of him, he navigated with grace and respect. I will miss him dearly.”

Thank you Michael! Paul will be missed by so many. Tonight our hearts are heavy but so very grateful to have been blessed to know Coach Paul.

Our daughters and I thank you for this lovely depiction of Paul. At his core, he was a kind, funny, generous and loving man. He found great joy in his work in that he could point to the tangible results, the impact it had on people’s lives. We are still processing this devastating loss and wonder how there can be a world without him in it; but, we know he is relying on us to carry on. That smile, that laugh, that knowing glance will always be reminders of his love for and belief in our ability to persevere.
Thanks and God bless…
Carla, Christine, Jessica and Rachel Keener

Carla, I am so sorry for your family’s lose. We’re sending a lot of love from Castro Valley to you and your family. I promise we will do all we can to honor Paul’s work for our community and continue advocating. He really was a catalyst and gave so many hope for what our local government can do.

So sorry to hear, you & family are in my prayers. Paul was a dear friend.
Dr. Bowman

Dearest Carla: Love and prayers surround you and daughters at this devastating time. Call upon me and ABSW to help in any way. Rev. Paul was much beloved and glad he accomplished his dream to complete seminary. Sisterly love, Valerie Miles-Tribble

Paul was my buddy! I didn’t work directly with him, but when our paths crossed, we were in sync. Rest in heavenly paradise.

My heart is filled with sadness for your loss. Carla I am keeping you and your family in my daily prayers.

Zakkiyyah

Hello Carla, this message is late but I hope it will still make it to you. I was stunned to hear about the way too early death of Paul. I met Paul after my husband Tim Bucher died while riding his bike up Fairmont Drive in San Leandro in June 2011. My friends and I pursued the development of a bike lane on that road to hopefully make the road safer for other bike riders, and commemorate our loss. We discovered that Paul was already very involved in a bike lane project for that area. What a kind and sweet man he was! I have some wonderful photos of him from the bike lane dedication ceremony in June 2012 I would love to share with you. He continued to stay in touch with me at Christmas time each year, sending me a sweet text to make sure I was doing OK. What a gem he was. I know the loss to you and your daughters is great; although 2 years has passed I’m certain you still miss him every day. Hugs to you,
Alicia (Bucher) Prael

Paul Keener was a faithful and hard working man who served the Lord, his church and community well. He was a committed husband and father and trustworthy colleague. He is greatly missed.

We are shocked at this news. Amazing man and a pretty good softball coach to go along with all the other things he did. We send our prayers to you and the family. God Bless.

Jesus Romero

One of North Oakland’s finest from one of North Oakland’s finest families. The Rev. Paul J. Keener loved God, love his wife, children, sibliings, and community. His love was action oriented, which could be measured and replicated.

Though I did not see him as much in the past few years , his smile was priceless . He had a way of making your day better by just smiling..
Yes , he was kind and always willing to lend a helping hand..
He will be missed.. Thank you Paul for making our world a better place..
Carla , stay strong !! As well as your beautiful daughters!

I pray these words of Apostle Paul will comfort you and your daughters. Paul was truly an ambassador for Jesus in his home and throughout the world.
“Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭GNT‬‬

It was a pleasure working with Paul. He was a kind, joyful and hard working person. Whenever I see a black Mustang I will think of him and his cheerful smile.
My heart goes out to his family.

Dear Paul: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

My Pastor. My friend. My brother.
God put you in my path to bring me back to Him. Thank you. Thank you.
You taught me so much about patience and grace and forgiveness. Thank you for helping me with my grief process after losing my parents 2 months apart. Thank you for introducing me to your beautiful wife Carla and your amazing daughters. Where will I go for guidance…

Carla storms come and go but the promises of God remain steadfast not moveable. His love durning this time is just what you need.

Psalms 34-This is an intentional response to a marvelous ABBA especially when we are depleted. I WILL BLESS AT ALL TIMES

Carla, my deepest sympathy for you and your family. Paul was a devout Christian gentleman. His life has impacted so many and will continue to do so for years to come.

Carla! Much love and prayers go out to you and your lovely daughters!
You know both you and Paul are very special to me and have been for many years- I as I am sure you are in total shock as I just read this devastating news! Please call me if you need anything!!! I will be in touch and will continue to ask God to keep you and the girls in His arms at this time of your loss! Blessings!

Paul had been a genuine, willing-to-help friend and professional colleague to San Leandro Engineering & Transportation Director Keith Cooke and me.. He served diligently as one of the San Leandro Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) members for us commencing 2009. His passion in promoting Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety closely matched Keith and my professional goals. Even before his passing, we were still in close communication for sharing a Pete Walker Suit though California Office of Traffic Safety’s (OTS) grant to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety wherever we could. Surprisingly, my last phone message and email to Paul for borrowing the Suit were without immediate responses from him. I now realized Paul was struggling his life in the hospital while I contacted him. Paul could be one of the best transportation professionals whom are recruited to heaven to address crucial traffic/transportation matters there. My heart goes out to his family as well!

I was so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Paul and I worked together at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for a short while before he left to work for a small transportation agency. His personality at the workplace was memorable for me as Paul was kind and helpful. I am grateful he crossed my path in this life. Rest in Paradise Paul.

Dear Carla, I just saw this news and am so sad. Paul came over a couple of weeks ago after his Lake Merritt walk to pick up some brisket I saved for him from the sedar this year. It has been a privilege to get to know Paul and work with him through the years. He was one of those great people who only had a bright smile and kind words for everyone. Even for me when I was being a pain! My thoughts go out to you and your daughters.

Carla – like so many others, I am shocked and dismayed by this news. Love and comfort to you and to your family. Paul will be deeply missed…

Carla: I am so very sorry for your loss. I extend, on behalf of myself and the Ministers Council of the Greater Bay Area heartfelt condolences to you and the girls. Paul was a dear friend for over 30 years. His dedication to his work & ministry, his kindness and humility, and his sense of humor will be remembered in our hearts. I pray God’s comfort and peace now, and in the days to come. I love you, dear friend.

Pastor Paul Keener was a friend of mine. We were at ABSW and he was a very loving and kindness Person. Paul may you rest in peace and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your helps to me. My condolences to Carla and daughter. May God comfort you in time of sorrow!

Dear Carla,
My heart goes to yours Carla…. I pray for your strength as you journey your loss. Fond memories will sustain you.; hold on!

Blessings to you and your family,
Patsy Lax Lockhart

My love and prayers to you and the girls during this time. Paul and I attended Seminary and were ordained together.
He was a one of a kind guy who will truly be missed by the countless lives he touched. Praying for you…

Carla, I am so sorry and saddened to hear the news about Paul who was a God giving man, father, and husband. Even though I haven’t seen Paul in a while I remember his kind heart towards others and his infectious smile. Try to find strength in your blessings and memories of Paul. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and your daughters at this time of loss.

Dear Carla,
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Through you and your Facebook page it was easy to tell how loving and close you were as a couple and family. The first time I met Paul was at an an ACTC RFP event. When I learned his name during the round of introduction’s, I turned to him and asked if he was “Carla Keener’s Paul,” What I saw next was a big warm smile. I had got my answer. I met Paul subsequently at another ACTC meeting. He was so warm and genuine. I am sorry he is gone. I loved the story shared yesterday about his goldfish and asking his folks if they had fish…when introducing his friend. He certainly was a funny, sweet, caring, man who gave freely of his time and energy to everyone around him. I am sorry that I did not get a chance to tell you in person yesterday how sorry I am for your loss, or to put my arms around you, my friend, but know that you are always in my heart and in my prayers. Good people like you and Paul are always cherished. Love Always, Sharan

My prayers and thoughts are with the Keener family. It has been a pleasure working with Paul. He will be missed, but never forgotten. RIP PJK.

This is such a huge loss. Paul had so many friends because he had a huge heart. We got to know each other through our planning work, and we shared enough that my daughter and I had the honor of being invited to watch an A’s game with his church members and family. I regret not making it to one of his sermons. The man I knew adored his wife and children, was a dedicated public servant for Alameda County, and he loved building community. He made everyone in his orbit feel supported and welcome.

Carla, Christine, Jessica and Rachel, my deepest sympathy to you for your loss. You don’t know me, but know that he touched so many people’s hearts, including mine, Please know that his love for you flowed from every pore of his being.

I can’t believe I’m just hearing about this now. Paul said he would make it to my wedding on August 11 and I wondered why he didn’t show up.

Today, September 19, we would have had a CV BPAC meeting. It was on my calendar, so I walked to the Castro Valley Library and was confused when not a single person showed up for the meeting.

The world lost a great man, and I can only hope someone will be inspired enough by his life to step in and attempt to fill his shoes.

Pastor Paul Keener married us on July 15, 1995, and since it is my wife’s birthday today, we were reminiscing about our time together and thought about Pastor Paul. We just learned about his passing this morning and our hearts are sad that we didn’t find out until now, and did not have the opportunity to give our support to his family. It is our prayer that God is still comforting you and we are ever so thankful for Paul Keener in our lives. Stay blessed today. Carl & Gwendolyn Gill.

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