Jan Hubert Paul: 1941 – 2023
Jan Hubert Paul, 82, a longtime local architect whose work is evident throughout the state and region, died Nov. 21 at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne.
Always a gentleman and a problem-solver, he will be remembered for his hard work, integrity and appreciation for nature.
Jan was born on Nov. 14, 1941, to Hubert F. and Charlotte Paul in Schweidnitz, Germany, later renamed Swidnica, Poland, when borders were changed after World War II. In Nuremberg, Jan attended a vocational school as a potter in 1957 and the Academy of Fine Arts as a sculptor the next year.
However, when he moved to Cheyenne in 1959, he had to complete two years of high school. In 1965, Jan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with an architectural option from the University of Wyoming. He served in the Wyoming Air National Guard from 1966–1972. Jan became a registered architect in 1973.
After working at several local architectural firms, Jan went into private practice in 1982. His extensive and wide-ranging work took him across Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota and Nevada. Some of his projects involved state of Wyoming facilities and roads; community development, recreational and cultural facilities; prisons; churches; nursing homes; swimming pools and tennis courts; residences, apartment complexes and motels; restaurants; office, commercial, industrial, maintenance and medical buildings. His educational projects ranging from classrooms buildings and laboratories to gymnasiums and theaters can be found at the University of Wyoming, Laramie County Community College, and elementary and secondary schools throughout Laramie County and the region.
He married Cynthia Jean Robbins on Feb. 14, 1969, in Cheyenne.
Jan was a member of the American Institute of Architects, Lions Club, Housing Assistance for Neighborhood Development and the Community Development Advisory Council.
Having been diagnosed with Stage III melanoma in 1999 and successfully treated in 2000, Jan was asked to carry the 2002 Winter Olympics torch as it made its way through Wyoming. In addition to playing tennis, he enjoyed walking, hiking and camping.
Jan was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Rolf and Peer Paul.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; two daughters, Chasely M. Paul and partner, David DeMarais, of Colorado, and Birgitt J. Paul and husband, Steven Scott, of Cheyenne; honorary daughter, Tae Yamaki, of Colorado; granddaughters, Meredith C. and Adelaide G. Scott Paul, of Cheyenne; two sisters, Karin Krause, of Texas, and Liv Hanes, of Colorado; a sister-in-law, Reggie Frederickson and husband, John Frederickson, of Michigan.
Jan was cremated, and services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home followed by a tea reception.
Those who prefer may contribute to Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics and the Williams Syndrome Association.
