Paul Andresen, a giant in the NWSABR chapter, serving as president three times, and as secretary/treasurer for the past 10 years or more, lost his battle with cancer on August 26. He was 62.

Paul was a regular attendee from the start of the NWSABR Chapter in 1981. The core group has evolved over the years, but Paul was the only constant--certainly Paul attended more chapter meetings than anyone else by a factor of two. He was a beloved figure.

Paul served on the SABR board for four years as treasurer (1995-99). He wrote articles for both of the Deadball books. He presented at many chapter meetings and at at least one National. He served on the nominating committee for a few years, and a few other national committees as well. He attended 16 SABR nationals. Paul loved SABR.

Paul loved baseball at all levels. He loved the Dodgers from boyhood, the Mariners since their existence (he was in Seattle at the time), the Eugene Emeralds and the Oregon State Beavers. He volunteered in the press box at the OSU game for many years, and one of his happiest moments was his trip to the College World Series in 2007, the second of the Beavers two championships. He and Kip Carlson published a great book a few years ago on the history of the Portland Beavers of the PCL.

Paul loved people,though not in the sense that phrase is normally used. People amused Paul, and he loved watching and talking about them. Though he never gambled, he loved Las Vegas, which was filled with people who amused him. Paul's full life included many close friends from different circles. Besides the SABR convention, his other annual event was the Burning Man Festival in the Nevada desert, for which he and his friends would spent weeks building a booth and costumes around some humorous (and politically-incorrect) theme.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie, three grown sons, and a grandson--a very close family. Debbie, went to several SABR conventions with Paul, and was well known by many. His only sibling, Marc, is a pastor in town and also very close to Paul.

Approximately thirty NWSABR members and guests attended the meeting, which was held at Nat Bailey Stadium courtesy of Vancouver Canadians owner and SABR member Jake Kerr.  Featured guests were Ossie Chavarria and John Haar, pictured below.  Chavarria was a former utility man for the Kansas City A's and Vancouver Mounties who also enjoyed a long career as an umpire.  John was a standout UBC athlete, spent time in the minors for SF and NYY, and has contributed immensely to baseball in Canada.  Both received universal acclaim from a very appreciative audience as two of the best speakers we've had.

 

 

After the meeting, many gathered at the residence of Max Weder and Jennifer Ettinger for a social BBQ, then returned to Nat Bailey to watch the Canadians come from behind in the bottom of the ninth to beat Tri-City 6 to 5.  All in all, a great day of baseball and comradery!  Thanks to Max Weder and Kit Krieger for organizing the entire event.