Paul Farber's Obituary
Paul Farber passed away on March 10, 2023, at the age of 81. He had been chronically ill for some years and then died suddenly from a massive infection.
Paul was married to Geraldine (Gerry) Oliva in 2003 and they were together up to his death.
Paul was born in Los Angeles on August 14, 1941. He graduated from Fairfax High School and then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in business/accounting from University of Southern California.
He had his own business as a CPA and Financial Advisor. He later became a successful Commercial Real Estate developer with projects all over Orange County, Ca. In 1995 Paul moved to Northern California and maintained his accounting practice. He also worked as CFO at an environmental non-profit that was devoted to preserving state parks in California and then for Mathews Investment Company.
Paul also devoted a lot of time to engage in community volunteer activities. For many years he was a Big Brother both in L.A., Mill Valley and Oakland California. He loved the kids he worked with and supported them in building self-esteem and developing goals for the future. He served on the Marin Human Rights Commission and was part of the Marin Human Rights Roundtable on Hate Violence. Later, he served as Treasurer for the Berkeley Zen Center.
He had great love of travel. He took his son, Jason, and his Father for a trip around the world in the 80’s. Paul and Gerry traveled widely including trips to Europe, Central and South America, Canada, Mexico, and Cuba. He also loved outdoor adventures, including kayaking, backpacking, camping, and boat trips.
Paul had a great love for domestic animals. At one point Paul and Gerry had three dogs and three cats. Paul cremated all his pets and saved all the ashes so that they could be buried with his own. His support dog Molly has been with him for 10 years and she is bereft.
He was a s self-proclaimed connoisseur of food, music, film, and theater. He always researched all these things thoroughly and people relied on him for suggestions for food and entertainment. He had a great collection of DVD’s of his favorite films that he watched many times over. He has willed all of these to his son Jason, who share his love of movies to preserve for the future.
Most of all, Paul loved his family and friends and made great efforts to be with them and to be there for them. He was thrilled to be a grandfather. His grandkids call him Grandpops and were always anxious for his visits. Paul is survived by his wife Gerry, his sister Shelly Anderson his son Jason Farber, His stepsons Dylan and Eli Kersh, his daughter in-laws Elspeth and Lisa and his grandchildren, Lillian, Elijah, Cole and Elena.
He is treasured by family and friends, all expressing their love and admiration for him. He will be greatly missed but cherished in many hearts. He leaves a legacy of loving kindness.
Condolences can be sent to Geraldine Oliva, 25 Manor Drive , Piedmont
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