Paul Trotman-Hall's Obituary
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Today we celebrate Paul “Rexy” Trotman-Hall who was a true reflection of God’s grace. Paul was born on June, 20, 1932 in Colon, Panama (Central America). In a
Family of 7 children, he was the fifth born to Reginald Trotman and Rosetta Hall Trotman both of the West Indian island, Jamaica (Caribbean). Paul departed this life on October 16, 2018 at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Leandro, California.
Paul was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Colon, Panama) where he first built his relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ and served faithfully as an altar boy.
“Pablo” as he was affectionately called was an award winning track star in high school, which later qualified him for the Olympics. After completing his post- secondary education he entered into the United States Army and served in dentistry during a tour of duty in Korea. Paul ended his active duty in New Jersey and earned an honorable discharge from the Army. At that time, he yearned to offer a new life for his family living in Panama. In 1955, he began sponsoring the immigration of his spouse, daughter and various extended family members and helped them to establish their first homes in the Brooklyn, New York area.
Paul had a successful and fulfilling 40+ year career with United States federal government. He worked as a computer specialist in Washington DC, and had various administrative positions in offices of the federal government in Wisconsin and California. He continued his commitment to United States military service as a reservist in the Army (three years) and Air Force (four years).
Paul was a devoted practicing Catholic for most of his life. After some time of worshiping with his daughter and family at Allen Temple Baptist Church (Oakland, California) his spirit was so joyfully filled by the teachings and worship experiences that he once again renewed his commitment to Christ, joined the church and was baptized. He loved to sing and found a brotherhood among the supportive and caring members of the Men’s Chorus and the United Men’s ministries.
Paul lived an exhilarating life. One of his passions was a love of traveling, which took him to many countries around the world creating special memories with those he loved. Because of his love of family and travel he was like the “ambassador” and “correspondent” for the family. At any given time he could give a “report” of what was going on with family members living across the world–United States, Panama, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, or South America. He was blessed with an abundance of family and friends who adored him as the life of the party with comedic stories, his love for dancing, ravenous appetite for Panamanian cuisine, especially rice and peas and plantain, and his infectious laugh.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his youngest son Neil, and three older siblings Marjorie Trotman-Kerr, Reginald Trotman, and Dudley Trotman. Paul leaves behind his daughter Paulina Van, his son Michael Trotman, his granddaughters Angelica Van and Michaela Trotman Dumlao (Marques), great-grandsons Jackson and Harley Dumlao, and a host of family and friends.
Jesus said, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37). Paul left an indelible mark on all those whose lives he touched through his thoughtfulness, generosity, wisdom, and zest for life. He will fondly and lovingly live in our hearts and mind.
Our celebration of life service for Paul Trotman-Hall will be held on November 1, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd, Oakland, California, 94621. His remains will be honorably interred at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, California.
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