Paul Dwayne Moore

Published 8:10 am Thursday, March 29, 2018

February 26, 1957 – January 18, 2018

“Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now.” Dino Valenti (Chet Powers); the Youngbloods (Jesse Colin Young) song.

Our dear Paul Dwayne Moore took his last breath on the morning of January 18, 2018, after 5+ years living with ALS. He was able to remain in his home filled with music, in his favorite recliner, with the loving help of family and Partners In Care, Hospice.

Paul was born to Alice and Arnold Moore, February 26, 1957, in Albuquerque, NM. In 1962, his family moved to Junction City, OR. By 1978, Paul was ready for a change, so he moved to Central Oregon.Paul, you were an amazing human being! With an open heart and mind, you lived by example. A talented singer and guitar player, he loved bringing communities together through music. Paul played in a variety of bands for 45 years ( On Tap, Little Edi and the Rhythmaires, Road Crew, Three Guys Who Play Music for Money, Three Quarter Short, McKenzie Drive, Night Owl, the Family Band, and the Silver Foxes). One of his favorite things to do was to gather musicians, family and friends around his pond for “Music (Party) On the Pond”.

A champion for youth at risk, Paul taught and mentored secondary students for 26 years in Bend (J Bar J Boys Ranch, Cascade Middle School, Bridges, and Court School). “To find the best in others; to give of oneself; to leave the world a bit better…” Ralph Waldo EmersonPaul and Kim have been strong advocates for people experiencing different abilities. Their teacher on this journey has been their son, Cameron, who experiences Down’s Syndrome and Autism. Paul started a support group for dads, called Paul’s Club.

A super involved dad of 3, Paul was loving and encouraging, supporting his children in music, sports, 4-H, raising livestock, photography, and many activities out in Mother Nature.

He absolutely loved the John Day River…floating it, bass fishing and camping along it’s flowing path with his wife, children and wonderful friends. Paul found solace walking a special stretch of our Deschutes River for more than 20 years. The beach, sand dunes and special friends of Florence, OR were dear to Paul for 54+ years.

In recent years you might find Paul around Central Oregon, tipping back his favorite IPA, supporting the local music scene and gathering with great friends.We miss you so much Paul Moore…your beautiful eyes, heart, humor, integrity, true grit, empathy, your gentle, caring soul.“Life is a hero’s journey. We need not travel here alone.” Joseph Campbell

Paul is survived by his wife, Kim; daughter, Jodie (Andy); sons, Aaron and Cameron; granddaughters, Taylor and Paige; mom, Alice; sister, Retta; previous wife,Annette; sweet nephews, nieces, cousins.

If you are so moved, donations are gladly accepted in Paul’s memory to the ALS Assoc. Walk To Defeat ALS. Our team is Moore’s Music Makers http://webor.alsa.org/goto/kimgundersonmoore

You can also mail a check: ALS Association, Walk To Defeat ALS; memo: Moore’s Music Makers Team (Kim Gunderson-Moore) to the ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter, 700 NE Multnomah St. Suite 210, Portland, OR 97232

A musical celebration of Paul’s life will be held around his pond on June 24, 2018, from 4-8pm.