Remembering PDG Paul Truex, Guelph Rotarian

 
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO PDG J. PAUL TRUEX
by Hal Jackson, presented at the Rotary Club of Guelph on January 28, 2021 
 
We were all saddened to learn last Saturday evening January 22, 2022, that our dear friend Jay Paul Truex had completed the physical journey we call life. A son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, Paul was the consummate family man. Meaningfully, this influence extended to friends, Johnson & Johnson colleagues, the family of Rotary, and the Guelph community. I was privileged to be part of his life journey as a friend, Johnson & Johnson colleague, and Rotarian. 
 
Paul in HR terms was a “people person.” He delighted in seeing activities initiated, carried out and completed through others. His satisfaction came from the growth and development of those he had helped facilitate. He did not always seek to be a champion, as much as a developer of champions. It was fun to watch him “work a room.” Seeking out those he did not know to understand their passions and skills, ultimately working to find or connect them to the tools that could help them forward. Networking of newfound contacts with others of like interest or ability was always the end game. Characteristically, recognition and even success of a job well-done was acknowledged in a follow-up, short, hand-written note from Paul. I am sure there are those here that can remember receiving such a note. 
 
Gamesmanship was a feature of Paul that I particularly enjoyed being a part of, as well as an observer. You would come away wondering if you may have been “hustled.” You may have had advantage, only to end up losing from a score point of view, but winner from the experience. The impish grin upon a JPT advantage was legendary in my mind. 
 
The annual Truex Florida vacation was not complete without visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando. In particular, EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was required touring. This Disney theme park was purposely left unfinished and allowed to be enhanced as new learning and ideas came forward. This approach describes Paul's approach to people development and project facilitation, always room to grow and experience new ideas, ultimately to make a difference. 
 
It has been said “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth” (Shirley Chisholm). Paul is fully paid up and in considerable surplus. That surplus can be equated with legacy, the complement of those who have been developed, mentored, influenced and encouraged to make a difference. They are active in the community and more broadly. To paraphrase the Rotary 4-Way Test, Paul’s journey has been true and fair to all concerned, while in the process, goodwill and better friendships have resulted with the outcome of being beneficial to all concerned. 
 
Paul was a dear friend, respected colleague and an admired Rotarian. It was rare, in my community travels, that the name Paul Truex was not recognized, a tribute to his community spirit and involvement. I will miss his wise counsel and our conversations. 
 
Finally, I am reminded of a beautiful piece of poetry by Mary Elizabeth Frye and effectively scored to music by Canadian composer Eleanor Daley as a piece in her choral Composition “Requiem,” performed a number of times by the Guelph Chamber Choir. The piece is entitled “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep.” The lyrics are: 
 
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow. 
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush, 
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die. 
 
Paul’s legacy will live on. He is now with his beloved Jean. “Well done thou good and faithful servant” (The Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:23). 
Rest in peace!! 
 
C.H. Jackson, 28/01/2022