RIP Paul Gomez

LAS&W4me · #1 06-05-2012, 02:27 AM

Yesterday those of us in the shooting community were shocked to learn of the death of Paul Gomez. As someone who had a chance to know Paul on a personal level I can attest that Paul was every bit as good of a human being as he was a firearms instructor. I would like to share with each of you an article giving a retrospect of the life of someone taken way too soon. RIP Paul you will be missed.

A special thanks to Mjolnir from bayoushooter.com for providing this story.

From a mutual, close friend, instructor and author Andy Stanford:

In Memoriam — Paul Gomez
Andy Stanford

Paul Gomez was one of the ten greatest firearms instructors who ever lived. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. I can back up this assertion with hard facts.

But first, I’d like to discuss Paul the man. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was a great father to his kids. Divorced and living away from his son and two daughters, he drove hours and hours every other week to spend quality time with them in his native Louisiana. I know they must’ve absorbed at least some of his unique personality. I guarantee it will serve them well. Our condolences to them all.

Yes, unique. Paul was nothing if not unique. Not too tall, bald on top, with a Cajun accent, he did not fit the Hollywood stereotype of a warrior. But he WAS one, having served in both the U.S. Army and as a full-time police officer. More importantly to me personallly, he was a true gentle man. Gentle. By-God Gentle. Not surprisingly, Paul had a fetish for "man skirts". He was often seen wearing a kilt—taught class in one on more than one occasion. He had eclectic tastes in literature and music, and an open minded, progressive political anarchy.

Paul was often the quiet observer with a mind like a steel trap. Just as often he would debate the topic at hand with equal parts logic and passion. Paul was the encyclopedia and duty historian of practical firearms training. When Paul died, we lost a good part of our archives. This is NOT trivial.

I truly cannot overstate Paul’s intellect. Lots of memory and a powerful processor. Knew much about much, and the wider implications as well. A voracious reader, he quoted someone or other when he first saw the stacks next to the bookshelves in my house, *You’re out of book space. All my friends are out of book space.* He was relentlessly analytical and logical. Which is part of why he gets my top ten trainer vote. And he was a pioneer in the field, though perhaps not as well known as others.

Paul was one of the first guys to understand and advocate the use of the Kalashnikov as a rifle of choice. He developed a gunhandling system for this family of weapons, and documented it in a book that according to Paul was 90 plus percent complete. Had he pressed on and completed it, he would’ve been widely known as THE AK GUY. Some subconscious Achilles’ Heel kept him from finishing it. Maybe we can fish it out of his computer and get it published posthumously.

He also pioneered a state-of-the-art combat handgun handling system—taught in his Robust Pistol Manipulations (RPM) course. Paul finally convinced me of the merits of practicing equally with each hand. He experimented with and codified combat-worthy methods of one-handed malfunction clearances and reloads that represent true progress in the field. I invite graduates of the RPM class to get your heads together and formally document it to the best of your abilities.

As noted previously, in addition to being an innovator in the area of gun handling, Paul was the resident historian of the tactical training community. Knowing where you’ve been can keep you from duplicating efforts, and shed light on current endeavors. It takes a significant investment of time and energy to develop a mature understanding of any subject. Paul paid his dues many times over in learning about his chosen profession. Few, very few indeed, have even come close to this level of study and research.

Paul spent many, many training days as Craig *Southnarc* Douglas’ assistant, uke, and—Craig’s word and high praise considering the source—muse. I wince to think of how many times Paul was hit in the head by Craig, or shot with Simunitions at point-blank range. (The former being by far the more severe blow.) This did give Paul a high-level understanding of close quarters combat, and undoubtedly a high-level of pain tolerance as well.

Last but not least, Paul was very interested in tactical emergency medicine. The last several years I haven’t seen Paul as much as when I lived in Florida, but I know he put a fair amount of focus on the topic. He undoubtedly sifted through a myriad of systems and derived his own from the best of the best. In fact, I’d make a sizeable wager on this and be confident of winning.

Paul had modest needs. For a time he was content with the bottom bunk in the corner of the Tactical Response team room. I think this is the result of living a very rich mental life, finding interest in whatever was in front of him. He was generally happy, and was pleasant to be around. He was a great friend. He led a full life, and did what he wanted to do a significant fraction of his time on earth. Good for him!

His legacy is his children, the other lives he has touched in person, and the wisdom he has contributed to defensive and tactical firearms doctrine. Thanks to the internet, a good bit of the latter continues to live on YouTube. And there is one final blessing he can bestow on all of us. His death in his early-forties can serve as a reminder that no one has promised us tomorrow. Carpe Diem. Paul would approve.

DCWilson · #2 06-05-2012, 04:43 AM

I never met Paul Gomez and did not know his name until now, but based on that narrative I wish I had met him years ago.

R.I.P. Mr. Gomez.

Chefjon · #3 06-05-2012, 07:03 AM

For anyone who hadn't heard of Mr. Gomez, some of his wit & wisdom can be found on Youtube, under the handle Gomez8136.

I never met the man, but would have been proud to.

I don't pray much but will send one up for him, his family and his friends. What a tragic loss.

Raiden · #4 06-05-2012, 08:05 AM

I've watched his videos numerous times, and his name comes up a lot when chatting with some of my shooting, prepping, and EMT friends. He was a real wealth of practical knowledge, and a strong advocate of common sense. R.I.P., Paul.

681ismyfavorite · #5 06-05-2012, 08:20 AM

ive seen his viodeos, good information on many topics. didnt know he was from La. like Andy Stanford remembered him, i didnt detect a cajun accent at all.
he wasnt "old" at all, must have been a heart attack from high cholesterol or something...

R.I.P.

gomezs123 · #6 06-05-2012, 08:24 AM

Thank you Andy for your beautiful words. I will be sure to share them with the children. The outpouring of sentiment has been overwhelming. But, through it all, the kids have been remarkable strong which I guess shouldn't be all that surprising.

Suzanne Gomez

Sidheshooter · #7 06-05-2012, 12:49 PM

You have my sympathies, Suzanne.
--
I will miss his ongoing YouTube efforts and contributions to online discourse; his passing is a great loss felt by all who knew of him.

K1500 · #8 06-05-2012, 02:48 PM

R.I.P., you will be missed.

Gomezwade · #9 06-05-2012, 03:25 PM

This summed up Paul very well. Thanks to the outpouring of support from the training community.

Erich · #10 06-05-2012, 03:37 PM

OMG - I'd not heard this. This is a terrible loss. Gomez was quite the character.

May he rest in peace and may God comfort his loved ones.

revolvergeek · #11 06-05-2012, 04:09 PM

I got kicked in the stomach with this about 7:30 this morning from a mutual friend of ours telling me the news.

I just talked to Paul a little over a week ago bragging about an old snubbie that I found and was itching to show it off to him when he was back in town soon.

Paul was a hell of a good guy, knew a world full of new and old information, had been my friend for years and years, and I will miss him.

chp · #12 06-06-2012, 10:33 AM

R.I.P. Paul.

Glenn E. Meyer · #13 06-06-2012, 02:37 PM

I met Paul in a class we both took together and then at conferences like the Polite Society. This is a great loss and he was a great guy. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Glenn

LAS&W4me · #14 06-07-2012, 01:33 PM

Funeral announcement and benefit info

source thread THR

Quote:

The Gomez family has posted the following:

"Services for Paul Gomez will be held Friday June 8, 2012. Viewing will be from 10am-12pm with a memorial service at 12pm at Greenoaks 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, La 70815
From Sherman House:

PAUL-E-PALOOZA

Everyone...like I said, the news from Uncle Paul Gomez' passing is still a shock. I keep seeing things, hearing music, and having ideas that I want to talk to Paul about. Reading the comments, and seeing the photos that so many people have posted has been great. I'm spending my days at work here, reading all of these amazing memories and stories about Paul, in between pulling teeth, and making plans for our mutual friend.

THANKS TO the efforts of many of Paul's friends and colleagues, we have many fish in the water at the moment. I'll review them in no particular order:

1. PAUL-E-PALOOZA (aka, "The Paul Gomez Tactical Conference Memorial") For those of you that knew Paul well, you knew that he would be less than pleased to hear that anything closely resembling a memorial golf tournament, even in name only, would be dedicated to him! Thus, the more appropriate, "PAUL-E-PALOOZA," name is chosen, and so mote it be. Paul's birthday is August 19th, and serendipitously, the 19th falls on a Sunday this year. So the conference will be set for August 17, 18 and 19. The location is STILL tentative. I've had a few GREAT offers on locations, it's just a matter of measuring how the logistics line up. So stay tuned. Thanks to Aaron Little, the RECURRING theme of the PAUL-E-PALOOZA will be topics and lectures that are either: TOPICS Paul would have lectured on HIMSELF, or TOPICS Paul would have liked to attend, however esoteric. The proceeds from PAUL-E-PALOOZA will go into a fund for Paul's children. Anyone that hasn't already, can still email me shermanahouse "at" gmail.com if you are interested in presenting or helping make this event happen, and continue to happen, from now on. Much like Tom Givens and Lynn Givens', "Polite Society," event that Paul so enjoyed and loved being a part of, I would like the PAUL-E-PALOOZA to become a regular event, that will continue to keep us all tied to Paul and Paul's legacy, as well as maintain the fellowship that those of us in this unique "fra-sority," share.

2. THE PAUL EVERETT GOMEZ TRUST FUND
My wife, Ami'ee Montiel House, along with our family attorney, are making steps towards setting up a trust fund for Paul's children, Gabby Gomez, Spenser and Lillith. Once this is in place, anyone who wishes to can make contributions, to a national bank chain, and have their donation deposited in the trust. Also, the proceeds from the aforementioned, PAUL-E-PALOOZA will go into the fund, along with the other projects we have in the works...

3. GOMEZ TRAINING INTERNATIONAL LOGO AND SHIRTS
Paul was in the creative process of creating a t-shirt/schwag logo when he passed. I've contacted the vendor he was working with, to continue the project, and get the logo and shirts, to market. Again, the proceeds from this effort will all go to Paul's kids, and we will all get a respectful, yet uniquely, "Paul," shirt/hoodie to have.

4. GOMEZ COMPENDIUM
Efforts are underway to create a, "tome," of Paul knowledge. Perhaps his PSP's from TPI, as well as his essays, writings and course material. This may be available in an e-book format, or as a hardcopy. Also, creating a compilation video of his combined YOUTUBE videos is also in discussion. The proceeds of which, would also go to Paul's kids!

I'm sure I'm forgetting something...if you emailed me and I haven't returned your email, I promise I'm not ignoring you, I'm just up to my neck in it at the moment, and you will hear from me!

PLEASE SHARE THIS on web forums, Facebook, etc. And please email me, shermanahouse "at" gmail.com if you have anything to add, contribute or help, and I will incorporate you as best I can!

Thank you, EVERYONE, in your efforts to immortalize our Uncle Paul's ideas. I OWE Uncle Paul my best, and I will continue to do what I can for him, his kids and for Rachel IsBlessed, as well as all his friends and comrades.

BBQLS1 · #15 06-09-2012, 10:47 AM

He will be missed.

When he was local, he often did free training sessions with anyone who would show up a local parks in Baton Rouge. He was very generous.

LOBO · #16 06-09-2012, 07:38 PM

Rest in Peace Paul. Prayers sent to all of your family and friends.

Glocksterpaulie · #17 06-12-2012, 02:11 AM

I joined this forum tonight. I just heard the sad news about Paul. Paul was a straight forward no BS type of guy, I liked that about him. I talked to Paul on the phone a while back about a guy who was located in Las Vegas who lived in LA before coming to Vegas. I had a bad feeling about the guy and asked Paul about him. Paul took is normal no BS approach and told me he was glad this person was living in Las Vegas now and not in LA.

Paul was an excellent instructor and a wonderful person. My condolences go out to his entire family and friends.

You will be missed.

Paulie