Paul Russell Dessert, 61, died peacefully from complications related to lymphoma and sarcoma cancer at his home in Mammoth Lakes on August 7.

He was born on Dec. 22, 1949, in Inglewood, Calif., to William and Catherine Dessert, number 7 of 14 brothers and sisters. Paul spent his early years in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. He met and then married his soulmate of 43 years, Sharon (Shere) on Feb. 15, 1969. Paul and Shere had three children.

He was a devout family man, who loved and cared for his family. That and trout fishing. Paul still holds the current, Dessert-family, largest-trout record with a solid 10+ pound brown trout wrestled from Lake Mamie.

He is survived by Shere and their two sons Kevin (wife Jennifer) and Curt (wife Theresa), 4 grandchildren Amber, Tanner, Jesse and Brooke and one great-grand child Brayden; as well as 13 brothers and sisters Duffy, Mike, Judy McQueen, John, Catherine, Joan Stimpfig, Louise Inder, Jim, Tom, Jane Beltran, Molly, Jerry and Ruthie Herrin, numerous aunts and uncles, including his godparents Guido and Louise Pinamonti, cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lalayna and parents.

A parishioner at St Joseph’s in Mammoth Lakes, Paul was employed by San Sierra Condominiums in Mammoth Lakes for more than 8 years. He also worked for many years at Airesearch LAX and Gulfstream at the Long Beach Airport.

He was a good provider for his family but always found time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures like fishing the Sierras, surfing, riding his motorcycle, snowboarding, or inviting friends for a barbecue. He spent his work holidays vacationing in Mammoth. He was a nature lover and had a special gift with wild birds. He was passionate about refurbishing motorcycles and snowmobiles and also enjoyed gardening. He loved it when his young grandkids, nieces and nephews came to visit him and he was always eager to teach kids how to fish.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church on Old Mammoth Road in Mammoth Lakes on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. For details, call Louise @ 760.934.5331.