Paul grew up in a small town in Minnesota, but his journey through life led him out into the world. He became a pediatrician, found the “love of his life,” lived outside of the United States twice, and helped raise seven children. He is now trying to enjoy retirement!

Paul spent his childhood in Granite Falls, Minn., a town of 2,500 in which his dad worked as a cashier at the local Yellow Medicine County Bank. His mom took care of Paul and his four siblings. Paul liked to spend the summers swimming and fishing in the Minnesota River and going to church camp. As a senior, he was captain of the high school football team, worked at the local lumber yard, and was valedictorian of his small senior class.

After high school, Paul attended the University of Minnesota and while there, decided to pursue a career in medicine. Later, involved in a rotating internship at the University of Cincinnati, he met his future wife, Barb, a student in an R.N. nursing program at the university.

Paul and Barb were married in 1959 and began a series of moves: to the Children’s Hospital of the East Bay in Oakland, Calif.; to Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; and back to the University of Minnesota, where Paul specialized in child neurology. During this time, Barb received a Master’s degree in medical-surgical nursing.

Later, with three kids in tow, the couple applied to a new program in the relatively new U.S. Peace Corps (mid 1960’s). They spent two years in Shiraz, Iran, where their fourth child was born.  In spite of the cultural differences, the family loved their time in Iran: Paul became semi-fluent in Farsi, and Barb taught nursing students (in English) part-time. Paul worked as a pediatrician at the American-style Nemazee Hospital (shaking hands on one momentous occasion with the Shah). Even more exciting was the opportunity to travel in the desert with a team studying the nutritional needs of migrant tribes and observing the lives of these resilient nomadic families.

Upon their return to the U.S., Paul, Barb and their five children (Steve, Susan, Dan, David, and Amy) moved to Denver, where Paul worked until retirement as a pediatric neurologist at The Children’s Hospital.

In the early 1970s, Paul and family had the opportunity to live in Gothenburg Sweden, for a six-month sabbatical. They packed up the children, explored Sweden, looked up some extended-family members and are still able to keep in touch with friends and family they met while there.

After returning to Denver, the family adopted two older children (Christopher and Rosemary), and Barb returned to school for a Master’s degree in social work. The parents stayed busy trying to keep up with their kids’ activities: plays, band, orchestra, sports and summer jobs. As a family, their vacations were often camping and outdoor trips with other families. Paul played tennis and soccer.

In spite of being busy with family and career, Barb rented a cello for Paul and that began his commitment to music lessons. He eventually became skilled enough to perform with the Lakewood Symphony.   He has continued lessons with a wonderful teacher and this past summer they held their lessons on her outdoor patio.  Paul and Barb enjoy walks around Park Hill, listening to music, staying current in politics and current events, not to mention keeping up with Zoom meetings.

The Moes bought the first house they ever owned in Park Hill and joined Montview. Over the years, Paul taught Sunday School, and Barb participated in the Peace and Justice Task Force. As a couple, they have attended the lectureships, adult education classes, and other special events. These days they greatly appreciate the online services and the rich experience that Ian, Clover, and the leadership team at Montview bring to the congregation.

Paul’s longevity may come partly from a strong religious faith, having found the “love of his life,” an active sense of humor, a career he loved, his curiosity about life, and a love of learning new skills. Finally, there is the joy of having all seven children and seven grandchildren in the Denver metro area.

– Submitted by Brooke Durland