Celebration of Life: Paul M. Zubek, December 31, 1953 – December 24, 2024

Provided.

Paul M. Zubek.

Paul Zubeck was born in San Fernando, California on New Year's Eve, 1953. His famous quote was, "I never had a problem finding a party!"

Paul was an avid Boy Scout, ascending to The Order of the Arrow. He loved camping, fishing and hiking, and enjoyed telling his story of hiking to Whitney Portals over and over. He loved gardening because he loved flowers, and he had a natural talent for creating rock gardens. He was a skilled craftsman and woodworker having learned at his grandfather's side. He enjoyed creating and gifting many family heirlooms from wood over the years. Paul was also a self-taught harmonica player and loved the old blues artists like Little Walter and Rod Piazza. His daughters shared his love of music and he avidly supported their musical endeavors, including chaperoning choir competitions in New York City, Chicago, San Diego and San Francisco, and participating in the Junior Miss productions.

He began his career as a termite crewman and obtained his Branch 3 Field Rep license (Wood Destroying Organisms) while living in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area. He loved telling stories of inspecting and completing termite jobs for famous celebrities including Ernest Borgnine, Marian Ross and even inspected the recording studios of Super Tramp. Here in Tehachapi, he worked for Jack Palance, Ruth Buzzi and Craig T. Nelson.

Paul met Derinda, the love of his life, in 1980 at a toga party. Derinda loves to joke that when she met him, he was wearing a dress because he donned a full toga for the party. Impressed by his kind nature and sense of humor, they were married in 1982 and later had their two daughters Rachael and Ashlee. They moved to Tehachapi in 1989 and bought Tehachapi Pest Control. By this time Paul had gained his Field Rep License for Branch 2 (General Pest Control) and his Agricultural Pest Control license. Later that same year Paul tested and gained his Operator's Licenses for both Branch 2 and Branch 3.

Living in the small mountain community of Tehachapi, checked all the boxes for Paul. He loved the beautiful environment, and it allowed him to use all his licenses to their best advantage. Tehachapi was lucky to have such a knowledgeable and skilled Pest Control Professional in this small town. He never had to advertise. Word of mouth recommendations from his happy customers kept his schedule full to bursting for the next 35 years.

During those 35 years, he personally trained his wife Derinda, both of his daughters and his son-in-law Jose Martinez, all of whom are licensed and experienced in the industry. Paul loved to brag that he created a family of "hired killers!" He loved his trade and was proud as he watched his family become skilled and ethical Pest Control professionals. Tehachapi Pest Control, Inc. will be carried into the future by his family which will remain a standing tribute to his knowledge.

Paul leaves behind his wife Derinda; daughter Rachael Martinez and husband Jose; daughter Ashlee Coddington and husband Richard; and grandchildren, Joshua, Lillian, Danika and Kanan. He was adored by Derinda's siblings, Don Montgomery (Jan), Dean Montgomery (Laura) and Debra Jones, as well as several extended family members. He is also survived by his two older brothers, Dennis and Tim, and older sister Marsha along with several extended family members.

Paul passed on Dec. 24, 2024 and now the world celebrates his birthday on New Years Eve and his passing on Christmas Eve. Paul's sincere hope would be that memories of him bring smiles, not tears. So, please smile when a thought of him comes to mind.