I sit here crying, as I read the letters written about and to you. It hurts to realize that such a strong warrior for life is not here on this earth. You are greatly missed dear brother. Even though I hadn’t seen you for years, I never forgot your amazing efforts – out there on the picket lines – and brilliant writings on behalf of the unborn. You were an inspiration to me – and still are.

Dearest Bonnie, I am praying for you and family, and want to thank you for all that you given too, and the hard work you do in this great mission from God.

I’m 63 years now and continue doing concerts and “singing out for life” here in the Northwest, doing the Lord’s work as He directs, through the gifts He has given me. May the Lord bless and keep you, until we meet again in reunion with our dearest brother Paul and our mighty God!

Carolee Carrara (note: name change 12 years ago)

My first impresssion of Paul was the humor, his sparkle-eyed wit. He was a wicked punster. A real punding awaited any pundit punprepared for punishment. (Sorry, Paul!) Yet, his wit did not aimlessly exist for its own sake, but to convey truth. Like all visionaries, his was the God-given gift of the goad. As saith the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, “The words of the wise are as goads.” The “Porcupine” challenged you to think outside the political box and focus on the babies. His “quills”–not only his writings on paper, but his life as a living epistle–pierced the darkness.

After marrying Al, a fellow rescuer I met in jail, I sent some cartoons in to LA in 1993, and Paul published them. After awhile, he asked if I would like to be “promoted” to Staff Artist. I replied, yes, but I demand double my current salary. (My artwork was always gratis, that was the joke.) He was a wonderful editor for six years and a gracious, true friend. He and Bonnie always rejoiced with us when Al and I sent baby announcements of a new arrow added to our quiver (which now numbers seven). I am sad he did not get to meet our seventh, but he will when we see him someday beside the river of life in the city wherein is no night.

A memorable column he wrote centered around a story maybe some of you have heard, about a little girl who saves starfish by throwing them back into the sea. A grown-up comes by and tries to discourage her, saying her efforts can’t possibly matter. The little girl’s reply? “It matters to this one.” To speak of the influence of Paul deParrie’s life’s work on all of us, especially yours truly, I couldn’t have said it better. “It matters to this one.”

Back in 1991, the Wichita Rescue Movement kicked off the Summer of Mercy with some rescues at local clinics, one of which included the arrest of Rich Mulliins. Shortly thereafter, the “first wave” hit Wichita with Joe Scheidler and the PLAN convention. One of the first guys I met was a round, hairy character with a dark beret, carrying a lot of cameras. He told me he was a reporter for “Life Advocate.”‘ He was extremely knowledgeable about the issues and tactics. We hit it off immediately and went to municipal court together to help some Christians who had been arrested.

I am honored to say that Paul was my friend. Over the years, we consulted frequently on legal issues and spiritual concerns. When Wichita’s Lawyers for Life held an event of rallys and seminars, the Jackal came to town and conducted a seminar on do-it-yourself legal tactics. It was probably the most popular seminar we had.

For the ten year reunion of the Summer of Mercy, Paul and Bonnie stayed in our home, and my family was blessed by their spirit, humor, and intelligence. Paul called us last week, just a few days before he departed for his heavenly home. When we heard the news of his parting, we were staggered.

Paul can’t be replaced. He was the best that pro-life has to offer. He was a constant witness for the unborn, and he probably personally witnessed to hundreds of thousands of people, standing outside of conventions, rallies, and events with his posters and costumes. Without him, many favorable court decisions would never have been obtained. We are each going to have to step up our own efforts to fill the gap in the wall left by Paul’s passing.

He was not only a servant/leader but he was a great writer. Unlike so many of the fundraising “newsletters” that we get in the mail, with their self-aggrandizing oratory, flowery grandiloquence and ranting propaganda, Paul really knew how to write and report. Paul’s work (and the work of the others) at Life Advocate, was monumental in the pro-life movment, and no pro-life library is complete without some of Paul’s books like “The Rescuers”; “Blood Upon the Rose”; and “THe Unholy Sacrifices of the New Age.” Every pro-lifer should check out his books still available on eBay and at abe.com.

Above all, Paul was a true Christian brother. His religion was not head knowledge and doctrine. He was not legalistic. There was no ounce of pride or rebellion in his motivations. He had the spirit of God in his heart and practiced the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He was joyful and merciful, loving, humble, and kind — all while warring fiercely against the powers of darkness.

And there was one other thing about Paul that contantly amazed me: he and I almost always agreed about everything — from church issues to pro-life controversys to legal tactics. He was a true brother. I can’t wait to see him again.

Donald “the Dingo” McKinney

I am so sorry to hear of this! He is mightily, sorely missed, and, though I only met him once, years ago, it grieves me that I will never see him again on earth.

What an inspiration, what a warrior, what MIND, what a leader this man was.

I do hope that someone will keep his writings alive, well, and readily available?

thanks for posting this, although it isn’t good news like the recent postings about Alabama…