Obituary: Gus Paulos

Gus Paulos 1941 ~ 2006 Utah businessman and philanthropist Gus Ernest Paulos passed away Sunday January 1, 2006 at LDS Hospital at age 64 following a two-year battle with lung cancer. Gus was born Sept. 23, 1941 in Magna, Utah to Ernest Gus Paulos and Katherine Joan Paulos. He grew up and was educated in Magna graduating from Cypress High School and then went on to the University of Utah. After serving in the United States Marine Corps he returned to Utah and married Lanna Jo Franks. They were later divorced. In 1979 Gus married Barbara Ann Rydalch. Gus and Barbara were a perfect match and enjoyed wonderful years filled with success, good humor, family and friends. In 1980 Gus took over an automobile franchise that had been in the family since 1921 and went on to create one of the top dealerships in the country. For many years he was the number one dealer of any make in Utah. Gus was known for his humorous, self-deprecating advertising where he often made fun of his short stature. He also was known for his extreme generosity and kindness, especially toward those who had encountered any kind of misfortune. Over the last 25 years Gus spent literally millions of dollars battling drunk driving. He felt strongly that the products he so proudly sold should never be misused in that manner and was very aware of the pain and devastation caused by those who operated vehicles under the influence. He made significant contributions to numerous other charitable causes in Utah, including the Make a Wish Foundation and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and many other organizations and individuals, whenever they were in need. Gus received numerous honors during his life, including recognition by the Utah State Legislature and the Governor of Utah. Last year he was honored by Time Magazine as the number one car dealer in the United States for humanitarian and community service. Gus had great love for his family. They were the joy of his life. He also considered those who worked with him and his many associates as part of his family. He had the ability to make everyone feel that they were the most important in the room. Despite his short stature, Gus cast a long shadow for good wherever he went. Gus is survived by his wife Barbara; his mother, Katherine Joan Paulos; children, Greg (Debbie) Paulos; Tim (Candey) Paulos; Troy (Kelli) Rydalch; Bart (Candice) Rydalch; brothers Peter E. Paulos and Leon E. (Shannon) Paulos; sister Patty P. (Howard) Miller; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. A viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City Friday, Jan. 6, 2006 from 5 to 9pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 7 at 12pm at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City. The family would like to especially thank LDS Hospital, Dr. Pearl, Salt Lake Cancer Specialists and all others that have been there for Gus during the last several months. In lieu of flowers, Gus requested that those who wish donate to the Gus Paulos Charitable Foundation at any Wells Fargo Bank, to the cancer treatment charity of their choice, or to simply do an act of kindness for someone else.