Obituaries

Paul Galut, 90, died at home in Sonoma on Feb. 19, 2008. Paul was the loving husband for 58 years of Marie-Therese Galut of Sonoma and father of Marie-France Richards of Sonoma, Michelle Blanc of Santa Rosa, Suzanne Karachewski of Walnut Creek and Andre J. Galut of Sonoma. He was the father-in-law of John P. Richards, Ron Blanc, John Karachewski and Marie Galut. He was the dear brother of Henriette Vaurs of France and grandfather of Meagan, Erin, Ryan, Maddie, Michael and Paulie. Paul was the uncle of Eloi, Marie, Carol and the late Paul Delagnes. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in the U.S. and France.
At the age of 21, Paul began his military career in the French army at Marseille, during World War II. He was a stretcher-bearer and also administered first aid to the wounded. He was the former owner of the Ventura Hotel and the Belmont Hotel, both in San Francisco. He was a member of La Gauloise, La Ligue Henri IV and Les Jardiniers – all in San Francisco. Paul arrived in San Francisco in 1947 and was a part-time resident of Sonoma since the 1960s. He enjoyed his vineyard, which was planted with grapes from France. He was an avid gardener with a beautiful fruit orchard, bountiful vegetables and very colorful flowers. In 1994, after retirement, he moved to Sonoma permanently. He was a native of Recoules, France.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma and St. Francis Catholic Church. Entombment was at St. Francis Cemetery, Sonoma. Donations to St. Francis School Educational Fund or the charity of your choice are preferred by the family.