Paul Forrest Cassady

April 5, 1957 - April 27, 2025

The world has lost a truly wonderful man. Paul was a hard working provider, protector, and a light whose joy always filled the room. He was an unconditional lover, our own personal comedian, and an engaging conversationalist. We remember him for his generosity, his infectious laugh, warm hugs, and his endless wealth of knowledge.

Paul grew up in Bakersfield, California with 4 brothers and 1 sister. He attended St. Francis Elementary, St. Francis Junior High, Garces High School, and Bakersfield Community College. He then went to Chico State University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Business Ag.

From childhood to adulthood Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, and backpacking.  He was an avid Formula One fan.  He loved music, mainly Jazz.  He was a AA supporter and worked the twelve step program more than once.  Paul was a believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  In the last decade, he attended church and bible study with Jan.

When he was a kid, he played two seasons of Jack Frost football. As a freshman, he started playing football at Garces High School.  He played all four years and did quite well.  During the summers of high school and college, Paul worked in the Bakersfield potato sheds on the front line sewing potato sacks.  After college, he started working in the Produce industry. The last 30 years he has worked for Pacific Sales Company, one of largest West Coast melon growers and distributors.  Everyone there was family to him.

He met his wife, Jan, in Bakersfield in 1974. They eloped in Reno in 1978 and didn't tell anyone.  They had a church wedding at St Philip the Apostle Church, Bakersfield, in 1981.  At that time, Paul became a produce transportation broker and they moved seasonally with the produce seasons.  In 1987, they settled in Fresno to start a family.

Paul was a devoted husband for 47 years, a loving father, proud Papa, loyal friend, and even a kind stranger to many he met in passing. He is survived by his cherished wife, Jan, daughters, Caley and Casey, son (in-law) Ricky Snow, grandchildren Christian (7), Aria (4), Micah (3), and Evan (2). He is also survived by siblings Daniel (Elizabeth), James (Rita), Brian (Ingrid), Michael (Tanya), and sister Jeanne. He also loved and will be greatly missed by nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and all his work family at Pacific Sales Company.

Paul will be deeply missed, but he leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will continue. There will be a private celebration of life held in honor and remembrance of Paul.