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Paul and Craig Pulanco: 'They were kindred spirits' devoted to serving others
Wednesday, February 2, 2000
By VANESSA HO
Paul and Craig Pulanco devoted their lives to helping and serving others, but it wasn't until they found each other that they felt complete.
"They were kindred spirits. They were both compassionate and caring. If you knew them, you loved them," said Paul's brother, Steve Clarke.
They married in September 1997, and their deaths felt huge in their tiny South Seattle home yesterday. Stunned relatives, helpful friends, two dogs and a cat wandered from room to room. Wedding photos of Paul and Craig smiling in tuxedos featured a day so remarkably different.
Their lifestyle had been difficult for Paul's religious family to accept, and his mother and brother chose not to attend the wedding. But over the years, the couple managed to win acceptance and love. As he talked about it yesterday, Clarke sobbed.
"They taught our family to be less judgmental and to be much more loving," he said.
Nadeen Clarke recalled how her son, Paul, took a job helping people in wheelchairs when he was 12. As an adult, he continued helping people with disabilities, getting involved in the fight against AIDS and teaching elementary school.
"During Paul's time here, he exhibited tremendous calm and caring. Everyone has a positive memory of Paul, whether it's his great sense of humor, his dedication to his job, or the love he and Craig had for each other," said Executive Director Terry Stone in a statement.
"He was a wonderful human being, and we will miss him enormously."
Craig Pulanco began his career with Alaska in 1996. Paul's family remembered him as gentle, kind and caring.
"The combination of them, you can't find two better people together," Steve Clarke said.
P-I reporter Vanessa Ho can be reached at 206-448-8003 or vanessaho@seattle-pi.com
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
Paul, 40, was a supervisor at the Northwest AIDS Foundation based in Seattle. His partner, Craig, 30, was a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines.
Paul Pulanco, left, and his partner, Craig Pulanco. Craig was one of the flight attendants on Flight 261.
He became a case manager at the AIDS Foundation in 1993 and a supervisor in 1998.
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