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Paul Simon was quite startled at the
UASC banquet when he heard Tom Raftican at the podium call his name
to present him with the UASC Lifetime Achievement Award. Many other
people in the audience were not at all surprised. Many of Paul’s
colleagues, fellow MDRA club members, leaders in the DFG and HUBBS
Sea World OREHP, fellow anglers, friends and family know about his
tireless dedication to the white seabass recovery program, his club
activities and countless other charitable activities. Paul’s humble
and unassuming personality, and his quiet but relentless efforts to
pursue noble causes made his award even more meaningful to his
friends, family and peers, who knew just how deserving Paul Simon is
of this honor and recognition.
“Great fishing isn’t an accident, it
takes years of hard work from dedicated people,” stated Tom Raftican.
“United Anglers of Southern California is proud to recognize Paul
Simon, honoring him not only for his incredible volunteer efforts,
but also for his awesome leadership in helping to restore
California’s white seabass populations. His years of hard work
leading the Marina Del Rey Anglers growout program and California’s
Ocean Resources Enhancement Program should serve as an inspiration
to us all.”
Lifetime Achievement Awards only
recognize a tiny select number of individuals who tirelessly and
effectively work to improve the conditions of their fellow citizens
in a chosen field. There are many incredibly dedicated individuals
who year after year volunteer their time, intellect and other
resources to improve our marine habitat, fisheries, youth fishing
programs and political advocacy programs to protect our fishing
rights, and Paul Simon stands out among them.
“Paul is a tireless and dedicated individual who
embodies the volunteer spirit of anglers who contribute some 20,000
hours a year in helping the HSWRI and CDFG rebuild the white seabass
resource,” commented Bill Shedd, Chairman UASC White Seabass
Committee. “Personally I love working with Paul as he is not only
creative and extremely capable, but you can always count on him to
do what he says he will do.”
“Tom Raftican and the UASC board have
so many candidates to which this honor could be bestowed,” said Ken
Raymond, MDRA President. “We are very proud that our friend and
respected, long term MDRA member, Paul Simon received this Lifetime
Achievement Award.”
Paul is a very active club and board member of the
Marina del Rey Anglers. For the past ten years he has run the
Marina del Rey White Seabass pens and is very involved with UASC and
the HUBBS Sea World Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery
Program. Paul has been a driving force in the MDR Halibut Derby
which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for youth fishing
programs and other charitable causes. He is very concerned about the
next generation and is heavily involved in the MDRA Youth Fishing
Program which hosts over a thousand kids with disabilities and in at
risk environments to a day of ocean fishing each year. He has been a
Director of the Club for about ten years.
Paul and Laverne Simon live in
Marina del Rey. He was a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy and then
successfully ran a large fabrics business. But his heart was in the
sea and after his fabrics career he became a Yacht broker in Marina
del Rey, delivering boats off shore to Mexico and to the Pacific
Northwest and then a marine insurance agent, a business he still
runs today. He still finds time to be president and a director of
his Home Owners Association and
dedicated husband and father. His wife, Laverne, is always there
supporting Paul’s every endeavor. Paul
loves to fish and relax on the Reel Time, his 33’ Owens.
Congratulations, Paul, on this
wonderful and well deserved recognition by the entire Southern
California angling and conservation community. You clearly deserve
this recognition and award, not only for your vision and dedication
to the White Seabass OREHP, but for all the work you have done to
promote conservation, youth fishing, ethical fishing practices and
for your leadership to promote all of the functions of MDRA. You
are a pleasure to know and work with and an inspiration for all of
us. Congratulations to you for this incredible honor and to UASC
for their thoughtful selection.
Tom Raftican of UASC presents Paul
Simon of MDRA
with his Lifetime Achievement award.
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