State Representative Haraz Ghanbari of Perrysburg issued a proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives in memory of Paul Eckel, 93, who died April 27.

Mr. Eckel represented the last of the charter members of the fire department which formed in 1961.

At the May 19 meeting, Perrysburg Township Fire Chief Tom Brice read the proclamation to the Eckel family. “It is a great honor to stand before you today,” he said, adding Representative Ghanbari had hoped to pay tribute to Mr. Eckel but was waylaid in Columbus.

“Paul Eckel will be remembered fondly by all those who knew and loved him, and his absence will leave an irreparable void in our society,” Mr. Ghanbari wrote.

He pointed out Mr. Eckel’s service to his country and Perrysburg Township, as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and service on the fire department. During his tenure, he served as fire chief from 1965 to 1973, and became fire inspector the following year, serving in that position until his retirement.

He also was active in St. Rose Catholic Church and volunteered for the township’s food pantry program.

“He was admired by friends and family alike for his positive philosophy of life and his dedication to others,” Mr. Ghanbari wrote.

“Without question, Paul Eckel made the world much fuller, especially for the individuals who had a treasured relationship with him. It is my hope that those he left behind can find strength in the love of family, warmth in the embrace of friends and solace in the happy memories of this truly unique man. Clearly the State of Ohio is a richer place for his having been in it, and the vitality and commitment of this exceptional human being will be sorely missed.”

Chief Brice said Mr. Eckel impacted everyone in the department. “He was an amazing man,” he said, adding, “In our volunteer days, we really relied on people like him.”

Trustee Gary Britten agreed, “We all have stories about Paul. He was a wonderful man.” –Jane Maiolo