I am a Yogi." - Paul H. Huston
Obituary
Paul Hans Huston peacefully passed on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. His was a life of ceaseless service, dedicated to his Guru, his beloved family, friends, co-workers, professional colleagues, neighbors, and clients.
Paul was born on March 23, 1946. He spent his childhood in the midwest, living in Illinois and Ohio, growing up as the big brother to his two sisters, Bette and Bonnie. He attended Michigan State University, majoring in history, and he later enjoyed following the careers of athletes who had shared his alma mater, like Bubba Smith and Magic Johnson. During his college years, Paul spent some time working on the assembly line at an Oldsmobile factory and he always said that he learned a lot from that experience about teamwork and staying on task.
After graduation, Paul and his wife, Linda, set off on an great adventure to drive across Canada with all their worldly possessions, including two cats, in a Ford Econoline van which was affectionally named FRODO. Their journey took them to Vancouver, BC, where friends who had gone ahead were beckoning them to come. It was 1969 and Vancouver was a Mecca for young hippies, Vietnam War draft-dodgers, and spiritual seekers gathering for counter-culture music festivals. It was there that they found Paramahansa Yogananda and the Self-Realization teachings, which changed the trajectory of their lives. After four years in B.C., working with disabled First Nation children, they followed the calling of their hearts and moved to Encinitas to be “close to S.R.F.”
Paul was hired in 1973 to work in the SRF Ashram Refectory where he enjoyed the friendships of some young men who were aspiring to become SRF monks. He deeply appreciated being able to work in the spiritual environment and have the opportunity to serve the saintly souls who lived there. His dedication to planning, purchasing, preparing, and serving food to Yogananda’s monastics, guests, and followers lasted for 50 years.
Even after Paul left to start a business, he was never far from service in the Encinitas Ashram refectory. He volunteered for any and all Special Events: Easter breakfasts, India Nights, Halloween festivities, and many holiday special meals. In addition, he regularly helped serve Sunday brunches at the Escondido Meditation Center. He also was in charge of the food for the SRF Boys’ Youth Program in Encinitas and in the San Bernardino mountains for many years, where he and the other volunteers bonded in a joyful brotherhood of 14- hour kitchen days!
In 1979, Paul decided to start a business that would support his family and also give him the opportunity to serve his clients, including many local devotees.
Paul was many faceted and always expanding his skills and interests. Besides being a dedicated Yogi, he earned a Master's degree in Psychology while running a business full-time; he practiced Tai Chi for years; he studied to become a Reiki master; he delved into herbalism and other natural healing modalities; he loved art and enjoyed painting; and he always, always cooked and shared delicious recipes.
Paul was dedicated to his family: his daughters, Laura and Monica and their husbands, Henkel and Seth, and he delighted in his four grandchildren, Dylan, Toren, Ari, and Micah. Being “Grandpa Paul” was one of his favorite roles in life. He was a caring brother to Bonnie and Bette and lovingly cared for his mother in her final years, reading to her daily from the Autobiography of a Yogi and other spiritual books.
During the time that Paul lived in northern British Columbia, before moving to California, there was an article written about him in the local paper entitled, “Paul Lends a Helping Hand,” which featured a large photo of him helping a small child learn to swim. This title could be attributed to him throughout life. He liked to “lend a hand,” to others, usually quietly, often anonymously, when he saw someone in need.
We are deeply grateful for his presence in our lives, the example he set, and the memories that he left with us.
Gallery
Memory wall
When I started having balance issues in the mid-90’s, Paul recommended I try out his Tai Chi school, a path that changed my life for many years. It was a dark time in my life, and Paul was a constant source of inspiration and friendship…always bringing me back to center. And his sense of humor was second to none, dry as it was!
Paul was generous and kind … and his devotion was infectious.
I had the privilege of spending many hours with Paul’s mom as well. Which reminds me of a funny little tidbit: Paul and I were both born in Aurora, IL…in the same hospital!! What a hilarious bond! We’ll always have Aurora…we joked.
Paul was an incredibly devoted son. I was always touched by his dedication and devotion to his mom.
Thank you for enriching my life beyond measure. I will miss you.
In return, I thought he was very brave. I deeply admired his loyalty to Master, and would now kill for his lemon pie.
We texted often during his last 6 months. He thought I was helping him sort through some stuff,
but really, he was just big brothering me by allowing me to be there for the hard stuff he was experiencing .
I still have our text thread on my phone.
He was also the best cook. One of my favorite memories of him is him teaching me to cook omelettes. He was surprised when I didn’t know and walked me through it step by step. Mine will never be as good as his though.
Service
299 Scenic Dr, Escondido, CA 92029
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