In Memory of

Class of 1985
Dec 02, 1967 - Oct 06, 2014

t is with great sadness and broken hearts that the parents of Paul Anthony Mares announce the passing of their son on October 6, 2014 in Fresno, California due to complications of heart surgery. Paul was born on December 2, 1967 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara and spent the first 10 years of his life there.
Paul attended Local Visalia schools and graduated from Mt. Whitney H.S in Visalia and went on to attended U.C.S.B. in Santa Barbara CA.
Paul worked local jobs and at Land O' Lakes during the summers until he became a Probation Officer for the County of Tulare. He started at the Glen Moran Hall and worked his way up to the Gang Unit. He was with the County of Tulare for 15 years and made many friends that he still has.
Paul is the father of one son Benicio A. Mares of Tulare. Paul has always said that Benicio was his greatest joy in his life. Paul and Benicio enjoyed fishing, Viking Football, Dodger Baseball, summers in Pismo at the beach and just being boys together.
Pauls last request was to be an Organ Donor so others may have a better life from his loss.
Paul is survived by his parents Dennis and Frances McElhaney, his son Benicio Mares and Benicio's mother Sandra Munoz of Tulare. He has three uncle's, Pete Espondola (wife Carolyne) Edward Espindola, and David McElhaney (wife Cheryl), two aunts, Lydia Godinez (husband Ricardo) and Maria Lopez (husband Fernando) and many cousins, nieces and nephews and there children.
Paul was preceded in death by his two Grandmothers, Trinidad Borrayo and Della McElhaney, his two Grandfathers Pedro Espindola and Jerry McElhaney. His Nina Alicia Renteria, Aunt Gloria Elizondo and his Uncle Juan Espindola.
Paul was the type of person you wanted to know. He was quick with a smile that would break your heart. He was always watching sports on the t.v.. When his son came along they would sit side by side for hours and watch half sports and half Disney.
If you met Paul you would never forget him. He made close friends quickly and was admired for his knowledge and quick answers to problems. He never hesitated to help someone with less experience or look for ways to help others.
His knowledge of the Viking Football team was second to none. He could tell you players that played before he was old enough to know them. He could be seen on game day with his Viking hat, jersey, lamp and throwing towel.
As a part of his job he had to know the Gangs in the area and their members. He attended gang conferences in Southern California on his own time and his own expense. This was his dream job and he put every thing he had into it.