December 12, 1941 – April 14, 2025

Paul Clement August passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, at the age of 83, from Parkinson’s Dementia. He was a lifelong educator, writer, musician, and a self-proclaimed collector of experiences who lived passionately and purposefully.

Paul is survived by his wife, Muriel; his children, Kristi August, John August, and Wendi August; his beloved granddaughter, Chynna; his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Tom Trimble; and nephew, Brian.

Paul grew up in San Leandro, attended St. Elizabeth’s High School in Oakland, and graduated from St. Mary’s College in Moraga. He continued his studies at Cal State Hayward, UC Berkeley, and San Francisco State University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. With formal studies in literature, psychology, journalism, and education, he built a teaching career that spanned decades.

Paul began his teaching career at St. Elizabeth’s High School, where he was known for the dances he organized in the summers of 1967-1970. He brought in bands like Santana Blues Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Quicksilver Messenger Service. The dances were legendary in the Bay Area and are fondly remembered by many.

Paul worked with a team of innovative educators at St. Elizabeth’s and helped organize union efforts. Though this act of solidarity led to his dismissal, it also sparked a new beginning: the creation of Maybeck High School, which focused on progressive education and experiential learning. He went on to work at several other schools, including Lowell Middle School, Hamilton Jr. High, Castlemont High, and Oakland High.

Paul was never just an employee–he was a builder of programs, a writer of grants and songs, and a champion for equity. He brought creativity into every space he occupied, especially his classroom. At Oakland High, he taught Advanced Placement English, led the school newspaper and yearbook, and helped students find their voices on the page and in the world.

After retiring, Paul dedicated himself to creating music and writing. He wrote Mindworker: Maybeck, which captures the joy, struggle, and truth of life in education.

Paul was a passionate musician and songwriter who believed in the rhythm of language and the healing power of melody. His impact lives on in every student he taught, every colleague he inspired, and every page he wrote.

In honor of Paul’s life and support of others living with Parkinson’s Dementia, donations may be made in his memory to ongoing research efforts through The Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org or the charity of your choice.