Paul Chase accomplished much for Indiana

“A good marriage is like the Indiana General Assembly. Like the legislature, for a marriage to work well, listening and compromise must be involved.” When Judge Paul Chase officiated our wedding 15 years ago those were his opening comments. We tried to suppress our laughs. Our matron of honor blurted OMG in a loud stage whisper. The audience ran with the joke. The perfect funny line delivered with matchless timing to present a message we’ve never forgotten.

That was so Paul, although if someone said he was “perfect” he might have responded, with a twinkle in his eye and the hint of a boyish smile, “Little does he know. Do you think I should tell him?”

Perfect or not, Paul Chase was for so many people pretty close to ideal. Paul brought humor, kindness, sensitivity, intelligence, wiliness, courage and presence to virtually everything he did. He also had other qualities that everyone who worked, played or was otherwise engaged with Paul felt: a sense of genuine friendship and caring.

These were among the many legacies that Paul left his family, friends and colleagues. For the citizens of Indiana, Paul did and left much more. His policy advocacy and administrative talents bestowed the gift of life and human rights for many Hoosiers with HIV. Paul’s lobbying of lawmakers, cajoling of bureaucrats and judges, and countless other acts of friendly persuasion has meant better health, utility and human services for millions of Hoosiers. Many people never knew Paul Chase, but everyone in Indiana has benefited from what he did with his life when he was among us.

Hoosiers will long miss Paul Chase, their subtle and gentle champion. To Terry and all of Paul’s family, thank you for sharing Paul with us.

John Cardwell

Nancy Griffin

Indianapolis