Paul Louis Carmichael

Paul Carmichael lived a fascinating life filled with adventure and purpose. He pursued many interests in his lifetime and his drive and zeal served as a springboard for his many pursuits and accomplishments. Yet it was his kind and generous spirit that illuminated who he was and how he lived his life.

 Paul was the oldest of eight children born to Dr. Paul Carmichael and Pauline (Lipsmire) Carmichael. The Carmichael family settled on acreage in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania where Paul’s precocious curiosity and inventive mind was set to flourish. He was a natural born scientist and engineer from the start. In his earliest years, he participated in numerous 4H projects related to farming including raising pigs on the property. During his teenage years, he became a HAM Radio operator and enjoyed communicating with people across the globe at a time when this was not readily possible. His early passion for aviation led him to acquire his pilot’s license before he even had his driver’s license! Little known is that he flew time sensitive medical supplies for Merk to and from various locations in the Northeast. Soon after, Paul became an instructor at Turner Field in Horsham, Pennsylvania. Always up for an adventure, he enjoyed flying friends and family on impromptu trips from New England to Florida. 

 Paul attended North Penn High School in Lansdale, Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1969. He was a member of the band and played clarinet while also participating on the cross country and wrestling teams. He enjoyed sharing that he once wrestled John Oates (of the famed singing duo Hall & Oates) in gym class! Paul loved music, particularly classical and jazz, and was an accomplished piano player. His interests in outdoor activities continued to evolve and he passionately pursued hiking, biking, and skiing. 

Paul attended the University of Pennsylvania where he studied electrical engineering and the emerging field of computer science. He continued graduate courses toward his master’s degree but cut short his studies due to the success of his entrepreneurial adventure, creating the first automated medical practice software including online medical records for ophthalmology practices. The company Paul-Marc Systems Inc. was headquartered in Lansdale, Pennsylvania during the late 1970’s and into the early 1980’s. In 1985, his entrepreneurial effort was rewarded by the acquisition of his company by CooperVision, Inc. 

 Paul’s business success allowed him to move on to the next chapter in his adventures. Adept at identifying great opportunities, he bought a condominium in Deer Valley, Utah early in the development of the world class resort and surrounding real estate. Additionally, he purchased a new single engine Piper Malibu airplane. His love of flying and his new airplane led to the opportunity to participate in what he considered one of his greatest life achievements, “The Flight of the Arctic Tern.” Paul’s plane was used as the first single engine airplane to fly pole to pole in 1987. Paul received the Smithsonian Award for this feat in 1988 and the flight is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. 

Continuing with his flying adventures in 1988, Paul flew to Maryland to elope with his wife, Dr. Patrice Johnson. They had two children, Glen and Jeanine. When he spoke of his children, he beamed. He introduced and instilled his passion for the outdoors, as well as for science and cooking. They spent their free time hiking, biking, and skiing and a lifelong love of the outdoors continues with the next generation. Glen and Jeanine fondly recall how he shared his love of astronomy and science. Cherished memories include seeing the solar eclipse in Bryce Canyon, Utah and staying up all night on a Florida Gulf Coast beach watching a meteor shower. 

 For the remainder of Paul’s professional career, he continued to create computer-scheduling software. He developed and supported scheduling software for several ski resorts in the United States and Canada. More recently he worked for the US Navy transferring dental records for ships and submarines. Additionally, he started a satellite cell phone service with his son Glen, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurial adventure.

 Paul pursued his passions and dreams with gusto and accomplished much during his short time with us. He made it all look just so easy while giving his best to his family and friends, and those fortunate enough to cross paths with him.

 Keo Cavalcanti may have described Paul best in his recent post memorializing his dear friend. He shared, “Every now and then you find a quiet teacher that personifies zest for life in everything he does. Paul was one of those – brilliant engineer, highly skilled pilot, accomplished athlete, great cook, but never bragging about it. His love for life glowed in everything he did! Every time we met, I’d come away thinking, “This is what being present means.” So, here’s to Paul, my quiet teacher; and our love to Patrice and their children on their loss.” Paul’s wife added, “He was a true Renaissance man. He loved nature, art, travel, music, and science and was always up for an adventure. He was the most fun human I have ever known. That smile. Lord, how I miss him.” 

 Paul was extraordinary. He was incredibly accomplished but for those who truly knew him, being a dad, husband, brother, and friend mattered the most to him. He lived an adventurous life, was a kind and generous soul, and he will be greatly missed.

Paul is survived by his wife Dr. Patrice Johnson of San Antonio, Texas and his son Glen Carmichael, and his wife Ashley (Loyens) of Salt Lake City, Utah and his daughter, Jeanine Carmichael, and her husband Doug Reynar of Salt Lake City, Utah. His five brothers and two sisters also survive Paul. 

 A memorial Mass will be held on Friday September 27, 2024, at 11am at Mary Mother the Redeemer Church in Chalfont, Pennsylvania.