Paul Xavier Spring, who retired six years ago from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department as Camp Mather’s year-round gardener caretaker, died of natural causes at his home in Vacaville on Nov. 4. He was 68.

Paul was born on May 23, 1955 in San Francisco. At the time, his parents, Jack and Helen Spring, and his older brother, Brian, were living in the Sunset District. His parents later moved to the Westwood Highlands neighborhood of San Francisco near Mt. Davidson and City College, where they raised their four children.

Paul graduated from St. Emydius Grammar School in 1969 and from Riordan High School in 1973. 

Paul’s father, Jack Spring, who predeceased him, was the former general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department from 1975 to 1980. 

 “He was a great brother,” said his younger sister, Eileen. 

“We were all close in age. I remember him walking me home from grammar school when I was little... and riding bikes together and hiking together. We’d walk down the Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River and go fishing. The boys would fish and I would swim.

“He was very generous and kind and funny. He had an amazing sense of humor. And he loved being outdoors.” 

Kevin O’Connell, a close childhood friend and classmate of his at St. Emydius, Riordan and City College, noted Paul got his Associate of Science degree in horticulture at City. 

“He got along with everyone,” O’Connell said. “He was the type of guy you liked when you met him. He didn’t have a bad bone in his body. “

Friends,

As the cold and bluster of an early winter storm approaches, a warm summer at Camp Mather can feel a world away. But we need your help today.

The work of Friends of Camp to support and enhance the camp experience includes:

• Big expenses like upgrades to equipment in the General Store…
• Ongoing needs such as naturalist supplies… 
• Cabin comforts such as a new dresser or mattress...
• And more.

But none of this is possible without the generosity of friends like you, because we rely on donations from campers and the community to do our work. Funds raised by Friends of Camp Mather go right back to Camp — with practically zero overhead and an all-volunteer Board of Directors and staff, your gift will be put to great use.

This Giving Tuesday and beyond, consider making a donation to Friends of Camp Mather. Whether you are able to make a one-time gift of $35, $65, or $125 — or an ongoing pledge every month — your contribution is a vital part of  improving the Mather experience for everyone.

Please make a donation today. Your gift will make a difference and enhance every camper’s experience… next summer and in the years to come.