Passing of Paul Hassler

It is very difficult to report that one of our wonderful trials members has passed away, Paul Hassler, from Albuquerque, NM.  Paul was a loving father to Nathan and Rachel.  They both went on to be NATC fixtures with many podiums and championships.  Paul and his wife Lauri accompanied Rachel to the TDN competitions supporting her and the team.  For many years they were the organizers of Team New Mexico, hauling bikes and gear all over the United States so that other NM riders could fly in ride and enjoy the national event.   


Below is a loving tribute from his wife Lauri.  We couldn’t have said it any better than she has.  He will be greatly missed by everyone in the trials community.  


“The words are so hard to find. I’ve lost my love and life of almost 40 years. Paul passed away on December 30 from complications of CHF. In 2008, he was given a new lease on life with a pig valve and a cow valve. He chose tissue valves because he wanted to continue to share in the passion that he and our kids loved – –riding trials. He taught them both how to ride at the age of five and supported them every step of the way into adulthood. Nathan and Rachel are his greatest pride and joy. His other passion in life was music and he taught me everything I know about music. He always quizzed me about song titles and artists and gave me little tidbits of musical knowledge. His favorite songs always brought him to tears. He was proud to say that he had 25,000 songs on his phone. He loved to cook and eat and take pictures of food. He had a very clever sense of humor and his “dad jokes“ kept us laughing. He loved his insurance business of 33+ years and his clients were what he cherished. He loved to listen to peoples’ stories, and like his dad, he was a gifted storyteller. Paul and I were fortunate to share so many tears of joy and sorrow in building our life together. He took care of me and our family and always put our needs first. He was an amazing husband and father. I don’t know what we’ll do without him. 


Rest in peace, Paulie. 
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I will always love you”