Condolences

I am so sorry for the loss of Paul. I went to school with Neil and remember the Kohan brothers as the funniest, brightest bunch. My brother too succumbed to a darkness inside of him and all I can say is that some people are too precious for this world - they feel so deeply. He was loved and will forever be loved by you.

Dear Kohan Family,

My condolences for the loss of a
Great friend and fellow Govian.

Paul was a wonderful person with a big
Heart and always was there to help anyone who needed it

My prayers are with your family and heaven has a new angel ???? now.

Rip Paul you are missed

The sudden death of my nephew, Paul Kohan, at age 33 during Passover and the Easter season, came as a great shock. Although I hadn't seen him in many years, I knew he was a warm, generous, outgoing & intelligent young man who helped others and , in his own way, had reached out to heal & find love in family relationships. The whole Kohan family made up of uncles, aunts and many cousins around the U.S. share in sympathy over his loss. In particular, Paul was close to his uncle, Christopher Kohan of Amagansett, and was in communication with his father, Dr. James Kohan who loved him dearly. His paternal grandparents, Charles & Hilda Kohan of Pennsylvania, predeceased him.

"Out beyond the ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." - Rumi

Ellen, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Anne Freytag

Dear Ellen and family,

My heart broke when I received the news of Paul’s passing. He was among my best friends from my years at VLS, and we shared countless adventures. During more than our fair share of ski days, evenings discussing the state of the world, reflections on the nature of life, and questioning why we had ever decided to pursue the legal profession, Paul constantly surprised and impressed with his passion, thoughtfulness, intelligence, humor, and unique perspective. His smile, his laugh, and his lust for life will remain with me always. I’ve never had a better ski buddy, and I will cherish forever the times we shared. I offer my deepest condolences for the loss of your son and brother. Paul touched so many lives, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Love and sympathy,

We always loved Paul, he was so smart and clever - his sense of humor was waiting to strike as soon as he walked through the door, and he brightened many a day for us. Unlike many of his peers, our conversations went well beyond small talk, and he always was engaged and had something interesting to add.

One of my fondest memories was the night we returned from a party to find Paul and Miles jamming downstairs - I jumped in on the drums and told him to play something cool on the bass. He started a pattern in 5/4 time, and we kept it going for almost ten minutes. I must say I was challenged - he not only never lost the pattern, he could improvise over it! Even among the pros, very few people can do that, and certainly not at age 14.

Hopefully he's in a better place now. Wherever that is, I hope they know how lucky they are to have him. We are here to help you heal, talk soon.

I must confess Paul was truly a spark in our classroom. His sense of humor and compassionate nature was a special gift that he shared . His smile said it all. My sincere condolences to the family.

My deepest condolences. Paul and I enjoyed his music lessons and felt a strong friendship and bonding . Not long ago Paul sent me a message telling me he wanted me to know that those were special times for him. They were for me, too. He was truly special. He will be missed!

Dear Ms. Ellen Kohan:

I was deeply saddened to hear about Paul. As you know, Paul was one of my favorite law students. We spent a lot of time together here at Vermont Law School. He was so happy you and I met as we sat next to each other on that plane, and learned that Paul was attending my law school and you were his Mother. I was so happy to meet you. I am so happy that he was able to realize his dreams of helping differently abled children and that Vermont Law School was able to be a part of that.

He will always be a part of me and the Vermont Law School family. I keep seeing his smile and hearing his laugh. As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

To Paul's family and friends,

I am so sorry for your and our loss. Paul has been the most amazing mentor to me these past few years. I am a law student, and Paul took me under his wing when we he found out I was interested in Special Education law. I have recently been working with Paul on his passion project - the Dyslexia Policy Institute. Paul has done so much for me, and I wish I had known what he was going through and could have been there for him. I am so heartbroken to know that he was in so much pain. He has left a mark on not only my professional career, but my personal life, and I will forever be grateful that I had the chance to know him. May he rest in peace.

Dear Ellen and family. When Paul asked to rent our apartment, we were captivated by the goodness and warmth he communicated and had no hesitation in welcoming him. But the pandemic made it impossible to get to know each other as intimately as we had hoped for. We terribly regret this. The few times we could briefly interact with Paul, our sense of his fundamental goodness was strengthened and our frustration at not being able to get closer was deepened. We feel close to you Ellen. May God give you the strength you need in this tragic moment.

Neil & Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your son and brother. I remember Paul from the scouts and he sure had a great sense of humor like his older brother Neil!

My heart goes out to Paul and family. Paul was the first boy I ever had a crush on in elementary school. I was smitten! One day, in Mrs. Petrie’s classroom Paul walked in on me in the bathroom and I was SO embarrassed I didn’t go to school the next day. I faked being sick! When I saw him again he was very gentlemanly about the whole thing even as a 7 year old lol. I hope this story makes you smile for a moment. Sending all of my love and support. Rest In Peace, Paul.

I am so saddened and heartbroken to learn of Paul's passing. My heart is extremely heavy. As you know, Mrs. Kohan, we made up quite the Team Paul when it came to the bar exam, and Paul showed his brilliance and dedication to make it happen. But I also knew Paul as a dear friend, completely in awe of his goodness, kindness, and constant strive to help others. When other students struggled with the Bar, he would ensure to be there to offer constant support. Our new book on the bar exam goes to print tomorrow, and I asked our publishers one last favor: to please dedicate the book in loving memory to Paul W. Kohan, esq. The book is for different kinds of learners, and I know of no better person to dedicate it to. I will send you a copy as soon as I get a hold of one. I am so very and dearly sorry for your loss.

Much love,
Tania

Paul was one of the positive friends I had in law school. He took me in as a friend and helped me navigate a tough few years of law school. We remained friends after law school because he was a true friend. I cannot put to words how deeply saddened I am with the loss of Paul. I didn't have many friends in law school and fewer in life. Paul was always there if I needed him. I know how much of a loving and supportive family he has and I am deeply sorry for their loss. Please know that Paul had a great soul, he was kind and in his heart he always had good intentions. That type of character could only come from his family. I will never be able to forget Paul.

Dear Ellen and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your son. I hope your faith will sustain you at this very difficult time, Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. I am so so sorry.

Dear Ellen and family,
We are so saddened with the news of Paul. Along with the so many affected by his leaving the Gow gang will never be the same. He was a great friend who will be dearly missed forever.
Sending many heartfelt condolences to you from Chile.
Drucy and Mario Illanes