I learned late yesterday afternoon, November 28, 2008 that my friend of many years had died that morning at 0430 hrs, at the age of 65. Pauls wife Jane called me and told of my friend’s passing. Paul was my go to guy for any kind of handwriting issues; he was one of this country’s foremost experts in handwriting forensics. He was the real deal and I am honored that he allowed me to call him a friend. The laughs we had were also very real — as soft spoken as Paul was, he still had a cops sense of humor.
One of the first names I heard when I met Paul many years ago was Jane; please believe me when I tell you that Paul and Jane were on an eternal honeymoon. I was always so impressed that when you spoke to one or the other it was if you were speaking to them both.
Paul and I met when I was on an assignment and needed some real help…Beverly Hills Police was where I went and Paul was the guy I spoke to. I asked and Paul came to the rescue and due to his hard work, a couple of people got their money back after a “flim-flam” makeup artist had ripped them off in a Ponzi scheme. I cannot tell you how hurt I am that I will never again hear the soft-spoken Paul tell me not to worry, that he can figure it out, he always had the answer. We did a pilot for COURT TV that I had Paul and another friend, Bobby Jakucs, on to help with an investigation…Paul was great and even in that short taping Paul was just being himself, a true legend from the ranks of law enforcement and as entertaining as they come. When Paul told you “this is what happened,” that was the gospel!
Paul Edholm retired from the Beverly Hills Police Department in 2000 after a 30 year career. I was with Paul while he was a cop, I was at is retirement dinner in 2000 and I will be at his memorial service in 2008. Paul, thank you so much for being a friend and a confidante.
John