An Extraordinary Life: Lockport bar owner was made to entertain

LOCKPORT – Paul Blough died while occupied in the tasks that made him happy – a privilege reserved for few.

“He said ‘hello’ to a worker, and minutes later he was passed,” said Debbie Blough, Paul’s wife. “He truly took his last breath at his desk.”

Paul co-owned Paradise Bay Bar and Grill in Lockport with his in-laws, Bob and Trisha Kot, after they bought it 15 years ago, Debbie said. Paradise Bay is a neighborhood bar that sells “good homemade food,” she added.

Previously, when Paul lived in Chicago, he managed bowling alleys that had bars. But he always dreamed of owning a bar, Debbie said. Paul’s family room at home even had a jukebox, which he’d roll out whenever company called.

“He liked to be a host, a party-thrower,” Debbie said. “He had a big, big personality. He got people to sing and dance and just be at home. ‘Piano Man,’ that was his song. We knew he had a good voice, but he’d say, ‘Yeah, I’m OK.’ ”

Paul’s genuine spirit endeared him to others.

“He was very welcoming, with open arms. He did not hide his feelings. He just made everyone feel comfortable,” Debbie said.

At Paradise Bay, Paul hosted rib fests and trips to White Sox games. He donated to local events. He sold beer and wine at weekly car shows in Lockport, Debbie said. He was an “expert party planner and tailgate party extraordinaire,” a teller of stories and jokes with a “contagious, friendly laugh and smile,” Paul’s daughter, Jodie Lindstrom of Lockport, said in an email.

Each year, Paradise Bay hosted the annual Nick-a-Palooza for the Nick Kot Charity for TBI. Paul was Nick Kot’s uncle; Bob and Trisha were his parents. At age 18, Nick had a traumatic brain injury and died three years later in 2003.

It didn’t matter to Paul who was in need. If someone asked, Paul gave. If it furthered commonality, Paul was in.

“It’s amazing how many people he touched,” Debbie said. “He had such an effect on the community.”

Paradise Bay employee Katie Sheehan of Chicago said she’d known Paul and his family since she was 4 years old and called Paul her “second dad.” Sheehan studied culinary arts, so when Paul bought the bar, he asked the newly graduated Sheehan to run the kitchen.

As an employer, Paul was generous, fair and hands-off. Sheehan said she appreciated his trust in her.

“He made me feel like I was part of the Bay,” Sheehan said.

Paul approached fatherhood less gregariously. Lindstrom said via email that the jolly and loving man also exemplified a strong work ethic, put all four of his children through Catholic school and sported a “my way or the highway” attitude.

Although Paul often was absent on the home scene because of work, he told his children daily that he loved them and that he was proud of them. He never spoke ill of anyone and helped anyone in need, Lindstrom said in the email.

Paul later became a very present grandfather – one who baby-sat, changed diapers and “rarely missed a soccer or baseball game, school program or concert or a debate team event,” Lindstrom said in the email.

“In 2015 he spent the entire year growing out his beard and hair to play Santa,” Lindstrom wrote. “He was the best Santa ever.”

In past years, Debbie said, other relatives portrayed Santa to surprise the grandchildren. But in 2015, Paul, who had worked in college as a mall Santa, decided to do it himself.

Paul delighted them by learning the words to “Steppin’ Out With Santa Claus,” the song they had sung during their school program. The fact no adults present knew the song didn’t daunt Paul.

“He brought the words to pass out so people could sing along,” Debbie said. “Then Paul went into the garage, cut his hair and beard and came back as Papa.”

Paul was 61 when he died Nov. 2.

Paul’s family will continue running Paradise Bay and working hard to keep his spirit alive, Debbie said. They’re thankful for countless memories.

And yet ...

“He’s just missed,” Sheehan said. “I feel it’s going to be that way for a very long time.”

• To feature someone in “An Extraordinary Life,” contact Denise M. Baran-Unland at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com.