In memory of Paul Walker (29 April 1961 – 14 September 2016)

In memory of Paul Walker (29 April 1961 – 14 September 2016)

As many of you will know, last week, Yogamatters founder and shareholder Paul Walker sadly passed away.

A true entrepreneur and a yogi both on the mat and in business, Paul started Yogamatters by selling a couple of mats out of the boot of his car and turned it into a successful business selling thousands of products to yogis all over the world.

Keen to foster partnerships, he quickly became the go-to person for support, knowledge and advice in the Yoga world. His enthusiasm, passion and dedication to this practice touched the hearts of many.

Today, our practice is dedicated to you and our love is with your wonderful family.

We have gathered some words from some of the people who worked closely with him; who knew Paul in business as a boss, a mentor and a friend.

Paul was an extraordinary man. He was one of Pinter & Martin‘s biggest fans and his friendship, encouragement and enthusiasm were so very precious to me. Thank you, Paul. You meant so much to many, and the world will be a much colder place without you.

I love you, wonderful man.

Martin – Pinter and Martin

 

We are saddened to hear that Paul Walker, the founder of Yogamatters, has died. More than just a businessperson, Paul was a true man of yoga both on and off the mat. He was a gentleman who had time for everyone and was always at the ready with a witty joke. Paul was a keystone to the exponential growth of yoga in the UK, and the yoga community will forever remain grateful for him. We will miss him dearly.

Triyoga

 

Paul was the founder of Yogamatters as well as an enthusiastic yoga practitioner and popular teacher. Paul qualified as an Iyengar yoga teacher in 1998 and taught here at the Institute for a few years until 2001. At the same time, he was a member of the Executive Committee (now the Board of Trustees) and served as the Treasurer. He had an abundance of energy and enthusiasm and put a lot of effort into promoting Iyengar yoga in North London, particularly through classes in Haringey. He gave up teaching at Maida Vale when Yogamatters demanded all his time.

Iyengar Yoga Institute, Maida Vale

 

What can I say about Paul? A true entrepreneur, more than just a business man – a great man with a big heart and a sense of humour. Not afraid to challenge the status quo and to push. Always there to encourage, give chances and find solutions. Full of energy, enthusiasm and positivity. We’ll miss you in our lives Paul, but you’ll leave the ‘community’ that you created. You brought together many special people. Those connections and energy will endure. Rest well. Love LJx

Lisa-Jayne Kingsley – Former Head of Marketing at Yogamatters

 

Paul was my birthday twin, also a teacher and practitioner of Iyengar yoga and a wonderfully caring boss. He challenged me, was challenging and had an amazing heart and soul. Paul led with generosity, humour and love and is missed dearly.

Sarah Berelowitz – Purchasing Manager, Yogamatters

 

My favourite memory of Paul is from my first day of working at Yogamatters. I knocked on the door of his office (the first and last time I ever did this because I was told straight away that it was an ‘open-door policy’ and that I could come in to speak to him at any time). I opened the door and there he was, sat at his computer, his back to me. I noticed he was barefoot and he sat content with Mala beads around his neck and a statue of Ganesha sat on the shelf above his computer. ‘That’s your boss’ I thought to myself and I couldn’t help but smile to myself. My previous corporate environments seemed so alien compared to this and I felt so lucky because I knew it was a place that I was going to feel immediately at home, somewhere I could really be myself. Because Paul was really himself. He modelled being human which so often bought out the best in us – he was someone that you wanted to do well for. Paul was the first person in a professional setting that showed me things could be done differently and I will always remember him for that. He was a true family man and he genuinely cared about the people he hired. Every morning he came into the office, he would say good morning to us individually, something that never went unnoticed by me. He encouraged us all to thrive in the yoga community, to practise and to teach.

The more I got into the community, the more I realised what an influence Paul had on those that shared his life and passion. Everyone seemed to know him or have heard of him. Just like when you throw a stone into water and the ripples begin to expand far and wide…Paul’s ripples reached far. He touched the lives of many people.

I am so grateful for the connections and friendships I have made because of him. He will never know what an influence he had in making it possible for me to pursue my own passion of teaching alongside my work and he will forever be an inspiration in my own yoga journey. In peace and in love.

Pippa Richardson – Marketing at Yogamatters

 

‘Memories of you will never die nor will they fade as time goes by.’

Love the fact that I got an interview with you Paul because you wanted to know what a ‘dressage diva’ was?! (I told him in my job application if I could organise a group of those, there basically wasn’t a lot I couldn’t do)! I wouldn’t be doing what I am now if it wasn’t for you taking a chance on me.

Mary McHugh – Former Finance Manager at Yogamatters

 

Paul, you are and will continue to be missed, but your courage and strength live on in spirit. I so enjoyed working with you, and our friendship that grew. Rest In Peace.

Emma Burton – Former Buyer at Yogamatters

 

I first started working with Paul back in 2009 when he gave me a job as Yogamatters first ever marketing manager there on the spot. That was typical of Paul: To see the best in people, believe in them and inspire an unwavering loyalty with his kindness, encouragement and infectious enthusiasm.

Paul clearly loved his work and put 110% into Yogamatters. But at the heart of everything, he was a compassionate and supportive family man. I’m honoured to have been part of the Yogamatters family that Paul created and will miss him dearly.

Sally Lovett – Yogamatters Marketing Team, 2009 – 2015

 

An extraordinary human being- a strong and free spirit, he liked to ‘move the energy’ and so he did. Paul was living and breathing Yogamatters, often calling it his ‘baby’. He was committed to working with and helping people regardless. Great boss but also a true friend- I’ll be always grateful for the opportunity to have known him. Paul will be greatly missed but his memory and legacy will never be forgotten.

Ivan Bogdanov – Purchasing at Yogamatters

 

We are very sad to know that Paul Walker has passed away. He always encouraged us when we were starting out at Yoga United, and helped us when we got stuck…and we loved him for his big heart and beautiful spirit. RIP.

Saz and Judy – YogaUnited

 

We are so sad to hear of the death of the lovely Paul Walker, founder of Yogamatters. Since Yoga has become popular, it has attracted all sorts of people – Paul was one of the originals – founding Yogamatters in 1996, he was a truly nice guy. Throughout the foundation of Yogandha – he was there for me. No matter how busy things were for him, he always had time to speak to me on the phone and answer the most basic of questions. He was a huge support and he helped keep me motivated to bring my creations out to the world. I will always be grateful to him and my love and blessings go to his wife and children and all he touched on his path. He will be hugely missed.

Yogandha

 

You did not let go of life and joy. My mentor, a trusted friend and role model, who taught me all from B like business to H like humanity to S like startup to Y like yoga. And how to samurai through to Get Things Done.

I am heartbroken. Beyond words.

Michael Lehnert

20 Comments

  1. Holistic World Ltd
    Holistic World Ltd

    Sorry to hear of the sad loss of Paul Walker, we know he will be dearly missed by his friends, colleagues and family, but the legacy he has created will continue in his spirit and we know his work will continue to bring joy and peace to the lives of many.

    September 20, 2016 at 11:45 am Reply
  2. Bob Albin
    Bob Albin

    A tribute to Paul Walker
    It was in 2002, I came in contact with Paul, when he was spearheading the Yoga movement in the UK. It was during those period, we had also set up a Yoga prop manufacturing concern in Delhi and became one of their suppliers from India. A decade later, when I met him at his London office, his warmth left an indelible impression on me.
    A couple of years back, he wrote to me to say that he is demitting office. All I could wish him was good health!
    He walked into the pages of history leaving Yoga enthusiasts around the world saddened on his departure and at the same time proud of leaving significant contributions to yoga movement.

    September 20, 2016 at 12:37 pm Reply
  3. Ralf S. Schuett for JIVANAPROPS Germany
    Ralf S. Schuett for JIVANAPROPS Germany

    I have been deeply hurt by the death of Paul. I highly respected Paul as a friend and as my business partner. The first contact with him was in 2002. Nearly every time I was in London I met him to talk with him how our companies could work together. We had nice and friendly talks while having lunch . Once he invited me to have lunch at his home and I met his wife and his child.
    It was great that he resisted for over two years his severe illness.
    I send my love and blessings to him and his family, especially his wife Sandi and their children.

    September 20, 2016 at 2:22 pm Reply
  4. Charlie Elliott - Yoga-Mad
    Charlie Elliott - Yoga-Mad

    We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Paul Walker. We worked closely together for many years which we will never forget. He was a true inspiration to many, a pleasure to work alongside and we will miss him greatly. Rest in peace Paul.

    September 20, 2016 at 3:21 pm Reply
  5. David Elliott
    David Elliott

    Very sad to hear of Paul’s passing, Paul was a sometimes customer but more a friend and favourite “competitor”. He was always a great person to share thoughts with on our parallel journeys through the yoga world. His approach to life and business was refreshing and he will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt feelings go out to Sandy and Paul’s family

    From David Elliott and all the Yoga-Mad team

    September 20, 2016 at 4:31 pm Reply
  6. Fiona Agombar
    Fiona Agombar

    So sad that someone so talented and inspirational has passed so young. A true yogi – may you rest in peace – your light will continue to shine on us all.

    September 20, 2016 at 4:57 pm Reply
  7. Susan Johnson
    Susan Johnson

    I am extremely sad to hear about the passing of Paul Walker. In 2002 when I started on my journey self publishing my Thirty Paths companion set of books Paul took a chance on me. I rang him up at Yoga Matters and asked him to take my book, he did without seeing it and from then on we established a working relationship. He was extremely kind and generous to me and went on to sell my 4 books that he called little gems, to this day I am extremely grateful to him and The team he built at Yoga Matters, I now wish him well on his journey into the light, go quiet and with peace, Om Shanti Susan Johnson

    September 20, 2016 at 6:27 pm Reply
  8. Eyal Shifroni and Michael Sela
    Eyal Shifroni and Michael Sela

    We knew Paul Walker only for his last year at Yogamatters. We will forever cherish his honesty, passion for promoting Yoga and the chance he gave us by ordering books from a then-unknown author.

    September 21, 2016 at 7:47 am Reply
  9. Eyal Shifroni
    Eyal Shifroni

    I have talked with Paul over the telephone only once, when he offered me to buy the copyrights of my first book: A Chair for Yoga. He wanted me to sell Yogamatters the rights, but he did it in such a friendly-yogic manner, that actually made my value my work to the point where I realized I would better keep the rights with me… And I think Paul was happy with my decision. He wrote to me later: ‘You deserve all the success you are getting’.
    Indeed a very special attitude for a business man!

    September 21, 2016 at 7:48 am Reply
  10. Tony Armstrong
    Tony Armstrong

    I’ve known and worked with Paul for many years – since before Yogamatters was even thought of. Our contact over each year was irregular but each time we met he came across as focused and determined but also a nice guy. I liked him. Despite knowing it was coming it is still a great shock and very very sad to hear that he is no longer with us.

    September 21, 2016 at 1:35 pm Reply
  11. Simon Low
    Simon Low

    Paul’s passing is a great loss to the yoga community, as well as to his many friends and beautiful family. Over the many years of friendship and business with Paul, I always appreciated his sincerity, industry, warmth and enthusiasm. He brought yoga’s teachings into Yogamatters business behaviour as well as his all too short life. The Yoga Academy and I will always remember Paul with respect, appreciation and love. May he rest in peace.

    September 23, 2016 at 1:03 pm Reply
  12. Jacqueline Annabelle Purnell
    Jacqueline Annabelle Purnell

    So sorry to hear of the loss of Paul Walker. I first met Paul in 1998. Paul was such a lovely person and we worked together quite recently in 2013 and he has always been so happy to encourage and help, this was his nature. I know so many people he has supported.
    My heart goes out to his family and friends and all who worked with him as he was a true gentleman and very kind.
    Paul Rest in Peace.

    September 23, 2016 at 2:06 pm Reply
  13. Martia Katz
    Martia Katz

    I met Paul at Yogamatters in the early days and he was so warm and welcoming. His enthusiasm and kindness and the fact that he seemed to have time to help you in your smallest request are such great attributes. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My blessings and gratitude fly with him into the light.

    September 27, 2016 at 11:18 am Reply
  14. Tim Greenhous
    Tim Greenhous

    I was on the committee at Maida Vale with Paul back in 1998. He had a great love of Yoga. I last saw at a yoga exhibition in Manchester-his stand was doing roaring business. Very sad to have heard of his death
    Tim Greenhous-now living up in Shropshire

    September 29, 2016 at 3:21 pm Reply
  15. Sunita Passi
    Sunita Passi

    I never had the good fortune to meet Paul personally but Adele Lewis-Jenkins, our sales and marketing manager, did and she always spoke so highly of his energy and enthusiasm. We are saddened to hear of his passing, he certainly has left a wonderful legacy for the yoga and business community! Sending Pauls family our sincere condolences, and in his memory ‘Where there is a loss, there is an even greater presence of love.’

    Sunita and Adele
    Tri-Dosha

    October 1, 2016 at 10:16 am Reply
  16. Richard Santoro
    Richard Santoro

    Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Paul’s passing. I met Paul in the early days when he was running the business from the back of his house. I had the pleasure of developing his first ecommerce website and helping get the business onto the web. We had some great discussions over cups of tea, Paul was always friendly, generous and a gentleman to work with. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

    October 5, 2016 at 6:40 am Reply
  17. Stella
    Stella

    I was taught by Paul at the IYI, a very good teacher, and very friendly. Later I bought my first yoga equipment from him- there was literally nowhere you could buy this stuff, and the contibution he made to propagating yoga is undoubted.

    October 23, 2016 at 11:59 am Reply
  18. Alan Harding
    Alan Harding

    I was very sad to hear of the passing of Paul. I remember very well first meeting him and Abi back in 2001. He gave me the opportunity to grow my business in the early days and I recall those early morning long drives from France in my little green van to deliver my products to him starting at his house in Priory Road and later Cromwell Road. The world of yoga has lost a very nice person. Alan Harding Harcon Yoga

    November 1, 2016 at 3:07 pm Reply
  19. Victor Morgan
    Victor Morgan

    I never had the opportunity to meet Paul but have had the pleasure to work with Yogamatters to help carry forward the positive legacy that he helped “breathe” into the world. Long may it continue to thrive.

    January 30, 2017 at 7:01 pm Reply
  20. Mandeep
    Mandeep

    So sorry to have just heard abut this
    I first walked into yogamatters in 2005 a relative newbie to Yoga.
    Paul was the first face I saw & straight away impressed me with his passion & amazing ability to put a customer at ease & make them feel appreciated. Yogamatters has the best customer service of any store I know & I think it has a lot to do with Paul. I revisited the store many times over the years & he was always thoughtful, cheery and helpful to me. A truly sad loss.

    March 5, 2017 at 9:13 pm Reply

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