The Reverend Paul Ratzlaff, beloved parish minister and activist for justice, died on 28 February 2016, aged 70.
Paul Wilmer Ratzlaff was born to Leslie and Nina Ratzlaff in Kingston, Jamaica, on 24 July 1945. He earned a B.A. from Warner Pacific College in 1966, an M.A. from Colgate University in 1968, and a Certificate from the Stevens Gesner Project to Train Men and Women for the Unitarian Universalist Ministry in 1973.
Paul was ordained by the Unitarian Society of New Brunswick, NJ, in 1974, and served there for the next six years. In 1980 he was called to the Morristown (NJ) Unitarian Fellowship, where he served for over twenty years until 2002. After a year of interim ministry with the South Nassau UU Congregation of Freeport, NY, he was subsequently called to the UU Fellowship of Huntington, NY, where he was settled for eight years until his retirement in 2012. During these ministries, Paul was a steady presence in service to the UUA, UUMA, and many local community groups.
Of her father, Hannah Ratzlaff writes: “He dedicated his life to social justice and caring for others. He . . . truly taught me the value of hard work and commitment. He had an amazing balance of kindness, wit, and empathy that allowed him to see many sides of an issue, often acting as the voice of reason for me.”
Paul is survived by his spouse Barbara, brother Dale, children Hannah and Ian, and other beloved family and friends.