Paul Walker would have turned 42, this past Saturday, September 12. The late actor who was known for playing Brian O’Connor in the Fast and the Furious movies, died in a tragic car crash back in November 2013 – while filming Furious 7. He was only 40 years old.
Since his untimely death, Walker has evolved into somewhat of an iconic figure who ironically has become more cherished and revered in death than when he was alive. His presence online has remained constant and his legion of fans has increased substantially, thanks to his active Facebook page and the dedication of the friends and family he left behind.
Paul Walker was a movie star but his real passion was realized through his love for the ocean – an inevitable characteristic that plagues most blond-haired dudes who are born and raised in Southern California, this coupled with his innate desire to help the helpless.
He was able to make both those dreams come true in his lifetime and now in death – the tradition continues.
Back in 2010, Walker and a handful of pals took a trip to Haiti after an earthquake had ravaged the region. This was the inaugural trip that would set the tone for what would eventually be the organization known as Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW). It is comprised of a group of first responders who travel far and Wide to help provide assistance to those who have been devastated by natural disasters and are languishing in areas that are typically hard to Reach.
ROWW has successfully fulfilled its mission and despite the loss of its illustrious founder, anytime there is a global necessity or a domestic emergency, the organization continues to answer the call to duty. This can be greatly attributed to Cody Walker, the youngest brother of the late actor, who stepped in immediately after the death of his oldest brother and is now working tirelessly to ensure that Paul Walker’s formidable legacy lives on.
This past weekend was a celebratory event in recognition of Walker’s 42nd birthday. To propel this happy occasion, Jesse Bresendine, a phenomenally gifted life coach – based in Santa Barbara, who shared a brotherhood with Walker that encompassed his involvement in the genesis of ROWW, decided to continue the tradition of marking the day with fans by asking for pictures of sunrises and sunsets to be posted on a page set up to accommodate the entries. These images can also be accompanied by a donation made to ROWW since it was one of the things that gave his friend the most joy and fulfillment. For those of us who participated it was an extraordinary experience. Last year was the initiation and it proved to be an immense success and this year was no exception. Visualizing the gorgeously decadent pictures from around the world is absolute proof that Paul Walker was and is still loved beyond measure by those who loved him and the ones who wished they could’ve met him but love him anyway. To get a glimpse of the beauty that transpired – click here.
Paul Walker also had an affinity for the ocean, and he exercised that passion through his pursuits, which involved everything from tagging sharks for research to being the face of Davidoff fragrance with the stipulation that they would help champion his agenda as it pertained to perceiving marine life. This accomplishment could have diminished with his passing but his one true love – daughter Meadow Walker, 16, is living up to her father’s name by establishing The Paul Walker Foundation – that will be dedicated to championing future generations of ocean explorers and marine biologists who display excellence in this area of concentration.
The announcement was made on Walker’s special day, and the response was expectedly overwhelming as tributes and congratulatory notes poured in for the teen who has refused to allow her pain and loss to deter her from honoring her father in the most profound way.
Paul Walker will always be Brian O’Connor to those who prefer to see him that way, but he was also a man who enjoyed being alive and was dedicated to making this world a better place. This was his most endearing quality and the main reason why his star has refused to dim two years after his exit from this world.
Not many celebs have the ability to #DoGood without the assistance of cameras and the press, but Walker was only interested in giving the very best of himself to those who would appreciate it.
If you are moved and would like to continue the tone of goodwill, please visit www.roww.org and The Paul Walker Foundation.