Paul Martin McEnrue

paul mcenrue
Paul Martin McEnrue died at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland on December 22, 2017 after a courageous battle with a protracted illness. He was 62 years old.

Mr. McEnrue grew up in Annandale, Virginia. In 1974, he graduated from Gonzaga College High School, where he lettered in varsity football. During his senior year, he and a co-conspirator painted the iconic message on the Fourteenth Street Railroad Bridge that urged Gonzaga to beat St. John’s, their perennial football rival.

Paul McEnrue graduated from the University of Colorado (Boulder) with a degree in psychology. In Boulder, Paul met a set of friends he kept his entire life. Among other interests he shared with them were wilderness backpacking adventures and a love of the Grateful Dead that never died. Paul became a mountain climber in Colorado. In 1976 he joined an effort by climbers to ascend all 54 of the state’s 14,000+ foot mountains to commemorate Colorado Day.



After college, Paul moved to Leadville, Colorado and worked in the Climax molybdenum mine, where he set the initial charges to open new tunnels and worked to prevent and repair cave-ins. That job fit nicely with a diverse employment history that included bricklayer’s helper, sheepherder, projectionist, security guard, and taxi driver.

When he ultimately returned to the Washington, D.C. area, Mr. McEnrue began graduate work in accounting. Licensed as a certified public accountant and armed with an M.S. in taxation from George Mason University, he began serving the construction industry in the metropolitan area.

After a period in private practice, Paul McEnrue worked for the International Trade Administration which enforced the anti-dumping regulations of the United States Department of Commerce across the world. There he was invited to join the U.S. CFO Council Fellows Program, which fostered career development opportunities to a select group of managers to insure the federal government a source of financial management leaders. The fellows’ accomplishments were recognized at a White House ceremony. Paul subsequently transferred to the United States Geological Survey. At the time of his death, Mr. McEnrue was the Chief of the Financial Reporting Division, Office of Financial Management, United States Department of the Interior.

Paul McEnrue was a life-long Green Bay Packers fan. Until Washington, D.C. regained a major league baseball team, he was a diligent follower of the Baltimore Orioles. In 2005, however, he transferred his allegiance permanently to the Washington Nationals.



As a charter member of the Blue Flame Chili Team, Paul competed in events sponsored by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) with a level of success that allowed the team to qualify more than once for CASI’s national cook-off in Terlingua, Texas.

Paul McEnrue gained a love of travel from a trek through Central America during a sabbatical from college. He continued to tour the world, most recently on a trip to Spain with his oldest son. He was a devoted member of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club; he helped novices enjoy the outdoors.

Paul had a zest for life that was contagious and a whole-body laugh that delighted others. He was very bright, curious, caring and generous. He was a loving father and family man. Mr. McEnrue was a skilled manager with a tremendous sense of people and political reality. He was an accomplished cook who took pride in his ability to set a great table. Paul could converse with anyone he met and enjoyed the opportunity to connect with others.

Mr. McEnrue, the son of Lois and James McEnrue, leaves two children: Daniel and Edward; a fiancée: Jackielee Johnson; four siblings: Michael, James, Marianne and Mary Pat; and a host of friends. A private bereavement gathering will occur at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA. Thereafter friends and family are welcome to join in celebrating his life at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA 20191 on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul McEnrue’s memory to the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street SE, Vienna, VA 22180. Online condolences and fond memories of Paul may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. A great friend for 43 years, words fail me to convey the loss I feel in Paul’s passing. My heart goes out to Paul’s sons Daniel and Eddie, finance, Jackie, and his siblings and their families. Godspeed on your journey to heaven, my friend.

  2. To the Family of Paul McEnrue, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Paul. He was an Awesome Supervisor. I find it to be an honor to have been under his leadership since he took on the position of Chief of the Financial Reporting Division (FRD) at the Department of the Interior, Office of Financial Management. He was very knowledgeable in accounting and I learned a lot from him over the years. He was so committed and dedicated to his job. Throughout his battle with cancer he would play an integral role in FRD lending his guidance and expertise when he could. He never complained about his situation and always kept a positive attitude. In addition to being an Awesome Supervisor, Paul was a Great Mentor, and Friend. I will always remember his laugh. It was infectious. He touched the lives of many. Some of my fondest memories were at the office potluck functions where he would share his famous prize winning green chili. My family and I really enjoyed the treat. My husband endearingly called him “Chili Man”. Paul will be greatly missed. We at FRD will keep fond memories of him in our hearts and try to exemplify his great work ethic.

    With Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to the Family, Diane L Washington, John W. Washington, Jr. and Family

  3. Paul , was a childhood friend ,one I shared so many great memories. Riding our bikes from Annandale VA to Washington DC numerous times to see major events. Two twelve year olds watching the May day events, wondering why all these people were protesting the Vietnam War. Riding through DC with Paul’s Dad the night after Martin Luther King was shot, observing the rioting through out the city. Camping/Surfing on Assateague Island MD for two weeks each summer. Eight years of the Nuns at St Michaels, 100s of hours of detention for having to much fun in school. I will miss you my friend!!!! George Nolen

  4. May Paul rest in peace. Just found out about Paul’s death into life. God bless Paul, his family and friends. I will always remember Paul’s good nature and laugh! We celebrate a life well lived.
    Love and Blessings,
    Faith Ann McEnrue Ryan


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide