Birth date: Apr 1, 1933 Death date: May 15, 2024
Paul Joseph Hebert, 91, a native of Louisiana and long-time resident of Miami, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida. Paul was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 1, 1933, the young Read Obituary
What a genius meteorologist. Created the hebert-poteat subtropical technique and so much more. We worked together for 25+ years, bowled, golfed and talked weather. Always be indented to you.
We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Paul Hebert.
One struggles with being able to find the right words that would even begin to truly comfort those that have been affected by a great loss such as that of Paul Hebert. Whether it be family, friends or acquaintances, the loss of this wonderful, brilliant and humble man leaves much sadness and a huge void. And I will add that this is true also for all those hearts and lives that Paul touched during his life’s journey.
My friendship with Paul began when a young me was transferred from the highly non-tropical Phoenix Arizona Weather Office to the Weather Service Forecast Office/National Hurricane Center in Miami. It did not take long to see that Paul was a man with extraordinary meteorological knowledge and skills, and I could not learn enough from him. Those were the days when computer generated weather forecasts and satellite imagery, especially for tropical storms and hurricanes were rather slow and basic, and certainly primitive by today’s standards. But Paul could look at very limited available data and combine that with the vast “database” in his head from his meteorological experience, and know what will happen.
He became my mentor and friend. We were honored to have him attend our wedding.
Back in the early days of home computers, Paul admittedly said that learning how to use a computer was a challenge for him. So he often preferred to continue to do his meteorology the old fashioned way – hand drawn charts, data plotting, and analysis – rather than use a computer. Paul finally gave in and bought a home computer. I remember one time soon after that purchase, he told me he was having a problem with the coffee cup holder on his new home PC being stuck. Not being sure what he was referring to, I followed him home after work to take a look at it. Turns out it was the CD tray on his PC that was stuck and would not slide open!
When I was the Meteorologist in Charge of the Tampa/Ruskin Florida Weather Forecast Office, Paul was my supervising Area Manager, and helped me in so many ways with his kindness, advice, and encouragement. As my retirement approached, Paul groomed me and paved the way for me to be his successor as the meteorologist at Florida Power and Light - a position Paul held for many years following his retirement from the National Weather Service. He could have chosen any one of the hundreds of capable meteorologists he knew, but he chose me and I will never forget that.
We all go through life the best we can, but few do it in a way that leaves an indelible mark on so many others like Paul Hebert did. In my eyes, he was a giant in his profession, his family, and as my mentor and friend.
The pain and anguish of this loss is heartbreaking. And additionally for me, hurricane seasons from now on will not ever be the same without my being able to ask Paul Hebert what he thinks will happen.
We can all take comfort in knowing that Paul will carry great merit with him for all his countless acts of love, kindness, and encouragement, and for all the acts of love, kindness, and encouragement that he inspired in so many others.
Ira and Pamela Brenner
