Paul ‘Animal’ Hibbits

Palmer resident Paul “Animal” Hibbits, 64, died at his home March 2, 2013, of pancreatic cancer.

Paul was born on May 15, 1948, in Camarillo, Calif., the second son of Charles and Leona Hibbits. He and his brother, David, attended Camarillo High School. While David excelled in academics, Paul excelled in sports, playing on both the football and wrestling teams.

Too young to be accepted into the Marine Corps, Paul joined the Hells Angels instead. Coming of age in the ’60s — which he always considered the best decade in American history — was an adventure like no other, and Paul worked hard to “keep the fun level up and the rubber down.”

While filming “Hells Angels ’69,” he met life-long friends Buddy Joe Hooker and Jerry Randall, who introduced him to the stunt business. As screen name Ed Lang, Paul worked on such iconic films as “Scarface” and “Superman.”

In the 1970s, he met and befriended country singer Willie Nelson and joined his tour as a bodyguard. He also met Barbara Hibbits, who would become his first wife. While on tour with Willie Nelson in 1983, the couple traveled to Alaska and became intrigued by the gorgeous wilderness and the endless opportunities for adventure and prosperity. Discovering that they were expecting their first child, they decided to stay and build a home in Palmer.

Their daughter, Amy, was born a month after they purchased the perfect property facing Pioneer Peak. Paul went on to work various jobs over the years, from the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay to the fishing grounds of Seldovia, and also served for many years as a volunteer firefighter and first responder for the Wasilla Fire Department. He remained a proud member of the Hells Angels, and was one of the first members of the Anchorage Chapter.

In 2003, he fell in love with Maureen Emery, who moved to Alaska from Oakland in exchange for the promise that Paul would build her a “dream kitchen,” which he proudly did.

Paul is described by family and friends as a man with a “heart of gold,” a loyal and faithful friend, witty and honest, and always ready and willing to help others. Even at the end when he had little strength left, his desire was to help his friends in any way possible.

Surviving are daughter, Amy Nashon of Tarzana, Calif.; grandchildren, Amari and Zion Paulino of Tarzana, Calif.; brother, David Hibbits of Camarillo, Calif.; nephew, Charles Hibbits of Simi Valley; and niece, Sarah Mora of Santa Cruz, Calif.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Charles and Leona Hibbits; his loving partner, Maureen Emery; and many dear friends with whom he is now celebrating.

A memorial will be given by the Hells Angels at a date and time to be determined. Close family and friends in Malibu, Calif., will spread Paul’s ashes, where he enjoyed hang-gliding over the Pacific Ocean.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Cremation Society of Alaska/Matanuska Susitna Valley. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at alaskacremation.com.