Paul Roland Verkin, Jr.
  Malloy & Son Funeral Home

The name Verkin has been part of the landscape on the Island of Galveston since before The Great Storm of 1900.  Three generations of the Verkin Family have been professional photographers here, chronicling the history of this wonderful city.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 , Galveston lost its third generation of the Verkin photographers.  Paul Roland Verkin, Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep at home here in Galveston .

  He was born on July 3, 1915 .  It was a real treat to ride around the Island with Roland.  He would reminisce about the catwalks from building to building that he would walk as a small child.  He knew the history of practically every building and business dating back to the late Twenties.  He knew all of the prominent family names, and many who weren’t prominent.  His family included the names Graugnard, Davis, and Carter.

Mr. Verkin helped school Mary Clayton in photography, and the famous daughter of Nicholas Clayton ran Paul Roland Photography Studio during World War II.  Serving in the Army, Paul was stationed in England , Northern Africa , and then Italy .  As a mapping specialist, he helped mark photographs for our Bombardiers of “no strike” zones to save many of the architectural treasures of war torn Europe .  After the war he returned to his beloved Galveston to run his studio.  Later he worked at the Main Post Office on 25^th Street .

He and his wife Theresa, who preceded in death, made so many friends at dances at the Elks, Eagles, VFW, Knights of Columbus, and Sons of Hermann.  They had such great fun and were so well liked.  After Theresa’s death, Paul Roland was an active supporter of the Elk’s Club sponsored Special People’s Dances.  He was also active in the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador’s Club.

He will be remembered for his infectious laugh and for such a wonderfully sweet personality: always cheerful and positive.  He touched our lives and our hearts.

His daughter, Patricia Verkin Rennick, son-in-law, Stephen Rennick, and granddaughters Alexandra and Kyla survived him.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Texas Seaport Museum , the Rosenberg Library, and Libbie’s Place.

Mr. Verkin’s family will receive visitors after 5:00 pm , Friday, April 29^th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home, 3028 Broadway.  A rosary and vigil service and an Elks Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 pm . 

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am , Saturday, April 30^th, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 1804 69^th Street (off Heards Lane ) with Father Bill Bartniski as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock.