P.D.P. II Foundation History
History of the Foundation
The Paul D. Pickens II Research Foundation was co-founded by Donald and Cheryl Lynne Rubbo in 1997 in honor and memory of Cheryl Lynne's brother Paul Desmond Pickens II.
Paul, known by the nickname "Owl" (given to him when he was 10 by Peter Coyote), started studying Shao Lin Chuan in 1973 at the age of fourteen with the great Tai Chi Chuan master Sifu Kuo Lien Ying in San Francisco's Chinatown. Cheryl Lynne started there six months later, inspired by her brother's dedication, enthusiasm and great talent for Shao Lin Chuan. Donald Rubbo, after moving to San Francisco from New York, began studying with Sifu Kuo in 1975 and developed a deep friendship with Paul.
Paul passed away from complications of AIDS in October of 1995. Paul bore the unknowable pain and indignities of a fatal disease with grace, charm and courage, and his wife devoted herself to caring for him. Paul was grateful for every hour that he was alive and he chose to die with dignity.
To honor Paul's courage, love, and strength of spirit, the Foundation provides positive, safe, easy-to-understand health information, classes and workshops to people throughout the world. We encourage all individuals to take responsibility for maintaining and improving their health.
Management
- Executive Director: Cheryl Lynne Rubbo
- President: Donald Rubbo