‘Mr. Mariner’ Paul Chilson Loved to Teach, 1953-2012

Paul Chilson made his living in Chula Vista, but his roots were firmly planted in Imperial Beach.

Born on April 9, 1953, Chilson lived on Holly Avenue until he graduated from in 1971.

As a Mar Vista Mariner, Chilson was on the track team. He also donned number 22 and played wide receiver-tight end for the football team.

His athletic talents led him to be crowned Mr. Mariner in 1971.

“He would definitely let it be known that he was Mr. Mariner,” said his younger brother, John Chilson.

After Chilson graduated from high school, he worked as a plumbing contractor, then owned a plumbing contracting business. When Chilson sold his business 10 years ago, he decided to come back to IB as a plumbing instructor at San Diego Job Corp. He taught at Job Corp. for about eight years.

The last position he held up until his death was as a plumbing instructor at Castle Park High School in Chula Vista.

“That’s what he was cut out to be I think was a teacher. He was curious, the kids loved him. He taught the kids that they could do more. He urged his students,” John Chilson said.

“He was a heck of a plumbing contractor too, but that all lead to what he really loved to do, which was teach.”

Chilson suddenly passed away on Feb. 13. He was 58.

John said his brother’s teaching went beyond the classroom.

“He was my older brother, so he taught me a lot of good values. He taught me a lot of life lessons. I looked up to him a lot,” John Chilson said.

John said Paul Chilson was a huge Chargers fan and had season tickets in the late 80s to mid 90s. He owned plenty of Chargers paraphernalia, and he loved talking Chargers football.   

“Every one of our conversations the San Diego Chargers were relevant, whether it was two weeks ago, one week ago or two years ago. I can tell you the last conversation we had was about Chargers off-season moves,” John said.

Chilson is survived by his wife, Terry; three daughters, Lisa, Lindsay and Leslie; and granddaughter Kallie.