Paul MacAlister Mahan

Paul MacAlister Mahan, 65, of Grayslake, Illinois, passed away on April 4, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on March 23, 1960, Paul grew-up in Lake Bluff, Illinois.

As a child, and the son of two architects, Paul could often be found drawing with pencil and paper. In pursuing his love of the arts, Paul attended Williston Northhampton School. There, under the influence of Barry Moser, Paul developed a passion for printmaking and honed his artistic style. Paul then went on to the University of Illinois, Chicago, where he received a BFA in Printmaking and a BA in Industrial Design. Paul spent many summers at the Ox-Bow School of Art, Saugatuck, MI, where he explored a variety of mediums, including paper making and sculpture.

Throughout his lifetime, Paul had a passion for music, starting with piano lessons as a child, moving onto synthesizers, teaching himself the flute and clarinet, and designing and building instruments. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his mid-twenties, Paul found himself with limitations to his dexterity and mobility. Continuing to follow his passions, Paul became a partner in the Music Source, in Grayslake, for many years.

Paul is survived by his brother, Donald (Sally), and his nieces, Madeleine (Patrick) Bartels and Camille (Nathan) Shoaf, and favorite kiddos, Hazel, Ellie and Freddie. He was predeceased by his parents, Verner MacAlister Mahan and Donald H. Mahan Sr., and his stepmother, Margaret F. Mahan. A memorial service will be held on April 18.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National MS Society in memory of Paul. https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaign/PaulMMahan