Paul Disbury was reported missing on Dec. 31 after his car was found at Multnomah Falls
Paul Disbury (Photo courtesy of up.edu)
By Laura Frazier, News Editor frazier13@up.edu
The UP community came together in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher last week to pray for Chief Information Officer Paul Disbury, who was reported missing on Dec. 31. His car was found in the parking lot at Multnomah Falls about 30 minutes east of Portland.
Police do not suspect foul play.
University President Fr. Bill Beauchamp lead a full crowd in prayer for Disbury, who started working at the University in 2010. Beauchamp said Disbury's welfare is uncertain. His family reportedly had been concerned about his emotional state.
"We believe he has passed, but we don't know that," Beauchamp said. "We pray for his safety or that he is in God's hands."
University spokesman Joe Kuffner said Disbury was put in charge of UP's technology department last spring. He oversaw everything from the computer help desk in the basement of Buckley Center to the campus servers and databases.
According to Multnomah County Search and Rescue spokesman James Eriksen, Multnomah County Search and Rescue scoured the area surrounding the falls on Jan. 1 and 2 before harsh weather forced search efforts to shut down. The search and rescue team dove the water pools near the falls, rappelled the hills and cliff lines and searched the trails.
Disbury lived in Sherwood Ore., about an hour west from Multnomah Falls.
The Sherwood Police Department is working with Multnomah County Search and Rescue on the case. Police spokesman Ty Hanlon said he and a detective hiked to the top of the falls and looked for Disbury on Jan. 8.
However, Hanlon said efforts to find Disbury are stalled unless they receive further information.
"Until something new comes to light, we're just in a holding pattern," he said.
Eriksen said that Search and Rescue will look for Disbury once the weather is warmer.
Jim Ravelli, UP's vice president for university operations, has temporarily taken over in Disbury's absence. Ravelli said he will continue to serve as chief information officer until the end of the semester. At that point, the university will decide whether or not to hire a permanent replacement.
Born in Africa, Disbury was raised by British parents and spoke with an accent. Kuffner said he was "truly a global citizen" who was well respected on campus.
Ravelli said Disbury liked to play ultimate Frisbee and basketball on campus during lunch and was an avid golfer.
"I think everyone on campus who knew Paul really liked him," Ravelli said.
News of his disappearance surprised and troubled the UP community.
"People were really shocked and saddened," Kuffner said. "It's hard to understand."
