Baby Paul Cullen, life-long friend of Jay Adams and the youngest of the skateboarders made famous by artist/photographer Craig Stecyk’s Dogtown stories, died on July 23, 2009, according to a story on Yovenice.com. He was 47.

The C.R. Stecyk photo (above) will remain our favorite image of Paul if not our favorite skate photo ever. Paul’s worn down Vans, torn shorts, and complete overflow of innate style in motion captivated us as kids and made us want to be skateboarders even though we didn’t know any.

Christie Martin remembers him:

I want people to know, that his life wasn’t about drugs. He had great friends and wanted to do whatever it took to support his daughter and live a good life. It just so happens that when the pressure got to much drugs knew just how to sneak in in those moments and grab him. . . .He should be remembered as a ripper skater, shredder surfer, and loving doting father. We will love, and honor you forever in our hearts.

A memorial service was held at 10:30am Saturday the 25th at St. Monicas Catholic Church on California Ave in Santa Monica.

[Link: Yovenice.com via SkateandAnnoy.com]