Paul was born July 13, 1923 in Bradford, Ohio; he passed away October 25, 2006 in Shelton, WA. He married the former Sybil Imogene Sparkes June 9, 1949 in Seattle, WA she preceded him in death March 5, 1983 in Mount Vernon. They purchased their home in Mount Vernon in 1953, returning to it in 1962 after Paul's retirement from the US Navy. It was then that he embarked on his second carreer, education. He taught Electronics at Skagit Valley College from 1962 until his retirement in 1980. During his tenure there he also served as Administrative Assistant to the President. He received his B.A. in Education from Western Washington College in 1966 and went on to receive his Masters of Education from Oregon State University in 1968. Paul entered the US Navy directly after graduation from Lockport High School, Lockport New York, serving 21 years until his retirement. While on active duty he saw combat from the deck of a carrier in the Pacific Theater, earning a WWll Victory Medal, American Area Medal, 5 Good Conduct Medals, and the American Defense Medal. He retired at the rank of Chief Aviation Electronics Tech. In 1988 he moved to his daughter's home in Level Plains, Alabama, until returning to WA State settling in Shelton. Paul had many hobbies including riding motorcycles, needle point, counted cross stitch, crossword puzzles, and email with his friends. He could always be counted on for a good joke, usually on the blue side. He was active with the Skagit County chapter of the American Red Cross, while residing in Mount Vernon. He served on the board of directors, and also traveled in the US as a disaster relief worker. In 1985 he was awarded the prestigious Clara Barton Award. Paul was also active in the Shelton Senior Services, and served several terms as Board President for the Center. He is survived by his daughter Brenda Smith Palmer of Tualatin, or, son in law Dean Palmer, Jr also of Tualatin, 3 grandchildren Kristy Palmer, Shelton; Paul Palmer, Astoria, or, and Leah "Nikki" Palmer, Tualatin. He is also survived by 2 sisters, Betty Domedian of Lockport, New York, and Wilma Donohue also of Lockport; 1 sister in-law Florence Noiles of Amherst, Nova Scotia and 1 brother in-law Jack Sparkes of St. John's New Brunswick and numerous nieces and nephews. A third Sister Helen Irving and a brother Samuel preceded him in death. Paul will be laid to rest beside his wife during graveside services Wednesday, November 1, 2006, 1:00pm at Hawthorne Memorial Park with Military Honors and the Rev Gilford Dean Palmer, Sr. Officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials may be made to Skagit Valley College, Shelton Senior Center, or the Skagit Valley Kidney Center