Paul Emile David Bernier

January 19, 1942 (Westbrook, ME) - September 22, 2024 (Lacey, WA)

Beloved husband, father, brother and friend, Paul Emile David Bernier, joined his Lord and heavenly family - likely with a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face and one of his famous one-liners - Sunday morning, September 22, 2024. 

Paul was born January 19, 1942, in Westbrook, Maine. One of nine children, Paul cherished his memories of growing up in Maine and the adventures that he shared with his family and friends. 

After graduating from high school in 1960, Paul served in the US Marine Corps. You could count on time standing still when he met a fellow Marine at church or out in the community, and he proudly wore his Marine ball cap until his final days. 

After his term of service, Paul moved to Ohio in 1964 and married his first love, Patricia (Pat) Stark and began his career in telecommunications. Paul and Pat brought three much loved children into the world - Laura, Tabatha and William “Bill” - and built a community of friends and family that persists to this day. Paul and Pat moved to Washington in 2001 to help care for their first grandchild, Connor. The Lord welcomed Pat several years later in 2004. 

Paul met his second love, Clare, at Prince of Peace Church in Belfair, WA and together they enjoyed twenty years of friendship, travel, laughter and time with friends in Washington, Arizona, Ohio, Maine and beyond. 

Paul was a man of service and volunteered for many years with the Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program, the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Odilon and Fernande "Memere", first wife Pat, and siblings Venita, Phil, Ray, Richard "Dick" and Connie.

He is survived by his loving wife Clare; siblings Pat, John (Sue) and Elaine; children Laura, Tabatha (James), and Bill; stepchildren Julie (Joe) and Brian (Tana); grandsons Connor and Henri (Mariah); and great grandson Isaiah.

A memorial mass is scheduled for 12pm, October 9th at St. Michael's Parish in Olympia, WA. All are welcome. The mass will be livestreamed for family and friends unable to attend via the parish YouTube channel. A reception will follow in the parish Gathering Space.

The disposition of ashes will be scheduled for the spring of 2025 in Maine.

Paul’s blue eyes, infectious humor and positive attitude will be missed by all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations on his behalf may be made to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Heart Association.

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