Bill's obituary
William Kent Paulson was born in Silverton, Oregon on November 4, 1934 to Leslie and Evelyn Paulson. He had one sister, Virginia "Sue" born on February 22 ,1936; who preceded him in death on October 10, 2007. He was a mischievous child that liked to climb trees. In his own words: "In the early "1960's I hitch-hiked by train, bus and boat to Ketchikan, SE Alaska and commenced three summers scampering like a jack rabbit, setting chokers on high lead operations. My next summer, I experienced an intensely incredible two months at Sinclair, logging, a one side outfit out of Ketchikan. I flew on a bush plane from Ketchikan. I spent almost a year encountering the Olympic Mountains, good memories, braken' in logging and bucking timber." During that three years he also attended Western Washington University where he "sandwiched in a Bachelor of Arts" in Recreation. He was a gymnast and cheerleader during his time there.
After all that, he went to Multnomah School of The Bible. During this time he also attended Hinson Baptist Church where, in 1967, he met a young and beautiful Suzanne Vincent. They were married about a year later on July 20, 1968. He got a job at the Portland Park Bureau. on July 31, 1969, Tamara Marie was born, followed by Matthew Aaron on August 15, 1973. Two months later, in October 1973, my Dad realized his dream of becoming a missionary in Bolivia (South America). The two years there were difficult ones, especially for my Mom, with two young children; but they were also a time of mental, spiritual, and physical growth.
Upon returning to Oregon in 1975, we stayed with our friends the Greenwoods in Colville, Washington; while my Dad looked for a job and found us a place to live. Around 1976, we moved into Barton Community Church's old parsonage. We were there for about 2 years, then moved to Boring, Oregon around 1978. Then on May 13, 1978, my sister Jennifer Ann was born, followed by Nathan Kent on December 27, 1982. During this time, my Dad worked at Vanport Saw Mill in Boring, Oregon for a short time. He then moved to Crown Zellerbach; which later became Estacada Lumber. He was there for 17 almost 18 yrs.
In 1993, he retired from the mill and went back to school. He attended Clackamas Community College to learn landscaping, a new trade at 59 years old. Flowers, plants, landscaping, lawn maintenance were his true passions. He interned at The Resort on The Mountain, eventually getting a job at Iseli's Nursery in Sandy, Oregon, doing their lawn maintenance. He absolutely loved this job. He also continued doing lawn jobs on the side for extra income. He ended up working at Iseli's for 14 years before he retired. In reality he never actually did retire. My Dad continued to work lawn jobs, and landscaping, mostly for widowed ladies and some single older ladies that needed help. My Mom called these women "his ladies." In the Summer of 1987, we moved to Sandy, Oregon; where they have lived ever since.
My Dad stayed busy and active until he was about 84. Running all over town, working hard was his M.O. He was a familiar face in Sandy. His ability to continue to work and his physical strength and fitness amazed people. It was hard to believe he was 84. My Dad was young at heart, and his body acted young, even though it wasn't. He was always so hardworking, making sure we had what we needed and were provided for.
When the Pandemic hit, this is when everything changed. After his hospital stay in 2019, he was no longer able to work or drive. My Mom cared for him during this time. The care he needed was beyond what could be done at home. My Mom selflessly tried, but it was too overwhelming. After an almost 2 months stay at the hospital in June and July of 2021, he was moved into a nursing facility. His stay was brief and on morning of the 11th day; his body fragile, worn and scarred, gave out. It was fast and difficult to process, but on August 15th 2021 he went to be with Jesus in his forever home.
He is survived by:
Suzanne Paulson (Wife of 53 years) Sandy, Oregon
Tamara & Michael Wiederhold (Daughter) Sandy, Oregon
Matt Paulson (Son) Sandy, Oregon
Jennifer & Michael North (Daughter) Bellingham, Washington
Nathan Paulson (Son) Sandy, Oregon
Brett & Dorie Paulson (Grandson) Sandy, Oregon
Cloey & Joshua Ryan (Granddaughter) Bellingham, Washington
Jesse & Isabella North (Grandson) Bellingham, Washington
Luke & Ty Paulson (Grandsons) & (Tami their mother) Ashland, Oregon
Layne Paulson (Great Grandson) Sandy, Oregon
Many Paulson, DeBoards, Vincents & Hennemanns (Extended Family Members who live across the United States, from Keizer and Redmond, Oregon to Sanders, Arizona to Farmington and Rosemount, Minnesota to Chippewa Falls and River Falls, Wisconsin to Springfield, Virginia. Just to name a few.
And Many Treasured Friends