Paul Larson

Obituary Paul Carl Larson passed away at age 84 in Kittitas Valley Hospital, Ellensburg, WA on December 15, 2017. A long-time survivor of many heart problems, he died of congestive heart failure. Paul was born on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1933 in Seattle, WA to his parents, Paul and Helen Larson. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1951. After high school he attended Central Washington University and graduated from Seattle University with a degree in Elementary Education. He and Mary Katherine Huettl were married, had five children, and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. Not one to join clubs or social organization, he often joked that he was a card-carrying member of Bi-Mart, a Gold Star Costco member, and a member of too many casinos to list. He preferred to spend time with his family, and NOTHING was more important to Paul than his family. He had many jobs including teaching elementary school for the Seattle School District. He found his home at the United States Postal Service and retired after 25 years of service. He cherished the strong friendships that he formed while working there. Paul was generous, curious, inquisitive and interested in everyone's story. He was always thinking of ideas for inventions, believed in the value of real estate, and had an intense interest in the stock market. We had a passion for history and was well informed on current problems. A devout Democrat for most of his life, he had a strong belief in their contribution to a better society. However, he never held back his criticism when he thought the party was wrong about an issue. Paul loved to travel and go on adventures with Mary. She was truly his best friend and life companion. They did everything together and appreciated all the many blessings that they had. He often said that he was richer than Bill Gates, and couldn't ask for anything more. A story was often told by Paul's mother that when he was a small boy and anyone asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up he would answer, "I want to be a daddy." He certainly achieved that, and his children all agree that they couldn't have hoped for a better one. His parting words to all of them were always, "I love you and be careful." Paul is survived by his children; Shannon (Denise), Jordan (Rabecca), Ryan (Tracy), Chad (Leah), Paula-Marie (Jay), and "daughter-in-law" Carrie Giovannini. He was a very proud grandfather who delighted in his grandchildren: Auston, Jessica, Matthew, Blaine, Madeline, Michael, Elizabeth, Camille, Emily, Ian, and Abigail. Other survivors include nephews Ken and Todd, numerous grand nieces and nephews, and all members of the extended Huettl family. In his last years of life, he walked and stopped frequently to rest on park benches in downtown Ellensburg, where he would people watch and catch his breath.The family is starting a fund to purchase a bench in his honor. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, December 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 10420 S.E.11th St., Bellevue, WA 98004 (just off Bellevue Way). All are welcome to attend the service and light lunch to follow where we will all share our special memories of Paul. He liked bright colors and hated neckties, so please dress accordingly. Steward & Williams Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.steward-williams.com