Paul A. Washington
Paul's Memorial Celebration will be held at the Grange Hall on Lummi Island (which is across from the Post Office), on August 1st, at 3:00PM. Everyone is invited!
Paul was born in Akron, Ohio, to Frederick and Helen Washington. His family, including his sister Fredi, and brother Bill, moved to Cleveland when Paul was ten. Paul lived there until attending Ohio State University, graduating in 1965.
Paul had several careers, first in the dairy business, then in construction, home design and remodeling, followed by ten years of teaching Building and Construction at Bellingham Technical College, starting when he was 56. Paul was able to share a lifetime of experience, develop new skills as a teacher and enjoy the wonderful relationships that he had with his students and colleagues.
Paul, and his wife, Colleen McCrory, met in Seattle in 1973, where they lived until 1992, when they moved into a house designed and built by Paul on Lummi Island. He discovered many new interests there, including the raising of cashmere goats, more ways to pursue his boating passion, solar energy, making biodiesel fuel for his trucks, recumbent bicycles, building and flying model helicopters, and finally, gymnastics and body building. The challenge in his early 70s was learning to do the splits and hand stand push ups.
Paul is survived by his wife, Colleen, his sister Fredi Shalita, brother, William Washington, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Paul's Memorial Celebration will be held at the Grange Hall on Lummi Island (which is across from the Post Office), on August 1st, at 3:00PM. Everyone is invited!
Donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice for their loving care of Paul and his family in his last weeks.
Memories
From Bobbi & Doug S…
A beautiful man has left this earth , but the spirit of Paul remains eternal.. Our loving thoughts to his incredible wife Colleen and our condolences to his entire family... We love you Paul
From Debbie Lowery
Paul was a true gentleman. He was smart and charming, engaging and funny. Inquisitive, skilled, talented. Courteous and humble. It was always a real pleasure to run in to him. My heart goes out to his lovely wife, Colleen, whom he loved so very, very much.
From Willis Shalita
Paul, was a gentle man, but he was always a gentleman. First and foremost, he was my friend, then my brother-in-law. I will always treasure the times Fredi and I spent with him. His smile was a reflection of his heart. It was special, and warm. I am the luckier for having known him.
From Michelle D. Baxley
My Uncle Paul was my favorite relative! He was unbelievably cool! He was kind, sweet, gentle and sincere. I only heard him raise his voice once….and I deserved it. He was always there for me. His smile and laughter were contagious. He had an adventurous spirit and every time I talked to him he had something new that he was exploring or trying. The love that he gave me cannot be replaced by anyone. I will miss him more than words can say, but the memories and love that he gave me will stay with me forever. Now my angel on earth is in heaven with the ancestors, and is watching over me from heaven. It’s all alright now Uncle Paul, you fought the good fight, and now there is no more pain only joy. Thank you for being the much needed stand in Dad. Your light will forever shine in my heart, I love you FOREVER!
From L. Joaquin (Ci…
A truly fine gentleman, I will miss your friendship , your warm smile, your love of music, and listening to you blow that Harp. Peace, my brother
From Paula Gaines &…
Paul, you were a man of rare caliber. We shall miss your engaging, fun, intelligent and talented persona, and your wonderful smile and sparkling eyes. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with your lovely, beautiful wife, Colleen. Our island has lost a most wonderful soul and we shall not forget you. Blessed Be!
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