Paul Eston Lovdahl
A celebration of Paul’s life will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 1:00 at Bellingham Covenant Church. For those unable to attend, a live stream link will be available at www.bellinghamcov.org on the day of the service.
Dr. Paul Eston Lovdahl passed away peacefully at home in Bellingham, Washington on December 15, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife Kathy, close family, friends, and his cherished Airedale Annie. Born in Stanley, Wisconsin on September 2, 1945, to Paul Kenneth and Jean Orlyn (nee Neverdahl) Lovdahl, Paul received his undergraduate and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees from Marquette University. He later received a Master of Science in Dentistry specializing in endodontics from the University of Washington. Paul and Kathy (nee Dolan) married on December 16, 1967, in Zion, Illinois. Paul joined the U.S. Public Health Service as a dental officer with assignments in Baltimore, San Diego, and Seattle. Upon retirement from government service, he went into private practice as an endodontist and author in his specialty. He taught throughout the US, Canada, Norway, Sweden, South Africa and Argentina, mentoring scores of students both professionally and personally. Paul was serious about his work and perfecting his craft. However, his family, the church and mission work, community involvement, and hobbies showcased his unique passion for life. A highly skilled musician, woodworker, artist, student of languages, and intrepid traveler, Paul used his talents as tools to further God’s work. He is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters Amy and Jenny (Eric), grandchildren Joe, Maura, Hayden, and Owen, sister Linda, brother Chris, nephews Andy (Angelica), Adam (Mary Beth), Chris (Janelle) and niece Jean (Alex). Special thanks to team at the PeaceHealth Cancer Center for the medical expertise and relationships built over the last several years. Donations in Paul’s name may be made to Bellingham Covenant Church or Whatcom Hospice (www.whatcomhospice.org) who provided wonderful care to Paul and family.
Memories
From Eugenia Tyner-Dawson
Dear Paul & Family-
My sincere condolences to all of you. Paul was a wonderful man, and someone I called my friend. Rest in Peace.
Love, Gena and family. ❤️
From Becky
Paul positively affected everyone with whom he came in contact in his Morey neighborhood where he lived, in Bellingham where he practiced, and in the world at large where he volunteered. He will be deeply missed by so many. A life so well-lived!! On to an even bigger life now.
From Marianne Lovdal
For the calm and warmth you always surrounded yourself with and gave to others. For your great sense of humour. For your genuin interest in your Norwegian heritage and family. And for giving Mikkel, Ingrid and me a whole new family. Thank you!
From Robert Bloeth
I am very sad to hear of Cousin Paul's passing, I know he will be missed, he was a great man and Christian!
Maranatha, Bob
From Brady Bobbink
Having just heard of Paul's departure from us, Jesus' words, "well done good and faithful servant", came immediately to my mind today when I heard of Paul's departure from us. I first met Paul close to 50 years ago in a reading group that he was part of. His gift of encouragment was a blessing in my personal life as a young pastor to University students. Paul and Kathy's open heartedness and generosity of time and resources continues to play an important role in the ongoing vitality of the student works here at Wester, Whatcome CC and Skagic College as well as the impact around the US and overseas. What I experienced is not unique to me. It was a way of living out a lively faith and a deep love for the Lord and others. "Well done", indeed! And many thanks to Paul and Kathy from uncounted numbers of students.
From Mark & Dawn Anderson
Paul was a wonderful neighbor. We will miss encountering him on our neighborhood walks and chatting while doing yardwork. Kathy, we're thinking of you, and are here if you need anything. - Mark + Dawn
From Nancy Coy
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s death. He was a good man. I send my heartfelt condolences to Kathy, Jenny and Amy, as well as to your extended family. I know how much you’ll miss him.
I worked with Paul many years ago when he and Curtis Wade shared their office on Broadway. I was Curtis’s receptionist then. Later I worked with Ed & Suzanne Thorp. Paul’s strength, calmness, generosity, and sense of humor were always present. I remember him playing his mandolin, with the paper bunting Norwegian flags over his desk, all the while asking Kathy if she’d bake a pie for him. I think this was about the same time Kathy went back to school so there was a twinkle in his eye when he asked. And at special times he would honor our requests to say a few words in Norwegian because we loved to hear the lilt of the words. He was always willing to see "one more patient" and be there for anyone who needed him. Such good memories of a good man.
Thank you for livestreaming Paul’s memorial service. It was beautiful. I’m grateful for knowing Paul. May God be with you.
Blessings ~ Nancy Coy
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