WILLIAM LYLE PAULSON
April 22, 1929 - Oct. 7, 2003
William (Bill) born April 22, 1929 in Rice Lake, Wisconson passed away Oct. 7, 2003 in Kamloops, B.C.
Bill was the only son of William A. Paulson and Unna A. Anderson.
He grew up in Portland, Oregon where he met his wife Katherine Patricia Keller, daugher of Otto F. Keller and Hilda E. Newman. They were married in 1952.
Bill was a certified sheet metal worker with his own business in Oregon, before moving his family to Forestdale in August of 1969. Together Bill and Katherine ran a farm, raising pigs, horses, chickens and cows. they lived in a log house until they lost their home to a fire in July of 1972. They then moved into the church which became their home until they built their next home in 1981.
Over the years Bill was not only involved in farming but also in sheet metal construction, the running of a portable mill cutting ties and lumber. He did repairs and ran the gas station of Broman Lake. Bill owned and operated a sheet metal business in town called Lakes District Sheet Metal where the forestry building is now. Worked in the mine in Granisle, and on the courthouse in Smithers. Started up Forestdale Logging in 1976 and went LTD in 1977, which his eldest son Jeff owns and operates.
In 1995 Bill and Katherine retired and moved to Enderby, B.C. Bill loved the longer growing season the south provided. They grew pumpkins, grapes, cherries, peaches, plums, corn and numerous other vegetables. Coming from Forestdale, Bill also enjoyed the option of driving the short distance to the local bakery, it was only a block away.
Thanksgiving was always a special occasion for Bill. It meant most of the children and their families would go to Enderby for a visit. Bill loved buying food for everyone - it gave him great pleasure.
Chester and Jake, Bill’s dogs provided hime with constant companionship and entertain-ment. The other pet Bill had was a fish called Wanda - that was always a good conversation piece. With only a grade eight education, Bill was a very knowledgable man, who read books upon books. You could ask him anything about anything and he could tell you in detail.
Bill loved to tease people, if you were family or a stranger it didn’t matter - you’d get teased. We’ll always remember his dry sense of humour. The children will always remember their dad having small vice grips in his pocket, fishing at Day Lake, his large grey sweater with an endless supply of quarters in the pocket for the fall fair in Smithers, pizza and float night.
Bill encouraged his children to learn how to work together and drive equipment. His work ethics showed by the many hours he put in at the sawmill.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, his sons Daniel in 1976 and Joel (only 40 hours old) in 1955. One sister Gloria Kenyon, grandson Dustin Stanton.
Bill leaves behind a large family: Katherine his loving wife of 51 years, Lonnie (Robert Vandermeer), Diana (Doug Mclean), Jeff, Cindy (Bob Mitchell), Julie (Brad Inman), Greg (Jerri-Dawn), Sherry (Jim Oud), Rod, Joseph (Lorraine) and Carolyn.
The many foster children that were welcomed into their home over the years, were just like their own.
Grandchildren: Joel, Drew, Rebecca Hiedi, Virginia, Emily, Mathew, Clayton (Lonnie); David, Tim, Ron (Diana); Melinda, Janelle (Jeff) - Terry, Michael, Brian (Cindy); Bill, Jessica, Amanda (Julie); Zachary (Greg); Nicole, Maddison (Sherry); Desirée, Tennille (Rod); Priscilla (Joseph); Lauren (Carolyn).
Eleven great granchildren, sisters Joyce Schmuckal and June Korphage.
Bill was a hardworking, loyal man. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.