Paul Edwin Blau

Oyster growing legend Paul Edwin Blau passed away peacefully on Nov 22, 2023 with loving family by his side after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.  He has left behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and selfless dedication to church and family. Paul was born on January 20th 1941 in Kirkland, WA to parents Edwin and Elizabeth Blau.  His early childhood was spent in Kirkland where his family owned and operated a local Chevrolet dealership and garage, and helped to establish a courier service over what is now Steven’s Pass.  In keeping with the family’s adventurous spirit, Edwin and Elizabeth eventually moved their little family to Samish Island to join in the oyster farming business started by Paul’s Grandpa Eddie.   This would prove to become his families’ namesake and Paul’s life work.

The eldest of 4 brothers, Paul spent his youth fishing, hunting, and of course picking oysters and digging clams in Samish Bay.  Along with brothers John, Mark, and Bruce, Paul grew up working hard for the family business but also playing hard.  Paul would often recall memories of time spent with his cousins who would come for summertime adventures playing on the beach, riding horses around the island, and enjoying waterfront barbeques.  As a boy he attended Edison Elementary School and graduated top of his class from BEHS in 1959.  Shortly after High School he was drafted into the army and was part of the Tank Division as well as a marksman.  He was honorably discharged from the Army and then served his country in the Army Reserves.  Some of Paul’s favorite stories were of Boot Camp shenanigans in Kentucky with friends Duane Etrum and Wilbur Drafs.  It’s fair to say that Fort Knox was not unhappy to see those three return to Skagit Valley.  

After discharging from the Army, Paul returned home to work next to his father Bud, Grandpa Eddie, and brother John growing and perfecting the Samish Bay oyster, and making Blau Oyster Company a favorite among Seafood lovers in the Northwest.  The life of an oyster man is not glamorous. It is hard.  Long hours, physical labor, and cold, wet, unfriendly seas.  But no matter, Paul was at home on the Bay.  He loved being out pulling oyster baskets or crab pots on a crisp and foggy fall morning, forking seed off the scow or oysters into a truck side-by-side with Blau Oyster employees. If you worked for Blau Oyster Company, Paul treated you like family and would happily give you the shirt off his back.   Not only did he love growing oysters, he loved talking about them, loved his oyster customers, and loved just walking the oyster beds surveying his good work and always looking for ways to grow a better product.  Paul was also an avid conservationist and served for 26 years on the Skagit Conservation District Board, helping to improve water quality and the health and longevity of the Samish Watershed.  No one knew or loved Samish Bay like Paul.

Though growing oysters was Paul’s 9-5, or rather 5-8, he also enjoyed his off time.  Paul was an excellent horseman and loved animals of all kinds.  He spent years team roping with some local celebrities like the Peth Brothers, the Sullivans and the Ploegs to name a few.  He spent many a weekend hauling horses and kids to ropings and rodeos across the state.  He always had a trusted dog or two following close behind no matter what he was doing, and was truly a dog whisperer.  Paul could jitter-bug like a pro well into his 60’s and loved to dance with anyone who could keep up. Paul was also an excellent singer, and sang in the Samish Island Memorial Chapel choir.   He was a faithful member of the congregation and loved his church family immensely.  Following in the footsteps of his parents Bud and Liz, Paul held a deep-rooted love for the Lord.  Paul was an avid hunter and fisherman, with so many stories to share of adventures in the mountains at deer camp and out on duck blinds shooting Brant.  His favorite memories were of times spent fishing and hunting with his Grandpa Eddie.  Paul was a huge wrestling fan.  He followed and supported BEHS wrestling, often cheering for his own talented sons as well as grandsons and granddaughters who wrestled for Burlington.   He looked forward to his annual trip to the State Wrestling Tournament with his ringside buddies.  

Paul Edwin Blau lived a beautiful life.  He was a giver of much and a taker of little.  He loved the Lord and enjoyed simple pleasures like Swiss chard he grew in his garden, throwing a ball for his favorite dog, or cooking crab on the beach.  He was quiet at times, unassuming, and above all kind and selfless. He was rarely angry with a quick easy smile and always a positive word.  He supported and loved his children with all he had and was always there to help.  His was a life well-lived.

 Paul is survived by his children Raymond Blau, Deborah Albrecht, Tina and Brent Richards, Brenda Blau, Scott and Rachel Blau and Steven Blau.  Grandchildren Jakeob, Steven Jr., Avery, Talon, Kacidi, Kylee, Marisa, Maranda, Paige and Great Grandchildren Colton, Michael, Evelyn, Emmett, Jason, Cade, Mia, Gabriel, and Iliana.  He was proceeded in death by parents Edwin and Elizabeth, brothers John, Mark, and Bruce, and Grandson Austin.  

Celebration of Life in Honor of

         Paul Blau

Saturday June 1st, 2024

        12:00 pm- 3:00 pm

          doors open at 11:30 am

Edison Elementary School

5801 Main St

Bow WA 98232

Bring a side or dessert to share.

We look forward to seeing friends and family and sharing memories of Paul!! 

In lieu of gifts or flowers we request that donations be made in Paul’s name to:

Samish Island Memorial Chapel

9608 Samish Island Rd

Bow, WA 98232

Or

Skagit Conservation District

2021 E College Way #203

Mt. Vernon, WA 98273