Paul Amund Lawrence

1942 - 2017

Dec. 10, 1942 - Aug. 29, 2017 Paul passed away peacefully at his home in Marysville, WA, after fighting a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His loving family was by his side every step of the way during his illness. Paul was born in Seattle, however resided most of his life in Everett. He attended Everett public schools - Lowell Elementary, South Junior High, and was a member of the Everett High School graduating class of 1961. He devoted much of his life to football, as a player, captain and coach. He was captain of the Everett High School 1960 State Championship team, who were awarded entry into the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame. Paul also took pride in playing football at University of Idaho under coach Dee Andros. He began his coaching and teaching career in 1965 at Marquette High School in Yakima, WA. Following a two-year tour of active duty in the army (stationed in Korea), he returned to Yakima at Carroll High School in 1968 rejoining coaches Jack and Tommy O'Brien. In 1972, he assisted head coach Jim Ennis at Cascade High School, and spent an additional eight years coaching under Terry Ennis in the 1980's. He also enjoyed coaching track at Cascade. Paul also coached under Tony Whitefield at Everett High School, and became head coach in 1995 until his retirement in 2004. He so enjoyed both his coaching and teaching (History) careers, in the high school setting, until his retirement in 2007. Paul's relentless desire to continue coaching football was apparent when he joined his friend, Terry Ennis at Archbishop Murphy High school for two years. Paul's enthusiasm for football landed him the head coaching position of the West Squad in the 1999 East West All Star Football game and was East West 3A/4A game coordinator for seven games that were held at Everett Memorial Stadium. He was actively involved in the Washington State Football Coaches Association. Paul received the National Federation of High Schools Coach of the Year in 2004. In 2009, he was recipient of the Washington State Football Coaches Association's Gold Helmet Award, and in 2011 Paul was honored with the Tony Gasparovich Award from the Seattle/King County Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Paul was appreciated as a coach, an inspiration in the classroom, and known for his generosity in the community. In his later years, Paul was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, was active in the Everett Food Bank and stayed involved at Archbishop Murphy High School. His wife, Dawn Lawrence, was an active member of the Coaches Association and an inspiration and supporter throughout Paul's teaching and coaching career. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn (Whitehead) Lawrence, and his parents, Walter and Ann Lawrence. He is survived by his siblings, brother, Ivan Lawrence (Vicki), sister, Colleen Kison (Gary), mother-in-law, Marjorie Bissell, sister-in-law, Gay Kirkpatrick (John), nieces and nephews, Cyndy Lawrence, Greg Lawrence, Scott Kirkpatrick, Lisa Waite and great niece, Stevie Lee Hewitt. In addition, Paul leaves behind numerous friends that were by his side throughout his life. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Church, 2501 Hoyt Avenue Everett, WA at 12:30 p.m., with a celebration of life to follow at the VFW, 2711 Oakes Avenue, Everett, WA. In lieu of flowers, Paul requests donations be made to Archbishop Murphy High School, 12911 39th Ave S.E. Everett, WA 98208; Everett High School Blue & Gold, PO Box 1194 Everett, WA 98204; or Providence Hospice & Home Care, 2731 Wetmore Ave Suite 500 Everett, WA 98201.