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Paul Puffer Obituary
Dr. Puffer was born Jan. 29, 1935, in Beaver, Utah, to Ephraim and Burdetta Puffer. Burdetta was later married to Lamont Harris of Smithfield, Utah. He served a Western States mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1956-1958. He attended Utah State University where he earned his undergraduate in 1959 and moved to Oregon later that year to attend University of Oregon Dental School (OHSU). In 1959 he married Carma Swalberg of Marysvale, Utah, and in August 1963 they moved to Molalla.
Dr. Puffer loved his community and found various ways to serve through school board, city planning commission and many other civic community associations. He held multiple church leadership positions including being an early-morning Seminary teacher and bishop. Dr. Puffer was an avid Boy Scout leader and was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Boy Scouts of America for his distinguished service.
Among Dr. Puffer's favorite activities were attending Molalla High School sporting events. He could often be heard cheering on the basketball and football teams and making sure the referees got the call right.
Dr. Puffer began practicing dentistry in 1963 and, aside from his family and church, his work was his greatest passion. He was a lifelong learner, always reading and researching the latest trends in the dental field. He was designated a Mastership from the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), a title that requires over 1000 hours of continuing education. He served as president of the Academy of General Dentistry from 1985-1986 and in 1990 received the Dr. Richard L. Moore Distinguished Service Award from the American Orthodontic Society. As a longtime dentist, Dr. Puffer was able to treat some families for multiple generations.
Dr. Puffer is survived by his wife and ten children, Sue Maben, Jim Puffer, Jill Parker, Dr. Shauna Pier, Lance Puffer, Alicia Flynn, Ben Puffer, Rick Puffer, Marilee Sears and Dr. Steven Puffer; 32 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother Clark Puffer and sister Ruth Swaner. His daughter Kimberly Williams and grandson William Flynn preceded him in death.
Services were held for Dr. Puffer on Nov. 10, 2012. He was buried at Adams Cemetery next to his daughter Kimberly.
If you would like to share a memory of Dr. Puffer with the family, please email [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Puffer
Craig & Nancy Griffith
November 26, 2012
To Dr. Puffer's family and loved ones: I just learned of Dr. Puffer's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was so very near and dear to our hearts. My entire family started going to Dr. Puffer in about 1984. He was our children's dentist until they left home. He will be so missed by so many people in the community. Such a loss for all of you, but also for all of the extended Molalla community. Please know that he and you are in our prayers and thoughts. He will always be remembered by us. We will miss his smiling greeting as he tended to our dental work. He was always so cheerful and never failed to ask about us and our boys. We just wanted to extend our deepest sorrow and our wishes for your comfort. Respectfully,
Craig, Nancy, Craig Jr, Shawn and Amanda Griffith
November 14, 2012
Carma and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Paul's passing. I have many fond memories of him. He was the funniest man I ever met. He always kept us laughing. What an amazing family you have raised. May the good Lord bless you all during this difficult time.
With love,
The Utah Puffers
Lex, Sharon, Kylie, Chaz and Trey
Jay D. Schvaneveldt
November 13, 2012
Nov. 13, 2012
Our sympathy to the Puffer family. I was a fellow missionary in the Western States with Paul and also an Aggie with him at Utah State University. We are now far away as missionaries in Denmark. We ask the Lord to bless and sustain the family.
Sincerely,
Elder Jay D. Schvaneveldt
Sister Karren Schvaneveldt
Renee Hill-Grimes
November 12, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Puffer family. He was a wonderful man, and we have fond memories of him and your family. The Hill Family, Ken, Opal, Renee, Meliss and Kenny.
Jessica Herzog
November 11, 2012
My sympathy is with your family; Dr. Puffer was always kind, caring, and smiling whenever I saw him at daycare or at the dental office. May peace be with you during this difficult time
November 10, 2012
Dear Carma, Stephen and family. I was greatly saddened to hear of Paul's death. Paul was not only a good guy, but the best! He always had a smile and a cheerful greeting. His sense of humor was special. When I found out that Stephen was entering dental school, I told Puff that I would look out for him. He said I know you will. Lee Emery UODS 63.
Alma M. Isenberger
November 10, 2012
The Isenberger family sends their acknowledgement of Paul's passing. Memories are many.....Don serving in the Bishopric with him.....Our Paula....interactions with our children.......Love to you all and God bless you....
November 9, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I always respected him both as a classmate in dental school and as a leader of his profession.
We will all miss him. Jim Fratzke
Lyle and Renae Trammell
November 9, 2012
Carma and family, please accept our love and sympathy for Paul's passing. His love for others affected us, particularly in the dental school years at the Fourth Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We appreciated his laughter and friendship to us and others. We will miss him too. Love to you and your family.
Heath Nelson
November 9, 2012
Paul was a great man and a great example of Christlike behavior.
Marcie Ringo
November 8, 2012
What a wonderful man, he inspired me and many others I'm sure Heavenly Father will hold him dearly . I will Always remember his strong faith and good heart. My love and prayers to the whole Family.
Love Always, Jason and Marcie Ringo
Lucy Wilson
November 8, 2012
I am Lucy (Hartman) Wilson, daughter of Lucy M. Hartman (now deceased), who was an instructor at what was then called the U of O Dental School. Not only did my mother and Paul share the teacher / student relationship, but Paul and two other students often included mom in a winter day car pool. Of all of the dental students I met over the years, Paul was one of two I have remembered for a lifetime. In his case, it was because of his warm and shining character and because he made a big fuss over a little girl sharing the same birth month and day. Also, we ran into Paul one day at Kienow's grocery store. His enthusiastic rush to greet us in the crowd almost cost him a bitten finger by our puppy hidden in my pocket! Paul did not seem to be the type of person who would want mourning in his passing. On behalf of myself and my deceased mother, I salute Paul for being a humble, "shining star" in the way he lived his life. May his family be comforted in knowing such a person never truly leaves your heart.
Marcie Ringo
November 8, 2012
What a wonderful man, he inspired me and many others I'm sure Heavenly Father will hold him dearly . I will Always remember his strong faith and good heart. My love and prayers to the whole Family.
Love Always, Jason and Marcie Ringo
Don Van Zandt
November 8, 2012
Paul was a great example and inspiration to me when I was a young college student. I enjoyed my association with Paul and Carma in the old 4th ward. He will be missed by many. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Maury Dean
November 8, 2012
Paul, Carma, and the Puffer family were and are great examples to my, then young, family. Love to Carma and your entire family.
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