Paul Wilfred Kangas

Paul Wilfred Kangas, age 68, of Rudyard, died at his home December 17, 2016. Paul was born to Arvie Herman Kangas and Lorraine Rose Simmons Kangas on July 2, 1948 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Paul grew up in Rudyard, however lost his hearing at the age of two and subsequently attended Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint, Michigan throughout high school. At the School for the Deaf, Paul was an outstanding athlete and set many school records. He played football, basketball, ran track, fenced, and competed in archery. Paul spent many holidays with the family of his Aunt Ann Laramie in Sanford, Michigan as well as summers with his family in Rudyard. Following high school Paul attended Rochester Institute for Technology in New York, and Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. He worked for General Motors in Flint in their design division and then for Rapid Design in Jackson, Michigan until he retired and moved back to Rudyard in 1988.
Paul was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church in Rudyard and a member of the Scottish Fergusson Clan.
Paul liked woodworking and did detailed carvings and wood burning. He hunted deer with black powder, bow, and rifle, winning the Rudyard Coop Big Buck Contest one year. He gardened both vegetables and flowers. Each year he helped plant the petunias along the main street in Rudyard. He canned his own food from his garden. Paul liked to cook on the grill and was the grill master at all family barbeques. He was very interested in American History, technology, and nature. He traveled around Michigan and visited friends and family when he could. He always attended and enjoyed family reunions.
Paul was survived by his brothers, Arnie (Carol) Kangas, of Rudyard and John Dale (Lori) Uponen of Chassell Michigan; sisters, Aileen Kangas of Rudyard and Marta (Don) Busse of Bakersfield California. Paul is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Lydia (Keith McDonald) Petkus, Tylar (Tris) Siddle, John Spaeth, Rachael Uponen, Keith (Cynthia Post Petkus) Petkus, and Ian Uponen.
Paul was preceded in death by his father and mother, Arvie Kangas and Lorraine Uponen.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chippewa County Animal Shelter, 3660 S Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.