Paul Norman Poetsch

Paul was born on February 26, 1932, in Portland, Oregon, the only child of Carl and Estelee Poetsch. Paul was proud to be considered a "North Portland" boy. He attended Boise and Portsmouth elementary schools and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1950. Athletics played a prominent part in his teen and adult years. He was a member of three city championship and three state championship teams. Great teammates and coaches enabled him to be successful in baseball and basketball earning 1st team All-City honors in basketball and 1st team All-State honoree in baseball. He was inducted into the P.I.L Hall of Fame in 2005.

Paul went onto compete in basketball at the college level. He was a member of 3 conference championships in basketball at Portland State University, earning 1st team All-Conference honors all 3 years. He was captain of 2 District Championship teams, was voted Athlete of the Year at PSU and entered their Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. In his junior year he led the nation in free throw percentage (92%).

Paul continued his athletic pursuits after college. He served as a head baseball and basketball coach at Washington and The Dalles high schools. He was also Athletic Director at Oregon City and Gresham high schools. He completed his educational career as a vice principal at Oregon City. His educational resume included English teacher, counselor, coach and administrator.

During the summer months and winter, he worked at the Multnomah dog track, drove an oil truck, worked in a plywood mill, and was a recreation director for the City of Portland.

He enjoyed golf throughout most of his adult life until physical limitations curtailed this sport. He missed the comaraderie and small wagers. His claim to fame on the course was when he had a hole in one (165 yds) in front of his basketball team.

In 1953, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Kennedy. This union brought four children, 2 boys and 2 girls, into this world. Virginia passed away at an early age (26), leaving Paul a widower with 4 small children to care for. Three years later he found a woman, Carolyn Riley, to share his family with. She was a widow with 2 children, a boy and a girl. This blended family survived and added another member, a boy, John, to the clan. From these offspring have come 18 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Paul is proud of all of his children and their families.

Paul was known for his quick wit and sarcasm. He loved to "needle" those who had acquired his friendship. He was often referred to as the original "curmudgeon". He could take the "jabs" as well as he dished them out.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. If you knew him you would probably have a Paul Poetsch story or two to tell.

The Poetsch family would like to invite all that knew Paul to his Memorial Service at 11:30 AM on February 1st at Holy Cross Catholic Church and/or the reception at Columbia Edgewater Country Club immediately after the service until 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or youth sports program.