Paul Jones Sager

Paul Jones Sager 1940 ~ 2008 Paul Jones Sager passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, November 22, 2008, after a valiant battle with chronic health issues. Such a tremendous effort was a hallmark of Paul's personality, as he strived to do his best to make sure others were taken care of before him. His main concern was that his family would be taken care of after he was gone. Paul was born August 16, 1940 in Murray, Utah to parents J. Elmo and Blanche Mary Sager and grew up with his brothers David and Howard in Midvale, Utah. As a youth Paul was mischievous yet harmless, a fine pianist and enjoyed being the manager of his high school basketball team. Paul was called as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to the North Central States Mission in 1960. While attending Brigham Young University, Paul met his beautiful bride, Linda, and married her in the LDS Temple in Los Angeles on September 5, 1963. Paul and Linda celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this past September. Paul taught 5th grade in Minneapolis, MN for two years and then moved to Ukiah, CA where he taught 5th and 6th grades. He was offered the position of principal in Ukiah, but declined because he felt he could reach the students on a more personal level by remaining a teacher. Paul then went to Washington State and taught 5th grade for 20 years and was an elementary school librarian for the final 7 years in the Mukilteo School District. Paul taught a total of 33 years before retiring in 1997. Many may remember Paul as Mr. Sager, the teacher who loved his students, challenged them to reach their potential and tried to make the students laugh at least once each day. Many may also remember Mr. Sager as the teacher who introduced the launching of helium balloons with attached messages and the building and launching of model rockets in order to teach the students about aerodynamics, as well as wind direction and speeds at various altitudes. As a dedicated Home Teacher in the LDS Church, Paul enjoyed the families and friends he met during his visits with them. Paul was an avid fan of the Seattle Mariners, BYU sports and every team on which his grandson Kevin plays. Paul is survived by: his wife, Linda; four children: Lori Ann (Jeff) Chandler, Teresa Lynn (Tim) Owens, Susan Kaye Sager, and Edward Paul (Maria) Sager who was born on Paul's 28th birthday; five grandchildren: Tiffany, Cassanndre, Derek, Timothy and Kevin; and his brother, Howard Sager. An initial viewing will be held on Monday, December 1, 2008 from 5pm to 8pm at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98133. Memorial Services will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2008, with a viewing starting at 3pm and services starting at 4pm at the LDS Church Harbour Pointe Building, 11001 Harbour Pointe Blvd., Mukilteo, WA 98275. Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 11am at the Provo City Cemetery, 610 S. State St., Provo, UT 84606. Condolences may be sent to: The Sager Family, 3119 Mukilteo Blvd., Everett, WA 98203.