Paul Enberg

Paul Richard Enberg, a devoted family man, accomplished U.S. Forest Service professional, and passionate musician, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the age of 97.

Paul was born on August 1, 1928, in Corvallis, Oregon, to Edna and Edwin Enberg, second-generation Swedish Americans. Raised alongside his sister Doris and cousin Lorraine. Paul spent much of his childhood between Oregon and Minnesota. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest during the Great Depression instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature that would guide both his personal life and professional career.

Music was also central to Paul's life from an early age. Under his mother's guidance, he learned to play the violin and piano, later expanding his talents to many other instruments. His love of music remained a lifelong passion.

From a young age, Paul demonstrated a strong work ethic, helping his father with grocery deliveries and farm work. At age 12, he spent a summer working with his father at a fire lookout near Mount St. Helens, an experience that sparked his lifelong love of the outdoors and set the stage for a 40-year career with the U.S. Forest Service.

At 16, Paul began working in trail maintenance and fire suppression. After graduating from Minneapolis Vocational High School in 1945, he returned to work on a fire lookout atop Steamboat Mountain near Mount Adams. In 1946 he joined the U.S. Army's Eighth Army occupation force in Japan. Following his military service, Paul attended Oregon State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Logging Engineering.

Paul's Forest Service career included roles throughout the Pacific Northwest. He served as an engineer on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Assistant Forest Engineer for the Siskiyou National Forest, and Forest Engineer for the Wenatchee National Forest. He later became Regional Road Manager at the Forest Service Region 6 office, where his work significantly influenced road identification and infrastructure development across the region.

In 1956, Paul married Alva Moore, and together they raised three children: Mark, David, and Laurie. Their family life included school activities, scouting, and memorable vacations. After retiring in 1985 and later separating from Alva, Paul married Charlotte Miller in 1990, welcoming her three children-Robert, Connie, and Cathy-into his life. They enjoyed many years of travel across the United States and abroad.

Raised in the Lutheran faith, Paul later embraced New Thought Christian worship and was an active member of the Abundant Life Center for over a decade, sharing his musical talents during services. He also played with the Vancouver Pops Orchestra for 30 years and performed regularly in a dance band.

Paul was an active member of the Forest Service retirees group known as the "Old Smokies," serving as the group's main photographer. After Charlotte's passing in 2022, he continued living at his Salmon Creek home, enjoying daily walks with his dog, Kurtie.

Paul will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, dedication, and lifelong love of family, music, and the outdoors.

In addition to Paul's children, he had 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. From Paul's step children, he had 4 step grandchildren and 9 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by; his wife, Charlotte; his parents, Edwin and Edna; his sister Doris Farley; and his grandchild, Skylar O'Tinker.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM May 9, 2026, at the Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver WA, 98661. RSVP Lauriedawnwilliams19@gmail.com