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Paul Dalrymple Obituary
1947 - 2023
Salt Lake City, UT-Paul Fisher Dalrymple of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away much too young on Saturday, March 25th, 2023 of Legionnaires disease. Paul was born to Nancy and Robert Dalrymple on January 19th, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He attended Olympus High School where he actively participated in school politics, drama, swimming and diving. As a teenager, he trained with the Olympic Diving Team in Arizona and was a 1966 summer Olympics hopeful before breaking his back in a skiing accident.
Paul loved learning, words, books, ideas and discussions. While attending the U of U he spent two separate semesters studying in Germany: one at the University of Kiel and the other at the University of Saarbrucken. Smitten with travel and world politics, Paul transferred from the University of Utah to Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR where he met the love of his life, Penny. Together they taught high school and spent their summers traveling and hiking before returning to Salt Lake for Paul to pursue a MSW at the University of Utah. He worked for several years at The Children's Center, focused on counseling young children.
Ever the academic, he returned to get a PhD in Psychology and went into private practice with Penny, who was an MSW. Together, they were in practice for over 35 years. Paul's patient approach, calm demeanor and sense of humor made him adored by his patients, family, and friends.
Paul was an active member of the community, devoting time and resources to important charitable causes. He served on the Salt Lake Public Library Board from 2001-2006, serving as President his last year. During that time, he enjoyed playing a role in the design and construction of a new library for Salt Lake. He was also an active member of the Lewis and Clark Alumni.
A talented athlete, Paul found joy in hiking, skiing, swimming and tennis among other sports. He loved the beautiful Utah scenery and believed in protecting it through organizations like Save our Canyons.
Paul was a life-long fan of traveling, cooking, eating, skiing, reading, napping and good coffee. Later in life, he found a renewed sense of fulfilment playing pickle-ball and bee-keeping. But his greatest joy was spending time with family. He was a loving and dedicated husband, a great father to Elli and Peter, and an enthusiastic grandfather. His two children and three grandchildren were his world and he shared a special bond with each of them. He put others before himself and was always available to offer sage advice to his children, read a book to his grandchildren or simply share a laugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two of his three sisters: Ann Dalrymple Meeks and Nancy Dalrymple Strong. He is survived by Penny, his love of almost 53 years, his sister, Deborah Penn (Robert), his two children Peter (Nikki) and Elli (Nick), three grandchildren, and his nephews/nieces and great nieces/nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Save Our Canyons, The Children's Center, Salt Lake Indivisible or the charity of your choice.
The family anticipates hosting a Celebration of Life for friends and family in the warmer months.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Dalrymple
Saara Grizzell
August 25, 2025
I am so sorry Penny. My heart goes out to you for your loss. I am just now finding out about this. Sending you love and light.
Jim Wilcox
July 10, 2025
I'm assuming this is the same Paul Dalrymple who was a student teacher at Parkrose high as I see some of my classmates have also signed the guestbook.
I'm sad I was not able to find him until now. I did try to find him many years ago by searching the web.
He did a few things that bring back fond memories. One was a reenactment of the Founding Fathers. I took it seriously and rented a costume to look like Jefferson. I even got my high school crush to play his wife. I believe we did this at Reed College.
Two small things still mean much to me. Once I said to him with insight that there were two ways of seeing something. He said, "maybe more." That was enlightening for a 17-year-old.
And, he corrected me in a paper where I had written "ect." instead of "etc.' That stuck with me all of my life.
I eventually taught high school social studies thanks in part to Paul's efforts.
Anne Kolibaba Larkin
June 26, 2024
Today I came across someone whose last name was Dalrymple, and it made me think of Mr. Dalrymple at Parkrose High School in Portland, Oregon. He was a student teacher there when I was a junior, school year 1971-72. He really challenged us and made us think. Once I asked him how he knew so much about government and politics, and he told me about reading the New York Times and also something about the Rand Corporation. Although he was a marvelous teacher, I can see that he would have been a marvelous therapist as well. I will always remember him.
Anne Kolibaba Larkin, Portland, Oregon
Carol Mowat
June 12, 2024
I´m sorry to hear about the passing of Paul Dalrymple. He was my History teacher in HS (Parkrose High School, Portland Oregon). He made a huge influence on ever student that had him and had such a positive influence on me. We kept in touch for many years. Every time I drove through SLC (which was often), I would call him. He always took the time to chat and for that, I´m forever grateful
Penny Breiman
April 1, 2024
Paul was kind. I met Paul through his sister Ann, who was my best friend in high school. He was swimming and diving at the time, so broad chested and muscular and competitive. Years went by when both Ann and I lived in California. Returning years later, he was slender, wise and one of the kindest human I have known.
A life well-lived.
Louis Frömel
August 16, 2023
Hello Penny,
although we did not have much contact in the last decades, my sister Gaby and I frequently talk about your wonderful parents to whom we owe a lot in the difficult 1940s and 1950s in Austria.
We only met 5 times (back in the 50s in Wien when you and your brothers made a tour of Europe in a white Borgward station car.
In 1969 I met Bruce in North-Adams, a week after he had returned from Woodstock. Then, in 1970 or 1971 you were in Wien, after that it was Bruce who came to Wien and finally, most recenty, Tim and his family were here.
We regularly read the "Annual Reports" your mother sent
Although we never met your husband, we know that he must have been a great person and we are deeply saddened to find his obituary instead of the contact data we were looking for on Internet.
Our thoughts are with you and your familiy !
William Turnbow
June 12, 2023
Hello, I was a patient of Paul's when I was very young, and your husband changed my life.
I had a lot of struggle after meeting him, but he showed me how being myself was ok. How expressing myself didn't need to be a cry for help, but a celebration of existence. A celebration of how great of an individual I was. It was something I'm not sure I've ever found in a mental health expert since, and I'm positive it's simply because of what a great man Paul was. I felt safe, comfortable, and completely accepted around him. For an undiagnosed autistic kid, that's a tall order.
He will be remembered by every person he helped forever. Thank you.
Jill Tea Smith
May 24, 2023
Hello Penny and family, Jeff and I are terribly saddened to learn of Paul´s passing. Please let us know when there will be a memorial service and we hope you are doing as best as possible under the circumstances. You are in our thoughts. Paul was so important to our family, as a therapist, a coworker, and as a friend
Sincerely, Jill Tea and Jeff Smith. 801-916-0609.
Patricia Erdmann
April 30, 2023
Dear Penny, Our family is still reeling at the idea that Paul is no longer here with all of your family and friends. We have many memories of great times together filled with laughter and good food. You and I were lucky to miss the guys' strongest memory--that camping trip complete with spaghetti peppered with no-see-ums. Much love from all of us. The Erdmanns
The King's English Bookshop
April 25, 2023
We will miss Paul's sweet smile as he entered the store, almost always with Penny. Such a smart, lovely human being. Penny, our thoughts are with you. Your friends at The King's English Bookshop.
Dana McCrea Miller
April 19, 2023
For some reason Mr. Dalrymple, as students called him at Parkrose High School in Portland, Oregon, popped into my thoughts today, so I did a Google search and found his obituary. I'm terribly sorry for his family's loss, and so saddened by this news.
I would like to share something with you about Mr. Dalrymple. I was a despondent 17 year old Parkrose High senior when I attempted to take my own life but, thankfully, failed. Mr. Dalrymple and I did not know each other at the time, as I didn't attend any of his classes. A friend of mine did, however, and she told him about me. That same day Mr. Dalrymple visited me in the hospital, bringing me a lovely Baby's Tears plant and a copy of Carl Sandburg's, "Honey and Salt." I remember having a fairly deep and emotional conversation with Mr. Dalrymple, and I felt so much better by the time he left. That small gesture by him left an indelible mark on my heart, and I've never forgotten his kindness. I still have that book and it's one of my very favorite collections of poetry. I think of him every time I reach for it on the shelf.
I can only imagine how much he meant to everyone lucky enough to be his friend. May his wife, children, grandchildren, and special friends accept my sincerest sympathies for this huge loss.
Carolyn and Bill
April 14, 2023
We are so very sad to hear about Paul. We have many wonderful memories of camping together at Zion´s, trips to Yellowstone and sharing fun times at your cabin. Paul was a wonderful father, grandfather and friend. He helped so many people and was a force for good in the community and wherever he went. Our hearts are aching for you Penny and for your family. Our love to you all, Carolyn and Bill Thatcher
agnes greenhall
April 13, 2023
Paul´s company was always a gift. His family, friends & community have lost a wonderful person.
Karla S Jennison
April 13, 2023
We are so sad to hear about Paul. It was always a joy to visit with both of you in the neighborhood. He made so many contributions to this world and will be missed. Karla and Tom Jennison
Eve and Jim Smith
April 13, 2023
What a brilliant, kind, wonderful person Paul was. Our hearts are breaking for you and your family. His love for you was profound and beautiful. What an incredible life partner, father and grandpa he was.
Kathy Hill
April 12, 2023
He was the best of all of us!
All love!
Chris and Kathy Hill
Randy
April 12, 2023
Just thought I would share my last photo of Paul. Believe it was Cora´s birthday.
Heather Ure Dunagan
April 12, 2023
Sending all my love and comfort to Penny, Elli, Peter, and the rest of the family. --Heather Ure Dunagan and family
Kristin Gurley
April 11, 2023
Dear Penny, I am so very sorry for your loss and so happy to hear you are feeling better. I shared with Elli the other day that I always think of you and Paul at Easter time every year. You had Kyle and I over for Easter brunch a couple times and at least once with Mia as well. You were always so kind to us and remember the two of you at those brunches fondly. Elli was so lucky to have such a wonderful father in her life and Paul helped serve as a role model for Kyle as a father. You are all in our hearts. Love, Kristin, Kyle and Mia Gurley
Richard segal.
April 11, 2023
Paul was truly one of a kind. A fully developed human being in all ways .Always left my encounters with Paul with joy and laughter.You will be missed deeply. Richard
J.D. Gill
April 11, 2023
I am sorry to hear about Paul. I was very fond of him. Penny, my thoughts are with you
Rip & Claire Pett
April 11, 2023
Dear Penny
I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. In my childhood, I always looked up to him as a remarkaby skilled diver, luckily never having to compete against him at country club swim meets. In my experience he was always open, kind and genuinely interested in people. You were a remarkable couple and it saddens me to learn of your loss. Claire and I send you and your family our deepest best wishes.
Rip & Claire Pett
Love, Rebecca, Eli and kids
April 11, 2023
Penny,
We love you oh so much!
JW and Stan Goloskov
April 10, 2023
It was a joy to know Paul and a blessing to remember him. His kindness and Penny´s in introducing us to SLC and Utah´s beauty with a trip thru the National Parks.
JW and Stan Goloskov
Wilmington NC
Barry Preator
April 9, 2023
Penny,
Although I did not have the privilege of meeting you, and it´s certainly been a number of years since, Paul and I were good friends at Olympus High School in Salt Lake City. He was always a sincere, very talented friend who brought goodness and example to those around him. Sincere condolences and best wishes to you and your family in the days ahead. Barry Preator
Penny
April 8, 2023
Oh Penny. I am so sad to hear of Paul´s death. I can hardly imagine the grief you feel after so many close years together. Such a loss. I send my best of thoughts and hope for you, Elli and Peter.
Penny Breiman
Marsha G Gustafson
April 8, 2023
Dear Penny and family, and I knew Paul many years ago at Evergreen Jr High School. I have fond memories of him and admired him greatly. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope your memories and the love you shared will supply some comfort.
Marsha Groendyke
Lorraine Moreland
April 8, 2023
Dear Penny,
I have many great memories working with you and Paul at Granite Mental Health. It doesn´t seem so long ago I was typing papers for Paul as he was working on his Ph.D. I remember your children being born. I send my condolences and thanks for the friendship you both showed me.
Lorraine (Leaming) Moreland
Lara Watts
April 8, 2023
Dearest Penny and Debra , my heart is aching for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of both of your families. It seems like yesterday that we were hanging out at the Cottonwood Club , swimming and eating fries from the snack bar. Love to both families Lara Watts
For a brief moment I saw Dr. Dalrymple in Paul.
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