PAUL ANDERSON

Paul Einar Anderson October 15, 1931 - December 25, 2014 In the early hours of December 25, Paul decided to spend this Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus in heaven. Armed with a twinkle in his eye and a dry sense humor, Paul was a tough Swede liked by all that knew him. Born in Tacoma, he spent his early childhood in Tacoma and Montesano. He graduated from Stadium High School in 1949, and spent his college years at the University of Puget Sound and the University of Washington, where he affiliated with Psi Upsilon fraternity. Paul loved fishing, boating, golfing, black licorice, pickled herring, riding horses, and Husky football. But most of all, he loved his wife of 61 years, Margaret (Peggy) Anderson. Paul knew that he was the luckiest man alive when Peggy was by his side. His devotion to her was obvious to all those that saw them together. Paul worked hard, loved deeply, and contributed to the betterment of the community through his time and talent. He spent 44 years as Vice President of Vancouver Door Company in Puyallup. When that company was burned to the ground by an arsonist, Paul made it possible for each displaced worker to continue to receive a paycheck while the company was being rebuilt so his "work family" could stay intact. That was the kind of man he was. While working in Puyallup, Paul served as President of the Eastern Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, co-chaired the campaign to create Bradley Lake city park, served as a Director of the Washington State Fair (Do the Puyallup), and was instrumental in creating the Fair's Western Rodeo Parade and Cattle Drive. Paul always did the Puyallup at a gallop! As a wannabe cowboy, Paul loved riding horses in the parade each year, and was honored to serve as its Grand Marshal last September. Paul grew up in the YMCA and never lost his love for their programs. He served on the Metropolitan Board of Advisors, co-chaired the capital campaign for the Mel Korum YMCA in Puyallup, and was a strong supporter of Camp Seymour. In 2013 both Paul and Peggy were recognized by the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties as Philanthropists of the Year. Paul's greatest accomplishment was being a loving, supportive and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who never wavered in his commitment to family. Paul is survived by his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Anderson, their four children, Karen (Doug) Clifford, Paul E. Anderson Jr., Doug (Leticia) Anderson, and Susan (Bill)Potter, and five grandchildren, Kenzie, Morgan, and Matthew Potter, and Mikayla and Michael Anderson. A memorial service celebrating Paul will be held on January 15 at 11:00 a.m. at University Place Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul's memory to YMCA Camp Seymour at 4714 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405, Washington State Fair Foundation at 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, WA 98371, or University Place Presbyterian Church Ministry Fund at 8101 27th Street W, University Place, WA 98466. Rest in Peace Dad. We hope Santa finally got you the pony you always wanted but Mom would never let you have. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.