Paul William Lavell's Obituary
Paul William Lavell passed away on September 18th, 2024 after complications which followed the successful removal of a brain tumor. Paul was a remarkable person—beloved son, father, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend. His life was a testament to adventure, service, and love.
He was born in Seattle on October 2nd, 1952 to Hugh and Ruby Lavell. He had a happy childhood in Columbia City, much of which involved the Boy Scout troop led by his father. His friends were warmly welcomed to the Lavell home, especially Gary and Don. They shared scouting adventures including bicycling from Seattle south to Lakewood, monthly camping trips no matter the weather, summiting Mt Rainier and other peaks, and rescue work performed with his Explorer Scout troop. Paul was an Eagle Scout. Members of his troop became lifelong friends. He also enjoyed the companionship of his many nieces and nephews, who were of a similar age.
Paul proudly served his country for 23 years, retiring from the US Army and the Army National Guard in 1994. His Army duties included recruitment and handling Air Defense Artillery chaparral missiles. Paul reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. He married Robyn Saeman in 1975 and was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, First Infantry Division, with Robyn and young son Jason-Paul. Their second son, Zackariah was born there, and delivered by Paul when Zack came early and help arrived late. Upon returning to Tacoma, Bryon was born. Baptisms for the boys happened at First Lutheran Church, Paul’s church home for 40 years.
Paul found his true calling with the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska in 1989. He left a clerical job at Fort Lewis to go work on the spill and worked on LCMs (Landing Craft Mechanized-8) which were among vessels used in the cleanup. When he returned to Tacoma, he joined the Army National Guard and worked on LCM 8388 in Puget Sound and beyond, again making lifelong friends of Club 88. His continuing interest in boats and the sea led to working for 21 years at Crowley Maritime Services--Ocean Going Tug and Barge. His work took him all over the world—Alaska, Mexico, Gibraltar, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Rio. He attained the rank of Chief Mate, had a Captain’s license, and could tell fascinating stories of storms at sea, parted tow lines, fishing for mahi mahi off the boat. His crewmates include lifelong friends.
Paul had custody of his three sons, raising them with love, adventures, and guidance. Boy Scouts, Karate, road trips all over the West, and a dog named Bounder were an important part of their growing up. He was very proud of the men they have become. He missed some of their weddings while at sea but was on hand when each of his five grandchildren was born. Paul dearly loved the strong, caring women each son married. In 2005 he married Sharon Ufer, a smiling face sitting behind him at First Lutheran. Together, they built kayaks and paddled them on rivers and calm seas. When the dog who hated water joined the family, they switched from kayaks to recumbent tricycles and enjoyed many hours on the local Foothills trail and the Tucson “Loop”. Paul meticulously planned trips around the U.S. and Canada for their 17’ fiberglass trailer, and they drove more than 90,000 miles with their Casita. Their trips included seeing friends in Oregon at the NOG (Northern Oregon Gathering) and friends from the 2014 Southern Utah Tour Casita Caravan. They also enjoyed traveling abroad, visiting Baltic countries, Ireland, Iceland, Australia, Germany, and Okinawa. Who volunteered to put a python snake around his neck? Who entertained locals in an Irish pub, reciting from memory “A Girl Named Sue”?
He is survived by his wife of 18 years Sharon (Ufer) Lavell, son Jason-Paul (Stacy) and grandson Alexander, son Zackoriah (Katie) and granddaughters Allayna and Bella, son Bryon and Brandyce and grandchildren Aiden, Ashtyn and Amaris, brother Jay Reeder (Janet) and many nieces, nephews, and their children. He was predeceased by James Hugh Lavell (infant brother) and Evelyn Jean Lavell (infant sister), and Ruby MacFarland (sister).
As Paul sat with his Pastor at the hospital, he said: “If things go south, I’ve had a wonderful life—three wonderful sons, amazing grandchildren, a job I loved, marrying the love of my life, and traveling all over the world. Life has been good to me.” He leaves behind a world made better by his presence. Family and friends will always cherish his memory.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to First Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.
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