Elmer Paulson developed a training video and written instructions for VITA and the Peace Corps to help third world countries build everything from fishnets to water purification and distribution systems
Elmer Paulson
PAULSON, Elmer – Passed away peacefully at home on June 20, 2004. He was born on May 28, 1915, in Monarch, Montana. The eldest of nine children growing up in the depression, he left home at the age of 11 so that he would not be another mouth to feed for his twice widowed mother. He completed his education while following work opportunities throughout the country, traveling from job to job and school to school, sending money home as often as possible.
He mastered many occupations throughout his 89 years. He was a mule skinner and a horse trainer that took pride in implementing respect and kindness as his only training tools. He enlisted in the Navy at the beginning of World War II and became a Metalsmith, a Diesel Machinist, and a Machinist Mate on the destroyer USS Halford. While in the Navy he was the only one in his class to earn his certification as a hard-hat diver. Later he worked as a commercial fisherman, a merchant marine, a high-rigging logger, an accountant, a journeyman sheet metal worker, and a millwright. He became a MENSA member and earned several college certifications.
He also developed a training video and written instructions for VITA and the Peace Corps to help third world countries build everything from fishnets to water purification and distribution systems. Whatever the job, he did it well.
He was very talented with his hands, able to carve wood, draw, sew, bead, and inlay wood. He could design and build almost anything out of metal, from wheelchairs and boats to tools and cookie sheets. In all of his life's accomplishments, what gave him the most joy was using his talents to build equipment for children with disabilities.
For almost 20 years, he volunteered his time to build and repair wheelchairs and construct playground equipment using scrap metal and discarded parts. In his spare time, he became a Boy Scout Committee Chairman and Troop leader for a group of children with disabilities. He used his farm and animals to provide education, recreation, and enjoyment to children that otherwise would not have had the opportunity for those types of experiences.
When a family member, a child with disabilities, a friend or a neighbor needed help, he was never too busy, nor the job too big. Elmer was an amazing man of strength and numerous skills and talents. He was kindhearted, generous, and intelligent. He was a man of his word, though his words were few. He was a devoted husband, caring brother, and great father. He was loved, admired, and respected. He will be missed. Elmer is survived by his son, Lon Paulson of Tualatin, Oregon; his sister, Maxine Beyers of Aurora, Oregon; four step-daughters, Enyd Jean Olson; Jan Oilar; Susan Greason; Carol Asti; nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, nephews, a niece, and other family members. Throughout his life, Elmer lived many places including Portland, Oregon. He lived for nearly forty years on his farm in Lookingglass, Oregon. Most recently, Elmer had resided in Molalla, Oregon. Arrangements are being made by Riverview Abbey Funeral Home for Memorial Services on Saturday, July 10, 2004 at 11a.m.
