Paul K. Mills passed May 29, 2021, at the age of 92. He made it “home” to Toledo, Wash., to live his last day with his youngest daughter, and with a smile and small tear of joy decided not to linger any longer. He was born Feb. 20, 1929, in San Diego, Calif.
Paul moved away from being in business for himself in San Diego after 25 or more years, and began teaching automotive classes to young mechanics, through AAA automobile club in Seattle, Wash. When he retired, he was active with the Edmonds Presbyterian Church, the local food bank, and became a “Reading Buddy” at the local elementary school. At 6’4 or 5 inches tall, many found him to be like a giant teddy bear.
About 10 years ago, he moved to Centralia. He volunteered with a local elementary school, was active with Harrison Square Presbyterian church, calling folks to pick up their care packages, making name plates for new members, greeting at the door, part of two different men’s coffee klatches, often providing transportation to others who had already quit driving.
At almost 91, he thought it would be a good idea to have more immediate help at hand and moved into Colonial Residence assisted living. He continued to brighten residents and staff’s days with a greeting and a smile. He drove himself to do his own shopping, sightseeing, and doctor appointments, until his 92nd birthday this past February. Paul’s big heart was just getting too worn out to keep going and his family misses him, but feels his presence every day and knows he is enjoying the freedom from his earthly tired body to soar with the eagles.
