Matthew Paul
Matthew, who joined the La Conner club on January 1, 1972, led a life of service, hard work and dedication to his family, friends and colleagues. Among his many accomplishments were his two terms as president of our club, from 1986 - 1987 and 1995 - 1996. He was a Paul Harris Fellow in 1990. Our club's annual Tulip Sales project began under his leadership more than 20 years ago. Over the years we have raised more than $125,000 toward our local and international programs and projects.
His service to Rotary, his friendship and his amazing legacy will be cherished.
His service to Rotary, his friendship and his amazing legacy will be cherished.
Just a few of our many thoughts about Matthew.....
I always enjoyed Mathew's positive attitude -- coupled with his perpetually infectious sense of humor. Whenever he took on a project with the Rotary Club, he did it with a determined dedication and exemplary follow through. Matthew was so much fun to be around. He will truly be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.
-- Don McKeehen
"Matthew was a great Rotarian and a wonderful friend. I remember him talking about his trip to Nepal (I believe) to deliver wheel chairs and how it broke his heart to realize how much that act impacted the recipient quality of life. He was also incredibly kind to me when Willie was ill and eventually passed away. Matt was a big man with an even bigger heart, we’ll miss him tremendously."
-- Audrey Gravely
"Matthew had "Retired" from promoting the tulip sales, handed the project over to Deacon George. When circumstances changed Matthew headed up the "Tulip Fundraiser" again, assisted by Dan Cain. - In his account on the trip to Bolivia he reported shampooing children's hair, to rid them of head lice, not just handing out wheel chairs."
"Matthew had "Retired" from promoting the tulip sales, handed the project over to Deacon George. When circumstances changed Matthew headed up the "Tulip Fundraiser" again, assisted by Dan Cain. - In his account on the trip to Bolivia he reported shampooing children's hair, to rid them of head lice, not just handing out wheel chairs."
--Irene Johnson
"Mathew was one of my heroes. Forged in the horrors of Dutch resistance to the Nazi occupation, immigrating to a new country and learning a new language (boots?), succeeding in the US economy, and raising a great family, these and more are the reasons why we should welcome all who seek freedom and want to work hard. Oh, did I mention that he was a quintessential example of what a Rotarian should be."
--Jerry Willins
"My lasting impression of Matthew Paul: He was full of Dutch and American pride, strong of conviction, loving of family and friends, hardworking, humorous and a dedicated Rotarian. I'm so glad I had the chance to go with him to Lynden last year to sell tulips."
--Susan Macek"My lasting impression of Matthew Paul: He was full of Dutch and American pride, strong of conviction, loving of family and friends, hardworking, humorous and a dedicated Rotarian. I'm so glad I had the chance to go with him to Lynden last year to sell tulips."
Matthew's Obituary