Darryl "Butch" Paulsen

Darryl “Butch” Paulsen left for his new journey on March 24, 2016 surrounded by his loved ones at home. Darryl fought a courageous battle with Renal Cell Carcinoma for almost 19 months. Darryl was born on July 31, 1947 in Bell, CA to Gene & Eva (Crawford) Paulsen.

Darryl was raised in George, WA and attended high school in Quincy, WA. On June 11, 1965, Darryl married Kay Floyd. They had 2 children, Darryl, Jr. and Kristine. In 1966 Darryl started, with his dad, in the sign business. He then went to work for Heath Northwest in Yakima, WA and later became the Executive Vice President. In June of 1994 he was fired from Heath. On August 13, 1994 Darryl married Evelyn “Judy” Ervin and they moved to Portland, OR. Darryl went to work for Ramsay Signs. In 1998 he purchased Ramsay Signs. His next sign company he purchased was Blaze Signs, then Multi-Light. In 2001 he purchased Heath Northwest. Darryl retired in January of 2010. Darryl and his wife, Judy, moved to Anacortes, WA.

Darryl received the Spirit of Portland Award, for his community contributions, he was knighted by the Royal Rosarians, he was on the board of directors for the International Sign Association, President of the Oregon Sign Association, International Sign Association regional director, Chairman of the Oregon apprenticeship and training program.

Darryl was an avid boater, fisherman, and hunter. So many memories from those trips aboard the Kingfisher and then aboard his boat Blacksox.

Darryl was a great storyteller and anyone who spent time with him would hear about the adventures he had throughout his life. Some, just too good to be true! His adventures and the times he spent with family and friends meant a great deal to him. Darryl was an amazing husband, brother, father, and friend.

Darryl is survived by Evelyn “Judy” Paulsen, wife; Gene Paulsen, father; Darryl, Jr. (Denise), son; Kristine Holtzinger (Rob), daughter; Juston O’Rourke (April), step-son; Terry Brown, brother; Sherry Brown, sister; grandchildren, Mary Ann, Bobby, Sandra Jean, Billy, and Teresa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Lepper; brother, Mike Paulsen; brother, Chris Paulsen; brother, Tim Paulsen, sister, Kathleen Paulsen; step-mother, Sandra Paulsen; and step-father, Jess Lepper.

A celebration of Darryl’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, WA. We invite all those who knew and loved Darryl to join us for an afternoon filled with sharing and remembrance. There will be a light luncheon following the service.

The family would like to thank Dr. Theodore Kim and the staff and nurses at The Merle Cancer Care Center in Anacortes, WA, Dr. John Mathis and his staff at Fidalgo Medical Associates, Anacortes, WA, and the nurses and staff at Island Hospital, Anacortes, WA, and Hospice of the Northwest, especially Connie Henderson.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to The Merle Cancer Care Center, Island Hospital, 1211 24th St., Anacortes, WA 98221.