Paul J. Beaulaurier

Paul Beaulaurier was born on September 20, 1924, to Joseph and Delma Beaulaurier in Moxee, Washington. He was fourteen years old when his father died, and nineteen years old when his mother passed away. The many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Moxee community then played a significant role in his life.

Paul attended Holy Rosary Grade School and graduated from Marquette High School in 1942. He was the last surviving member of that class. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946, having reached the rank of sergeant.

Not long after returning home from active duty he met Alyce H. Urquhart at a dance. Paul said that the first time he saw her, he knew she was the girl he wanted to marry. And they did marry, on June 30, 1947, at Holy Rosary Church, Moxee. Paul soon became the favorite son-in-law of Robert and Thelma Urquhart.

In the early years of their marriage, Paul worked for the Washington State Hop Producers and various other distributors. In 1952, he started work at Crystal Linen Supply, retiring in 1981 as a Sales Manager. Throughout his years with Crystal Linen, he was always faithful to their customers, and available to ensure that their linen needs were met, including late night and weekend deliveries as well as travel to often remote, out-of-town customers.

Paul loved to sing. He enjoyed his time with the Camerata Club and its camaraderie. Later, he sang with a small group, “The Now & Then Singers”, formed by his friend Bud Kohl. Named, because they sang “now & then” at various Yakima Care Facilities.

Paul and Alyce were continually active in the Catholic Church. Their Catholic Faith was an important part of their life’s journey. Together, they were instrumental in the start of the Resurrection Group, a ministry tasked with serving meals and helping heal souls after many funerals at St. Paul Cathedral. They were also actively involved in the Yakima Serra Group which served to support men studying for the priesthood and praying for new vocations to the Catholic priesthood. They were also involved in the course now known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults for those discerning entering the Catholic Church. They served St. Paul Cathedral as members of the Cathedral Pastoral Council as well as many other church activities.

After Paul and Alyce retired, they spent many years traveling in their motorhome, through Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada. Throughout these adventures, they made many lifelong friends. Having a wonderful, loving marriage of 71 years, Paul always said that he was immensely proud that he and Alyce raised five successful children who never forgot where home was.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Alyce H. Beaulaurier; his parents, Joseph, and Delma Beaulaurier; his brothers, Leslie Brooks and Ivan Beaulaurier; and his son-in-law Bernard J. Sims.

Paul is survived by his five children: Kristine E. (Beaulaurier) Sims, Scott J. Beaulaurier (Patti), Rev. Brooks F. Beaulaurier, Denielle H. Beaulaurier, and Brent P. Beaulaurier (Rochelle L. Dixon); six grandchildren, Matthew S. Beaulaurier (Niccole), Brian P. Beaulaurier (Lisa), Dianna L. Beaulaurier, Kathryn E. Sims, Colette M. (Beaulaurier) Wright (Derek), and Hunter L. Wilson (Heather A. Shaw); four great-grandchildren, Kallen T. and Hadley A. Wright, and twins Pearson A. and Jane A. Beaulaurier.

The Beaulaurier Family extends their profound gratitude to Family Resource Home Care caregivers, Cottage in the Meadow Hospice, and Senior Journeys.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul Cathedral on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023 at St. Paul Cathedral. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following: St. Paul Cathedral, Msgr. John Ecker Foundation to benefit Christ the Teacher Catholic School, La Salle High School, or a charity of donor’s choice through Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Beaulaurier family.