Paul Roy Burlingame

Paul Roy Burlingame went to be with the Lord on March 20, 2026 at the age of 86. He was born in Aberdeen, Washington on May 20, 1939 to Paul and Evelyn Burlingame. In August of 1951 Paul and his family moved to Union Gap, WA where he later met his wife, Shirley Swope. Paul and Shirley were married on May 26, 1961. They had two children that they raised in the Yakima Valley. Paul and Shirley spent a lot of time traveling just the two of them as well as with their children and later their grandchildren and even their great-grandchildren. They frequently visited the Oregon coast, Washington coast, Arizona and Nevada on their trips. He made sure each family member was taught to carry on the clam digging tradition from his youth. Paul loved his family and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Paul had a successful career as City Manager of Union Gap. His career started with mowing parks then on to digging water and sewer lines as part of Union Gap’s public works crew back in 1964. His tenure as City Manager started in 1978. He was known by co-workers as a manager that helped business flow smoothly through City Hall and someone who was always willing to listen.

Paul was one of the kindest people, he will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and compassion. Paul was good natured and quick witted; he could always make you smile. Paul was known to be the family go to problem solver, whenever anyone needed any sort of help he was there always willing to share ideas and put in the hard work. He was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. His faith had always remained an important part of his life.

Paul is survived by his children Jeff (Paula) Burlingame, Kristi (Rob) Lawrence-Berrey, grandchildren Jessica (Kyle) Knapp (great-grandchildren Grant, Garrison & Emmalynn), Kyle (Taylor) Burlingame (great-grandchild Liam), Erik Higgins, Nikki (Eliseo) Morales (great-grandchildren (May, Quincy & soon to be Zoey), Kraig (Reagan) Burlingame. Paul is also survived by his sister Joanne Seals and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902, US, on April 1, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will be held at Tahoma Cemetery, 1802 Tahoma Ave, Yakima, WA 98902, US, on April 2, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.