Thomas Michael Paulson

After high school graduation, Thomas enrolled at Dunwoody College of Technology. He became a pipefitter-welder journeyman and worked at various nuclear plants and construction sites. He later returned to school for golf course maintenance, and worked for several years at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Country Club in Orlando. In 1999, he was head of operations for the set up of the U.S. Senior Open, which was a proud moment of his career. He later worked at Bonita Bay as an Irrigation Manager for more than twenty years and part-time at Home Depot for more than twenty years as well. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and barbecuing with friends.

Thomas had a great sense of humor and will be remembered for making us all laugh, and for the love he shared with family and friends. He is survived by the love of his life, Alice (Ali) Bell, who was his life partner and caregiver after his accident. He is also survived by his sister DeAnn Paulson; his niece, Megan (Matthew) Abdel; his nephew Thomas (Rachel) Jussila; his aunt, Darlyss Samuelson; and his great nieces and great nephew, Elizabeth, Victoria, and Benjamin Abdel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delores and Theodore Paulson.

A special thank you to Aurora Perrino and Chris Smith who were a constant support throughout his recovery. Thank you to Vitas Hospice care and his special nurses, especially Mandy, Michelle, and Maurice. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lou Angelicchio for his advocacy, support, and organization of a fundraiser with fellow Bonita Bay residents to help with his medical expenses.

A funeral service will be in International Falls, Minnesota, where he grew up. Service details will be announced at a later date.