Paul Leonard Clizer

September 30, 1942 – July 10, 2026

Born in Spokane, Washington, Paul was the beloved only child of Alice and Max Clizer. Raised in Eastern Washington, he developed an early passion for sailing and the open water, and later graduated from Fremont High School.

In 1965, Paul married the love of his life, Victoria "Betty," whom he met in Tekoa, Washington, after being introduced by her brother-in-law, Alfonse. Together, Paul and Betty built a life centered on devotion and family, sharing nearly 61 wonderful years of marriage.

After marrying, the couple lived and worked in the Spokane area before relocating in 1972 to The Dalles, Oregon, where they raised their family until 1989. Throughout his career, Paul worked primarily in the aluminum industry—first in Goldendale, Washington, and later for Vanalco after he and Betty moved to Portland. Between his stints in the foundry, he achieved a proud personal milestone in his 40s by earning an associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, reflecting his lifelong fascination with electronics, technology, and its ever-evolving landscape.

Paul was a quiet, honest, and thoughtful man who always sought peaceful solutions to life’s challenges. A dedicated provider who took his responsibilities to heart, he worked tirelessly and sacrificed endlessly for those he loved. In his free time, he enjoyed baseball and hockey, spending time outdoors, and taking peaceful walks in nature. He loved taking long drives to explore new places and frequently visited the Oregon coast. Throughout his life, his travels took him across most of the western states, with one of his favorite grand adventures being a round-trip cross-country journey by train to Michigan in 2010.

Following a mild heart attack and bypass surgery in 1992, health challenges eventually led Paul to an earlier retirement than expected. However, he embraced this time to slow down, discovering a deep path through meditation and spirituality. This era of his life shaped the gentle, easygoing, and deeply serene man his family came to cherish so much. Having cultivated an inner peace, Paul met the end of his life with calm acceptance, viewing it simply as the next natural step in his personal journey.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; his sons, Max (Alison) Clizer and Chad (Mary) Clizer; his cherished grandchildren, Makenna and Logan; his sister-in-law, Ann; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Paul will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Paul’s memory may make a contribution to the American Heart Association or The Heart Foundation.