Paul L. Smith

Private Family Entombment & Army Military Honors will be held at a later date at Rose City Cenetery & Mausoleum. Mr. Smith passed away in Portland on July 12, 2015, he was 94.

Paul L. Smith, 94, passed away peacefully with loving family at his side Sunday July 12, 2015. A kind and generous man who made friends wherever he went, Paul will be missed by many.

Paul was born in Nampa, Idaho and raised in Portland with his sister Mary Ellen Houck and his closest friends, “The Atiyeh Boys”, Edward, Richard and Victor. The four men went to grade school together, attended Washington High School, enlisted in the Army, fought in the Korean War, attended the University of Oregon, pledged Phi Gamma Delta, and raised their families within blocks of each other in Raleigh Hills.

He was on the track team at the University of Oregon and worked as a Houseboy at the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority to earn extra money. That is where he met his future spouse, Janet Beigal. They were married for 36 years and raised 3 children, John Smith (Sharon), Holly Urrutia (Juan), Jani Colasurdo (John), eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

After graduation, Smith was stationed in Korea for 2 years. He remained a reservist with the army after retiring from active duty. Many summer and spring breaks were spent at different military posts where he taught classes on Korean and Prisoner Interrogation.

Paul Smith began his career with Portland Public Schools teaching P.E. at Glenhaven Elementary. He then moved to Ainsworth 1958-66. In 1966, he was assigned to his first Principal position at Stephenson Elementary where he also taught  half day. For three years he at Multnomah Elementary before returning to Ainsworth as a Principal until 1974, when he then moved to Beaumont Middle School. He loved being a Principal.  He always told people he had the BEST job in the world! He retired from Beaumont in 1986, to be with his wife for the end of her battle with cancer.

A helpful neighbor and master woodworker, he was always available to lend a hand or tool if necessary. He was a very talented cabinet maker and had an enviable shop in his basement. He also loved sports. He would watch any game available. Ten years after Janet’s death he met Lucille Sahlin at a Little League Tournament, (their grandsons were on the same team) and he found the second love of his life. She was his constant companion for over 20 years. They were able to enjoy many years together visiting the Oregon coast, dining at Burgerville, watching the grandchildrens’  events and in their later years just sitting quietly together as they watched old TV shows. Paul was happiest with Lu at his side.

Mr. Smith enjoyed a celebration of his career on his 90th birthday. Many former students and staff were able to attend. A private memorial for family and friends will be held later this summer.  Donations in his name can be made to the Portland Public School Foundation.

Paul, Smitty, Uncle Smitty, Lt.Col. Smith, Gramps, Grampa Paul, Dad, they were all one man - Mr. Smith.

Good night Mr. Smith...