Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Paul A. Kelley Memorial
Paul A. Kelley Memorial

Paul A. Kelley

Paul A. Kelley

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Paul A. Kelley, age 73, a local Sedro-Woolley businessman, passed away with family near by, July 26, 2011 at the Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington.    He was born July 31, 1937 in Seattle, Washington to Albert and Phyllis Kelley.

Paul grew up in Seattle and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1955.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956 serving as a Yeoman on the U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard until 1960.  In 1964, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Washington.

Paul met his wife,  Bobi  in 1960 and they were married on June 9, 1961 in Seattle. They were able to  celebrate their 50th anniversary at Anthony’s Homeport in Anacortes, where they quietly reflected on memories of the last 50 years and their dedication and love for each other.   In 1967, they welcomed their first son Dan.  In  1969,  they were blessed with a second son Scott.

Paul  started his retail career, in the management program, working for J.C. Penney in Bellingham and then the Dallas/Fort. Worth  area.   In 1974, they returned to Washington, to be closer to family.  After working for Oliver & Hammer in Sedro-Woolley,  he opened Cascade Fabrics in 1978.  Many friends and loyal customers became  an important  part of Paul’s life.  During his recent decline in health, his desire to continue his business was a key motivation in an attempt to stay strong.  His family thanks you all for your support and dedication to (shop locally).

Paul has been an active member of the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club since 1984 serving as President from 1994-1995 and is a Paul Harris Fellow recipient.  He has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 1997, was Businessman of the Year and was Grand Marshall of the Christmas Parade in 2010.

Paul is survived by his wife, Bobi Kelley of the family home in Mount Vernon.  Sons,  Dan Kelley of Mount Vernon and Scott Kelley of Bow.  Dan’s daughter and Paul’s beloved granddaughter, Angel Kelley who was a shining star in Paul’s life.  A niece, Kim Schoeler  (Tony) and their children Melissa and Michael of Federal Way.  Nephew, Ken Kemp (Kelly) and their children, Spencer and Ryan of Snohomish.  A niece, Stephanie Haney (Keith) and their children, Evan and Ryan of Seattle.  Nephew, John Kelley (Renee) and their children Johnny and Joey of Snohomish.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a step-mother, Torchy,  a sister, Sally and his brother, Phillip.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Sunday, August 7, 2011 at 2:00PM at Riverfront Park in Sedro-Woolley with a luncheon reception to follow.   Memorials are suggested to Children’s Hospital in Seattle or the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Scholarship Fund in memory of Paul.  Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.

Guestbook

  • Ken Vanderhyde

    A note to my coffee buddy Paul: Thanks for your sense of humor, loyalty, integraty, thoughtfullness and always being willing to go the extra mile. I’ve enjoyed our many conversations. They were always on a positive note, not dwelling on negativity. I thank you for that. Your true concern for the wellness of others should be noted. Thanks for your friendship. You will be greatly missed by many.

    Ken

  • ron sparks

    being also of the class of “55” I remember Paul well – he is missed.

  • Nick Shultz

    Went to school with Paul (Roosevelt class of 1955), was always a nice fellow.
    Sorry to read of his passing.

  • Val Berg

    Paul will always be remembered and will be deeply missed. I feel fortunate to have known him and always looked forward to seeing him behind the counter or upstairs with his many other friends up there ! Find peace in knowing he will always be close by in spirit.

  • Linda Hanson

    To know him was to love him. You will be missed Paul.
    Gary & Linda Hanson

  • Marilyn Self

    We fondly remember Paul and Bobi from our Texas days at J.C. Penney Co. What a wonderful couple and forever friends. Love from Roy and Marilyn

  • Paul & Charlotte Furchert

    Always loved shopping at Cascade Fabrics and visiting with Paul & Bobi. Special folks we have grown to love.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobi and her family.

  • Christina Atwood

    Thank you Paul for providing a special community store that all of us could enjoy. Thank you for the wonderful classes you offered at the shop and the wonderful high quality fabric. You are missed! Bobi and family, all our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  • Shirley Smith

    Paul reminded me of my Dad – a businessman who could deal with women! ha. My husband was great about buying me gift certificates & Paul helped him with the joke he played for our 25th anniversary. I’ve enjoyed shopping at Cascade Fabrics for years now & will greatly miss seeing him there & at quilting events. I believe Paul is in heaven, dancing to the Gaithers & smiling down at you, Bobi. love & prayers..

  • Maggie Radliff

    I didn’t know Paul as well as some, but had got used to seeing him upstairs in the loft and sometimes on the shop floor. He was well liked and will be missed. Love to Bobi and your family

  • Sharon Kruml

    Paul will be greatly missed by all of his quilting friends and customers, me too. Bobi my heart goes out to you in your hours of pain. Luv ya Sharon Kruml

  • Tiny Stratton

    Was sorry to hear the news of Paul’s passing. I enjoyed many chats with him while looking for fabric and patterns. My prayers are for all your family at this time.

  • Cathy Markham

    Knowing the two of you since the early JC Penney days has truly been a blessing. I have such fond memories of those times and also my recent trips to visit. He will truly be missed. God has gained another angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Cathy, Jerry and Vicki

  • JoAnn Boudreau

    Dear Bobbi, You and Paul were wonderful neighbors. I will always remember our years “across the street”. You are such wonderful people. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Scotty, Dan and Angel.
    Paul will always be in our hearts.
    JoAnn Boudreau

  • Peggy Suryan

    Sorry to hear of the passing of Paul.
    He was a good guy who I enjoyed knowing.
    Peace to your family.

    Peggy Suryan

  • gail crosby

    adear Bobbi

    I know some of your feelings. it is devastating to lose our spouse thru illness and death. I HAVE wonderful memories of paul’ Mike’ and bill at Roosevelt’ Our friendship thru the next decades, and getting together for our girl luncheons over the past many years. you and your family are in my prayers

  • Kim Schoeler

    Another member of our family is an angel watching over us. I will miss Uncle Paul with his booming laughter and ‘cannon balls’ into the pool at our annual family pool parties. I think he’s up in heaven with my mom and step dad getting a card game going. My thoughts and prayers are with my wonderful Aunt Bobi and cousins, Dan, Scott and Angel.

  • Bill McCann

    Paul was our very own Archie Bunker; a loveable curmudgeon. He told outrageous jokes and sometimes seemed insensitive to the feelings of others, but he did not have a mean bone in his body; his lack of appreciation for some of the social rules was a part of his charm. He never was the bad guy and everybody loved him because of his genuinely innocent obliviousness.

    Bill McCann

  • Kacy Johnson

    Bobi and family: We were so sad to hear that Paul passed away. “Main Street” will not be the same without his big smile and friendly greetings. May the Lord be with you and give you His peace.
    June (Johnson) Slayden and Kacy Johnson

  • Sandy Cobbin

    Heeey neighbor. I am going to miss Paul’s booming greeting when we would meet. Paul was one of the good guys. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobi, Danny and Scott. Sandy and Doreen

  • Troy Kunz

    God Speed my friend. Thank you for your support when I was a new businessman in Sedro Woolley. You will be missed.

  • Glenda

    I am saddened to hear of Paul’s passing, he was a very kind and big hearted man. I graduated with Scott but didn’t know Paul until I worked with Dan at Austin’s. Paul was always smiling and had a kind word for all, he will be missed by many! My thoughts and prayers to all of you!