Paul Richard Gingerich, beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed from death to life October 18, 2022, at his home in Mt. Vernon, Washington. He was cared for with loving devotion by his wife Heidi; his daughters, Anna and Liesl; his sons, Felix and Hugh; and his daughter-in-law, Kelsey. Paul is reunited with his own father, Paul, in heaven. He is survived by his mother, Susan Gingerich; his brother Jerry; his sisters Jennifer and Elizabeth; and his grandson, Bowen.

Paul was born in Mansfield, Missouri on November 16, 1968. He grew up tramping the Ozark hills, exploring the caves, and swimming the snake infested rivers and lakes of Missouri with his siblings and cousins. He loved the outdoors and worked with his father on their farm.  He later worked with his uncle William in his construction business. He has always been deeply loyal to his family.  As a teenager he took it upon himself to protect his younger sisters; and in later life, he gave that same care to his family. He gave his life to God at 17 years old and has served him ever since.

Paul moved with his family to El Dorado Springs, Missouri and lived there until his marriage to Heidi Miller on June 7, 1991, in Eureka, Montana. Paul was a gifted carpenter, and he provided for his family through his work of building log homes. After living in Montana for many years, he moved his family to Shaw Island, Washington, where he worked as a finish carpenter until 2015 when he established his business, Heritage Portable Buildings, in Burlington.

While Paul was a talented and skilled businessman, he is better known for his kindness and his incorrigible sense of humor. He loved God, his family, and people. This love was felt by everyone. Paul had a unique ability to overcome differences in beliefs and opinions that made everyone he encountered feel valued and loved. His genuine care and concern for others was expressed in a friendly humor that vaporized defenses and reserve and invited children and adults alike into a friendship with him. His kindness matched his humor and touched the hearts of many. Though his formal education was limited by society's standards, his life and legacy are a testament to his profound success as a human being.

When Paul was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2021, he responded, "God is good." He continued to say these words until he was unable to speak. Paul's friends and family know that he was completely submitted to the God he loved and served throughout his life. Though those of us left behind feel acutely bereft by his absence, we know that he is perfectly fulfilled; and in the words of his daughter Anna, "Heaven just got a little crazier."

To share memories of Paul, please sign the online guest register and bookmark this link for return visits: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/paul-gingerich.