August 27, 1931 - June 12, 2006

Paul was born in Sisseton, South Dakota to Thomas Robert and Helen Otto. He was the oldest child and the only son having five sisters. His primary education was in a little one-room schoolhouse called "The Otto Schoolhouse" in Sisseton.

His family moved to Seattle when he was in high school. That was a difficult transition going from a 'country boy' to a 'city boy', but he handled it. He went to West Seattle High School class of 1949. He joined the Air Force and served time in the Philippines during the Korean War, ending his tour of duty in Birch-Bay, Washington. He married Donna Clark in 1954. They had three children, Jeff (Karenelise) of Augusta, Maine, Joanne (& Roger Eytzen) of Ferndale, Washington and Jerry (Christy) of Everett, Washington. He was very active in the West Seattle Community for years. He was a carpenter by hobby, remodeling, and building many projects. He was a Boy Scout leader for troop 286 leading many boys on camping trips and to jamborees and adventures in the 60's. He was instrumental in helping begin the West Seattle Soccer Association program. Many a nights were spent calling coaches, lining up teams, games, referees etc. Paul just seemed to be a leader in whatever he was involved in. He was a loving Son, Brother, Dad, Uncle, friend and neighbor. He played piano, guitar, and keyboard but none as well as the accordion and he played them all by ear. He would always set the tone at any get-together with his music and his sense of humor. As he played his accordion, he would often make "faces as he tired to find notes, scrunching up an eyebrow or wrinkling his nose. This is such a common sight in our minds eye as we think of his accordion playing...Anyone who ever heard him play can remember him playing "5 foot 2" Paul loved to entertain a crowd and brought a smile to many. He was the "Life of a Party." His sense of humor was contagious. He loved to pass jokes around to make us laugh. It's so easy to think of Paul telling a joke or playing his music, that was Paul.

Paul's occupation for nearly 35 years was with The Boeing Aircraft Company. He worked out of many different departments within the company. He was once an inspector, at times wrote manuals, but always traveled the world. He was on the world tour when Boeing introduced the 747 to the world. That trip took months. Many times his family would look at the itinerary to see where "Dad" was this week. He had so many fascinating stories to tell about his travels.

In 1983, Paul married Ida Livingston. She had three boys, Charlie, Jim and Jeff whom Paul claimed as his own. Paul and Ida moved to Keystone Heights, Florida. There they enjoyed their retirement, busier than ever. They were members of several camping clubs traveling with their motorhome. They built a house, entertained many guests and Paul enjoyed his "retired life," until he began a long struggle with his health. Even through it all he kept a good sense of humor. On June 12, 2006, Paul went home to be with the Lord. He will be deeply missed, but we will see him again. His love for his family and friends has left a lasting imprint on our hearts. He is preceded in death by his Father and one sister, Margaret Scott.

Survivors include his wife Ida, of Keystone Heights, FL., his mother, Helen Finnell, (of Orting), sisters, Arlene (& Ralph Wolf of Orting), Beverly Gregg, (Of Seattle), Ruth (& George Arsenian of Kirkland) and Donna (& Daryl Brewer, of Sammamish), and his 1st wife Donna Rogers, (of Auburn.) He had six kids, ten grandkids, four great-grandkids, many nieces and nephews, cousins and lots of friends from both coasts.

There will be a Celebration of Paul's life on August 13th,

At Glen Acres Golf Course and Country Club in the Fireside Room from 2-4 p.m.

10925 Glen Ares Drive South

Seattle, Washington 98168