Paul Stephenson, 59, Orofino

[Guest Nicole]

Paul succumbed to death July 20, 2017 at about 4 a.m. He had a three year bout with stage four colon cancer, which had metastasized to the liver and lungs.

He was preceded in death by his father Jon William Stephenson, brother, William (Bill) Stephenson, and two children, Kimberly, and Kevin.

During a twenty-five year career in the woods, Paul, better known by many as “Bunk”, developed a reputation as a skilled strip sawyer. The beauty of the woods, the solitude of being away from town, and the sweat of a hard dayÂ’s work were things that he enjoyed while logging. Both in the logging industry, and during his fourteen years at Tripco, he developed a lot of longstanding work relationships, and friendships in the community.

Typically able to get along with anybody, most of his work mates knew “Bunk” as a mild, diligent, hard worker, who had a knack for fulfilling behind the scenes tasks that others didn’t like to do. He also cared about his work mates, and would often come home with stories of events and conversations that he had at work that would entertain, and bring laughter to the dinner table with his family at home.

Amongst his family he was profoundly appreciated as a gentle, caring, unselfish, father and husband; his congregation was an extended family to him. All those who had the privilege of knowing him as a friend would say that he put the needs of others ahead of his own. We will all deeply miss his kind smile, soft spoken manner, and playful, but understated sense of humor.

Paul dedicated a great deal of his time to serving his community, and brothers as part of the local congregation of JehovahÂ’s Witnesses. Spirituality was a primary part of his life and decision making, and as such shaped his outlook on the future. Knowing the promises from the Bible that the earth will be restored to a paradise, and that the dead will be resurrected (Psalms 37:10-11, John 5:28-29) he died without a doubt in his mind that he will awaken to be welcomed back by his loved ones.

Paul is survived by the following family members:

Mother, Shirley (Robert) Dennison of Orofino, Sister, Cindi (Darren) Boling of Olympia, WA, sister La Donna Badgley of Elma, WA, brother Benjamin (Georgette) Stephenson of Orofino, wife Diane Stephenson of Orofino, son Jon (Cyndi) Stephenson of Georgetown, KY, daughter Jade (Charles) Stepro of Ogden, UT. One grandson, Titus Stepro, age two, stepbrothers Rob Dennison of Rathdrum, and Ryan Dennison of Orofino.

Memorial plans are made for Saturday, August 12, 2 p.m. at the Orofino Elementary School gymnasium.

http://www.clearwatertribune.com/obituaries/paul-stephenson-orofino/article_2b9aa7de-77a8-11e7-807f-8f1eb851ea4d.html