Neal Paulson's Obituary
My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father. Prepare to die! My very funny father quoted that to me as a kid all the time. He was dry and witty, the strong silent type and an amazing man. I’m going to do my best to tell you about him. Weber ‘Neal’ Paulson was 83 when he passed but let’s go back to the beginning. He was born March 21, 1934 in Ephraim, UT to Weber and Florence Paulson. His teacher once wrote on his report card that he was pale and not good at Mathematics (that will be ironic later). He played basketball and sang and acted in school plays. After high school, he joined the Army and fought in the Korean war. (as this was never talked about we will move on).
In 1956, he Married Janet Shand and had 3 kids. They later divorced. In 1960, he graduated with a degree in Mathematics from Utah State University. He had dreamed of being a civil engineer but in addition to being incredibly smart he was also practical. He began teaching Mathematics in the SLC district which he ended up doing for 34 years. He taught math to Junior high students which should prove that he was a man of infinite patience. In truth, he did like teaching. He liked the challenge of the students. He worked hard all his life, usually having 2 jobs. He bartended, managed an auto parts wholesale store and drove truck. He was always proud of getting his Pilots and CDL licenses. He loved to fly. He also loved to golf, play pool and 21. He and his friends took frequent trips to Wendover where he even entered tournaments. He was a fantastic cook and passed on some of my favorite recipes. He loved wine and spirits. He made a fantastic margarita but whisky was always his favorite. He had a very methodical mind and was always working on a puzzle of some kind and yet he also did watercolor paintings. He read constantly and loved old western and action movies. Not much for holidays but he loved Thanksgiving. My whole life he never had a Birthday, rather he had present days.
In 1979, he met the love of his life Karla (Peterson) and they spent 39 amazing years together. He loved their date nights with Mexican food and binge watching favorite shows. He often left love post its around the house. One morning he taped the Cheerios Smile box to the kitchen light to greet her when she woke. It made her smile the entire day and she left it up for months. Often referring to her as his Bride his love for her was obvious to anyone who ever met them. He taught our entire family how to hug and show our love. We never went a day without him expressing his love for our family and our life together. His only fault was his inability to tell my mother no. He bought her the pink cottage of her (almost) dreams. After many arguments about load bearing walls he remodeled it top to bottom. He was an excellent craftsman and he could figure out how to do anything. He took the fence down from the yard when they bought the house and turned it into beautiful wall panels for his mutton shack (aka mancave). It put most mancaves to shame. With running water, ac and an almost full kitchen (all of which he built himself). He loved to spend time there reading and working on puzzles. In 1987, they had me (or rather took me in), Amanda. My father let me sit on his lap and steer the car when I was 7. He had to teach me to drive at 16 (See above about patience). I know he gave up a lot for me but not because he ever conveyed that. From day one he was my Dad and I couldn’t have been luckier. to find the back of a Cheerios Smile box taped to the kitchen light. I smiled the entire day and left it up for months. One day I woke up to find the back of a Cheerios Smile box taped to the kitchen light. I smiled the entire day and left it up for months.
Neal was a country boy at heart. He and his friends were spirited and rowdy. Getting in plenty of trouble over the years. Those turned out to be lifelong friendships. Way before urban chickens were trendy he built a coop and started with 3 chicks, ended up with a LOT more. He was so proud of his roosters, you’d think he’d given birth to them. He had such a special place in his heart for his dogs through the years, peaches, JD, Zeke and Willie Nelson. He carried treats around in his pockets spoiling them at every turn.
Neal was a loving, witty, funny, intelligent, talented and supremely unique man.
Neal is survived by his wife, Karla Peterson-Paulson; children, Leslie Hill (Brian P.), Murray, UT Alan Paulson, Taylorsville, UT., Amanda Stookey-Escobar (Julio), Midvale, UT.; brother, Kent Paulson (Connie), Ephraim, UT; 3 Grandchildren; 6 Great Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Weber and Florence Paulson, Ephraim, UT., and daughter Terry Paulson, SLC, UT.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, July 29th, at the home of Brenda and Shaun Willis, 9473 S Wood Ranch Ct, South Jordan, UT., from 5pm – 8pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Neal’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Quality Hospice, 888 E. 3900 So., Unit B, SLC, UT. 84107.
There will also be an additional memorial service held in Sanpete County at a later date.
The family would like to thank Dr. Diana Banks, Quality Hospice Jules, Alexis, Dr MacPhereson, Dr Robert Williams and Staff, Dr Arun Rajagopal, and Murray Paramedics for their care and dedication.
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