The sun rose again today, but for the first time since July 27, 1926 without the help of Paul Boyd Dorius. An incredible, loving family man, a friend, patriot, and dedicated servant of his world died yesterday, June 11, 2017, at the age of 90 years. While he was born and died in Salt Lake City, his life created a wake that spread widely around the world, touching so many others and helping countless more.
Son of Paul Frederick Dorius and Dorothy Jeppesen Dorius Davis, Paul grew up in Boise, Idaho, where high school chums and buddies became lifelong friends. He played football, basketball, and ran track, became a lifelong golfer and was an athlete who loved sports for all his days. As class president, he organized reunions for nearly seventy years. While most of those Boise Braves are now gone, he never left out or forgot any of them. Paul then proudly served in the Navy during World War II as a crew member of the U.S.S. Collingsworth A.P.A. 146, in the Pacific.
He returned stateside, landing again in Salt Lake where he attended the University of Utah, joining Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He also attended Westminster College, where he excelled on the "Parsons" track team. Here he met Barbara Ann Gaddis, whom he fell deeply in love with and who became his wife and partner of forty-two years, and mother of his three children Deborah Anne, Paul Frederick, and David Arthur. He was an amazing, dedicated and loving husband and father. He always wanted the best for his family, and he gave them his all.
A successful business man, Paul worked for Mountain Bell for over thirty years. He had wanted to be an artist, but the only opening was in Yellow Page sales. He took that opportunity to support his young family, and using hard work, tireless energy, honesty and integrity rose through the ranks ultimately to Assistant Vice President. His career took him from Salt Lake back to Boise, though Denver to Phoenix, and then again to Salt Lake. Each stop brought new friends and associates, both in work and in life, so many who remained close for the remainder of their lives.
A true citizen who believed in giving back for the many gifts he received, he also worked on behalf of many organizations, including at one time or another The Boys and Girls Clubs, the YMCA and YWCA, the Utah Taxpayers Association, Primary Children's Hospital, Ballet West, Hidden Valley Country Club, and certainly others. When Barbara was stricken with Lymphoma, he retired to spend his time with her. Her illness inspired him to dedicate himself to the fight against cancer, and he spent the remainder of his life working on behalf of the American Cancer Society. Whatever cause he took up was pursued with dedication and passion. He was never hesitant to enlist family and friends in his causes, and was always first to take up theirs.
After Barbara's death, Paul met and found love again with Marilynn Roskelley. They spent twenty-three wonderful years together, the last six as husband and wife.
Ultimately, Paul was all about his family and friends. He remembered birthdays, anniversaries and graduations, reached out often to touch bases with just a call, or just a note. An only son, he was forever dedicated to his family. He doted on his beloved mother, always loved his aunts, uncles and cousins. When his father died at an early age, his mother married Ben Davis. Paul truly loved his new stepfather and his family. Barbara's family was his too, and he loved them as his own. Marilynn's family were gathered into his arms as well. For his own children, their spouses, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren, he was their champion, their advocate, their counselor, their rock. He challenged them to do better, he was their Papa. He was so proud of them all and he loved them with his whole heart until his last breath.
He was preceded in death by many, most notably Barbara, who now welcome him. He is survived by his wife Marilynn, his children Debbie, Paul (Josette) and David (Allison); step children Amy and Mark (Cris) Roskelley, grandchildren Jason (Hillary) Reid, Matthew (Megan) Reid, Kevin Reid, Cianne (Jordan) Wallin, Shawni (Daniel) Chappell, Brittany, and Nicholas; step granddaughters Dawn Steadman (Kevin Moritz), Natalie Steadman (Ben Rosch); step grandchildren James, Carolina and Ava Andrus, and Cosette Roskelley; and great grandchildren Isabelle, Abbigale, Caleb, Stella, Davis, Desmond, Owen, Hudson, Emma, Luke, Henry, Fern, and Beckett. Cousin Pat and the Chappell family, Dianna and Ben Davis, the Stone Family, the Walkers, and many, many friends.
A memorial service and celebration of Paul's life will be held on Tuesday, June 20th starting at 4:00 p.m., at Hidden Valley Country Club, 11820 South Highland Drive, Sandy, Utah.
Interment at Park City Cemetery, Park City, Utah.
Arrangements are being handled by Larkin Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paul's name to the American Cancer Society.
Amazingly, the sun rose again today. Papa, we love you.
