Obituary of Paul Duggan

Paul was born on January 26, 1925, in Enigma, Georgia, the youngest son of nine children of Pastor Noley Duggan and his wife, Fannie. His growing up years were during the depth of the Great Depression in South Georgia. It was a day-to-day struggle for the large family to survive. He did remember the good times of family gatherings, fishing and hunting in the Okefenokee Swamp country. As soon as he finished his schooling, Paul joined the Navy in 1942. He was a plank owner on the battleship U.S.S. Alabama, and he served proudly from the North Atlantic to the South Pacific (nine major engagements) to the signing of the Peace Treaty in Tokyo Bay in August 1945. When in Washington State for ship repairs, he met and married his lifetime love, Lorraine, in a 13-day courtship in January 1945. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he made Seattle his home. He studied as an apprentice for over four years to become a Master Machinist. Paul had a rewarding career in the Alaska salmon canning industry, working in all phases of cannery operations from Bristol Bay and Kodiak to Prince of Wales Island, retiring as production manager at Metlakatla Alaska. Then he worked as a consultant at a tuna cannery in Figi, and one year as business agent for Alaska canneries. He gave many young people a start for college by giving them work at the canneries. Upon his return from Alaska, Paul was always busy with family activities, including involvement with the Boy Scouts, coaching Little League Football for many years, and remodeling his homes. He also volunteered at St. Philomena’s Catholic Church in Des Moines and St. Edward’s church in Shelton as a Eucharistic Minister, the food bank, and as an Election Inspector for many years. He enjoyed being an officer for the Community Club and our RV club, and taking family on cross-country trips and to Disneyland. He truly enjoyed square dancing, the Elks RV Club Jet-A-Bouts and the friends he met along the way. His quiet time was at our Fawn Lake property, fishing and enjoying longtime friends. With Lorraine’s encouragement, they traveled by RV to every state, as well as in New Zealand. They enjoyed touring Europe and Australia, but then were always glad to return to home and family. From the most modest of circumstances, he studied and worked very hard and then had years to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He thanked the good Lord for a good life, a good family and good memories. Paul passed away September 19, 2014. He is survived by wife, Lorraine; wonderful children, Dianna (Don) Williams, Mark (Lucy) and Bryan; four grandchildren, Lynette (Tim) Carter, Carmen (Jammer) Trummert, Sean (Shene’) Duggan, and Chris Duggan; foster daughter, Tela (Mike) Sherman; seven great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; sister, Francis Parrish; and extended family of John (Janet) and Joe (Allison) Hewa. He was predeceased by his son, Stephen; foster daughter, Veta Hernandez; parents; three brothers; and four sisters. A life well lived as a husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be truly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any group that helps the less fortunate. Please leave memories of Paul or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.