Paul Cyrus Fournier

Longtime Langley, Wash., resident and Vietnam veteran Captain Paul Cyrus Fournier died peacefully in his sleep Feb. 12, 2015. He was 79 years old.

Born in Seattle, Paul was raised by his parents, Judge Paul B. and Florence Fournier in Montesano, Wash. After graduating from Montesano High School, he studied at a Catholic seminary and then attended Gonzaga University, obtaining a bachelor of arts. He also attended Seattle University, where he earned his master of arts.

In 1959 he enlisted in the Air National Guard. He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant in 1961 in the Washington National Guard. His military career progressed when he joined the U.S. Army Aviation school in 1962 with active service beginning in 1964. Decorated with several medals, including a bronze star medal, an army commendation medal, an air medal, a Vietnamese service medal and a national defense service medal, his Vietnam tour was tragically ended in 1967 by the gunning down and crash of a plane he was piloting.

He suffered third-degree burns over 90 percent of his body. After six months at the Brook Burn Center in San Antonio, Texas, he moved to Madigan Hospital at Fort Lewis, Wash., and partially recovered over a three-year period. Focused and determined to recover without complaint, he taught himself French during the grueling healing process.

In 1970, Paul moved to Seattle and began a career in the travel industry. He traveled extensively. It was difficult to name a country that he had not visited.

He was a lover of the arts, with a special affection for the Seattle Opera. His philanthropic efforts supported many causes noted by the donation of the first funds to begin the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.

In the early 1980s, Paul moved to Whidbey Island and began to focus his time in the political arena. He chaired the Island County Democratic Party for several years.

Paul’s passion for life was unaffected by the wounds left by his tragic accident. While the scarring was obvious and significant, it was overpowered by an inimitable personality of wit and charm. He exuded a confidence that helped you re-evaluate any shortcomings within yourself and seek a positive outcome. His Catholic faith served as an anchor in his life.

He is survived by his brother, Richard (Karen), of Montesano. His nephews Dirk (Efrain), Ryan (Jenni) and niece Kendra grew up with Uncle Paul adding fabulousness to family gatherings. His friend from childhood, Liz Caldwell, was more like a sister. Special friends Stewart Fountain and Brian McKenna took care of Paul in the final years of his life.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Langley. Interment will occur at 1 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Wynooche Cemetery in Montesano, Wash. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA).