Obituary of William Frederick Paulson

William “Bill” Paulson of Olympia and Washougal, Washington passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025 with family at his side. Bill was born on December 11, 1946 to Fred and Dolly Paulson of Washougal, Washington. He graduated from Washougal High School as valedictorian of the class of 1965. Bill was a student athlete, playing football and would willing relive the glory days when Washougal was able to beat Camas on the gridiron. He earned his bachelor’s in mathematics in 1969 from Washington State University, and later earned a master's degree in public administration. Bill settled in Olympia where he launched his career in public service. He soon settled in with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Over the course of his career, he held many roles in the agency and was recognized as an expert across many programs. His working years were spent in finance, budget, accounting, policy, state and federal programs, and more. After his first retirement, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge by consulting with districts across the state. He had a multi-year relationship with the Yakima and Centralia school districts, where he made many new friends. In addition to being highly regarded for his expertise and professionalism, he spent time cultivating relationships and supporting colleagues and building lifelong friendships. In 2011, after his mother passed, Bill retired for good and moved home to help care for his father. Bill loved his cars, his family, and his dogs. His cars were almost always spotless and shiny. His car taste was rooted in American heavy metal complete with the loud exhaust sound iconic to the American muscle car. He loved jumping in his car and hitting the open road, traveling across the country to see beautiful sites and to visit his children and later, grandchildren. Bill’s love of cars and car knowledge was something he eagerly shared with family and friends. It wasn’t unusual for him to volunteer to help someone find their perfect car and get a great deal. Bill traveled back and forth to the southwest to spend time with his daughters. When the mood hit, he’d jump in a car and head south, often making the 14 hour drive straight through. One of his spur of the moment trips was a surprise visit to support his oldest daughter at a choir concert. Wanting to share his heritage with his daughters, he took them to the east coast to visit distant relatives and to visit many national monuments. As he got older, he discovered the wonderful companionship of Boxer dogs. Spike was his constant companion as he recovered from pancreatic surgery. Daisy was rambunctious and ready to go for a walk any time. Bill rescued Annie from the California wildfires and they enjoyed Sunday morning lattes and random drives while they listened to the Pat Boone show. Regardless of the Boxer, Bill could be found going for walks along the river with his 4-legged companions or be seen going for drives with his trusty co-pilot in the passenger seat. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Dolly Paulson and sister Karen. He is survived by his daughters Lisa (Eric) and Kristina (Jeff), brother Norm (Lisa), sister Janice (Mark), nephew Will (Anna), grandchildren Ashton, Shalisha, Jenessa, Sharlee, Jayton, Briston, Jadalyn, Daxon, Riona and Aila, grandnephews Theo and Julian, and numerous great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 20th between 1:00pm and 3:00pm at the Dolphin Yacht Club, 34 S. A Street, Washougal. Bill will be interred at the Washougal Memorial Cemetery in a private, family service.