Alvin “Paul” Vinther was born to Alvin and Marion Vinther on November 22, 1923 in Spokane, WA. He passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on September 2, 2024 in Richland, WA surrounded by his family.
A lover of the outdoors, Paul and his parents and sister spent their summer vacations at the family cabin on 8 Mile Island at Priest Lake, Idaho. A committed Christian, Paul was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Spokane. He was an active Boy Scout reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.
Graduating from North Central High School, Paul joined the US Navy in 1943 serving as a Sonar Instructor at the Sound School in San Diego, CA. He achieved the rank of 1st Class Petty Officer. He met Patsy Cole at a VJ celebration at the war’s end. They dated over the next couple of years before getting married on June 27, 1947 in Oxford, PA where Patsy had grown up.
Paul attended Whitworth College in Spokane, graduating with a BS Degree in Physics and a BE teaching degree. In 1950 he and Patsy moved to Richland, WA where he began working for General Electric at the Hanford Project. They planned to stay for 3-5 years and then move on; instead, Paul remained at Hanford for 38 years, working for different companies at different reactors over the years, and retiring in 1988 as Manager, Defense Reactor Fuels Supply.
Paul and Patsy raised three children: Paula, Rick, and Marjo. Their home was always filled with joy and laughter. And many of the neighbor kids considered Paul and Patsy their second set of parents, always feeling at home there.
For over 74 years he was an active member of Central United Protestant Church. He loved singing in the choir where he continued to sing until two years ago. It was at Central Church that Paul and Patsy were involved in a couples group called “Kumdubls,” where many long-lasting family friendships were formed involving regular potlucks and many Mt. Rainier family camping trips, something that their children remember and appreciate so well. In addition to choir, Paul held many leadership positions in the church, including the Trustees and the Finance committees. For several years he played the role of Jesus in Central Church’s Holy Week presentation known as the “The Final Hour” that focused on the Passion of Christ.
Paul was active in the local Kiwanis chapter and was the first and only President of the Hanford Retirees Association until its closure in 2023. He also served on the board of GESA Credit Union for many years. One of his favorite volunteer activities was serving as a docent for Hanford B Reactor tours.
Paul loved spending time with his family. Camping was a regular part of the family routine, whether on trips to Mt Rainier, cross country trips to see family in Pennsylvania, or those annual trips to Priest Lake, Idaho.
During retirement, Paul and Patsy went on many cruises all over the world, and they loved spending the month of November at the Mahina Surf on the Island of Maui. It was one of their favorite places on earth.
Paul loved his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. And above all, he loved Jesus!
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Marion Vinther; his wife, Patsy; sister, Sally Knopp; an infant brother, Billy Vinther; and son-in-law Paul Case.
He is survived by his children, Paula Case Maulden (Tom), Rick Vinther (Sandy), and Marjo Burt (Jerry); 6 grandchildren: Jeremiah Case (Elizabeth), Nick Vinther (Megan), Joshua Case (Jaimie), Michael Vinther (Cheyenne), Amy Crider (Brett), and Eric Burt. Paul also had 20 great grandchildren.
The public is invited to a memorial service on September 21, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Central United Protestant Church, 1124 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99354.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
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Alvin “Paul” Vinther