With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Paul. He fought prostate cancer bravely and even took part in a new phase 1 trial developed through UW/Fred Hutch in hope of helping his friends and others battling the disease.

Paul was born in Ellensburg WA on January 24, 1953, to Leslie E and Jeanette Luella Johnson Tompkins. He died February 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 72.

Paul spent his very early years living in railroad substation camps with his mother, father and younger brother Joel until they moved to Richland when his father started working at Hanford. Paul was active in Boy Scouts achieving the rank of Life and the Pro Deo et Patria award. During a short move to Bellingham WA his freshman year, Paul was on the HS swim team and in Sea Scouts. The family returned to Tri-Cities where he attended Pasco HS graduating with honors, Class of 1971.

While attending Columbia Basin College, Paul worked on the school newspaper, The Hawkeye. He went on to WSU in Pullman WA and received bachelor’s degrees in English and Asian Studies graduating with honors. He was awarded Phi Beta Kappa.

Paul worked at Energy Northwest for 32 years as a Principle Specialist working in nondestructive testing and reactor vessel internals inspections. He was nationally recognized for his expertise.

In 1994, Paul fell in love with Phyllis McDonald and was blessed to have her two children, LeeAnn and Tim, come into his life. He shared his passion for literature with Tim which helped lead to his future career as an author and shared his thirst for adventure with LeeAnn.

When Phyllis’ sarcoma cancer took hold, Paul retired early so they could check off her bucket list. They traveled to 10 countries before she passed. They were together 22 years.

A year later, Paul found love again when he was introduced to Janeen Reberger by mutual dear friends. They didn’t waste any precious time since they both knew how fragile life was with Paul losing Phyllis and Janeen losing Dan Reberger in 2008. They resumed traveling the world and living life to the fullest.

Paul’s family grew again with the addition of Janeen’s children, Lynn, Kevin and daughter-in-law Sarah. He especially enjoyed being a grandpa. He encouraged Logan to get into Boy Scouts, supporting him in activities as his health permitted. He played guitar while Collins danced, Djembe drums with Sawyer and Kellen and Paul never missed a tea party.

As an active member of Pasco First Lutheran Church, Paul served on the board and as call chair for installation of a new pastor. He started and ran the church book club for six years. He played guitar often during worship.

Paul was an audiophile, vinyl collector and always willing to help anyone set up or tweak their system. He appreciated fine wine and dining. He was a scuba diver, skier, PCT hiker, musician, and a loyal friend. His intelligence, kindness and laughter will be greatly missed. We are so fortunate to have had him in our lives and will always hold Big Paulie close to our hearts.

He is preceded in death by Phyllis, his parents and twin sister Julie.

He is survived by Janeen of Richland, Tim McDonald and Angela Day Evans of Lynnwood WA, LeeAnn and Lawrence Lechelt of Colquille OR, Lynn Reberger (Logan), Kevin Reberger and Sarah Cusick-Reberger (Sawyer, Collins, Kellen) of Richland WA and Joel and Nicki Tompkins (Ian and Lianne) of Meridian ID.

Service will be at Pasco First Lutheran Church located at 530 West Bonneville Street Pasco WA.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy at 1480 Fowler Street Richland WA 99352.  Einan’s is in charge of arrangements with Interment at Sunset Gardens, Richland WA.