Paul Magnusson had a peaceful passing while at his home in the predawn hours of March 28.

Paul and Naomi spent 67 years together, beginning with their meeting at Bible school in Portland, Ore. They married when he was 21 and she was 19. After a weekend honeymoon, his draft notice found Paul, and he and Naomi spent the next two years in the Army Signal Corp, stationed in New Jersey during the end of the Korean War. Paul rose to become an instructor and an expert at a skill from his high school days – Morse Code.

After the Army, they took an extended car trip back to the West Coast and, eventually, returned to Portland. Paul worked for Tektronix for 20 years, a job which took him to California and other areas as well as Portland. After leaving Tektronix, he worked for several other companies. There was even a one year assignment in Germany.

Their son, Carl was born at the beginning of Paul’s career and became the focus of their lives. After Paul’s retirement in 1997, they moved to Whidbey Island, Wash., to be closer to him.

Paul’s main passions in life were his religion, his family, ham radio and knitting. He loved talking to people all over the world on his radio. He took up knitting after watching Naomi for years, initially viewing it as a calming activity which quickly turned into a creative endeavor. Over the years, he knitted hundreds of afghans, sweaters, caps and other items and donated them to charities such as Afghans for Afghans. His collection of knitting books and magazines was truly impressive. He was also a skilled photographer and a collector of music recordings.

His religion was a very personal thing for him, and a huge influence on his life. For many years he and Naomi were involved in Young Life. On Whidbey Island they attended Trinity Lutheran Church.

Paul leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Naomi; son, Carl and partner, Kimmer Morris; and his granddaughter, Sara Magnusson (Andrew Schmidt). His late sister, Grace Evans and he were very close.

Donations in Paul’s name may be made to Good Cheer Food Bank, P.O. Box 144, Langley, WA 98260.