Paul Dennis Witherbee

Paul Dennis Witherbee passed away on May 31, 2025, at 3:09 a.m. at Ocean Beach Hospital, surrounded by loving family. He was 73. A longtime resident of Ocean Park, Washington, Paul was born in Longview on August 8, 1951, to Bruce Dennis Witherbee and Marion Alice Sowa.

Paul lived a life marked by craftsmanship, loyalty, humor, and deep love for his family. He proudly served in the Army National Guard and later channeled his talents into a business building sound enclosures. A natural with his hands, Paul was both a skilled carpenter and auto body technician—able to build or fix just about anything. His handiwork and practical wisdom were matched only by his colorful vocabulary, a poetic talent in its own right.

Beyond his trades, Paul was a man of many flavors—quite literally. He made the best waffle cones on the West Coast, and deviled eggs that were always eagerly eaten at family gatherings. He was a longtime fan of the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks, cheering them on (mostly) through every season like only he could.

Paul's children—Christian Witherbee (Chris), Brandy Witherbee, Pat Witherbee, and Katie Witherbee—were the pride of his life, and his love extended deeply to his grandchildren Erik, Bella, Lilly, Javiya, and Al (Chris), Hannah (Brandy), Kylie (Pat), Levi and Celeb (Katie). To them, he was affectionately called Papa. Paul had nine siblings whom he also loved greatly. They are Bruce Witherbee, Catherine Trauger, Karen Witherbee-Smith, Debra Schwartz, half siblings Mitchell Beauchman, Marilyn Lee Beauchman-Owens, Thomas Beauchman, Jon Beauchman, and step brother Ron Ackerman. He was kind and caring to everyone he met, and he had a warm, grounded presence.

Known for his strong opinions and sharp sense of justice, Paul followed politics closely and was deeply passionate about the issues of his time. In recent years, he struggled to make sense of the direction of the current administration, a source of frustration for a man who cared so deeply about fairness and truth.

One of Paul’s favorite pastimes was playing league pool, often at Doc’s Tavern in Ocean Park, where he spent countless hours playing pool, sharing stories, and building lasting friendships. A gathering of friends and family will be held there in his honor to celebrate the life of a man who could fix anything, say everything, and loved his family deeply.

He will be missed more than words can say.