Paul Elliott Bovey

Born in Walla Walla, Washington, Paul lived a very full and adventure filled life. He graduated from West Seattle High School and attended the University of Washington for over three years before entering the United States Navy. Paul was commissioned as an Ensign via the Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) program and received the gold wings of a Naval Aviator on December 19th, 1955.

Paul had numerous stories of his days as a pilot. Once, while in flight school, he clipped the cable of a gunnery target and as a result tore off a piece of the tail, destabilizing the airplane. When asked if he would like to bail out, Paul said “no, let me try to land.” He proceeded to “dirty up” the airplane and calmly lowered the landing gear and flaps to get the nose of the plane up, thus enabling him to safely land the airplane. Paul flew jet aircraft including the FJ-3 Fury, F-8 Crusader, and the EAK-3B Skywarrior and he operated from the aircraft carriers USS Hornet (CVA 12), USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and USS Ranger (CV 61) on deployments to the Western Pacific and Mediterranean Sea.

As a Naval Aviator, Paul received numerous commendations and awards until his retirement from the Navy in 1975 with the rank of Commander. After tours of duty in Virginia and California, Paul and his family moved back to Oak Harbor, Washington where he enjoyed a second career in Real Estate. Paul finally retired for good around 1989 when he referred to work as a dirty four letter word. Paul did adventure into some part-time employment during retirement, including picking apples during the summer to get in shape for hunting season. He enjoyed the time he spent with the migrant workers and admired their work ethic and family values. Paul also was employed for a short stint at Walmart as a greeter which his friends and family enjoyed teasing him about.

Paul had many succinct phrases such as “golf is a good way to screw up a walk” that exemplified one of his many admired traits; you always knew where Paul stood. He was beloved and admired by many for his forthright and straightforward manner, as well as his honesty, integrity, authenticity, and sense of humor.

Paul enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, trapshooting, and discussing politics. Paul was concerned about those less fortunate than himself, often donating unused items or money to various charities serving the needy. He was also very concerned about the state of the country, especially the impact that the swelling national debt will have on future generations.

Paul is survived by his wife Sonja, his son Don, his daughter Jennifer, and her husband, Stephen. Paul is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Wollitz of Tacoma, as well as several cousins. He is also survived by stepchildren Keith and Kelvin Bryant, Lisa Bryant German and her husband Randy, and Leslie Bryant Clark along with numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “Opa Paul.” Paul is also survived by Doug and Doni McClain, who he recognized as his adopted children. He was preceded in death by his first wife of25 years and the mother of his children, Kay Bovey, and his beloved dog Rags.

The family would like to thank the many people who helped Paul with his recent illness at Whidbey General Hospital who were absolutely fabulous for the professional, kind, and loving care they provided during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Paul’s memory to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or another charity.