Harold K Paulsen Jr.

Harold Kenneth (HK) Paulsen, January 2, 1928 – October 5, 2017, lived a long and happy life. He left behind a legacy of love, laughter and beautiful memories. Harold was born to Harold and Hilda Paulsen in Vancouver, B.C. He loved to tell stories of growing up in Vancouver, delivering newspapers, and meeting the love of his life Gloria (Thompson). In 1947, Harold immigrated to the United States, and settled in Olympia Washington. While working for Capital Plumbing, Harold would drive back to Vancouver on weekends to court Glo. On July 8, 1948 they were married and settled in Lacey. They became US citizens in 1954. During this time they celebrated the arrival of their daughter Penny, sons Mark and Dean.

Harold soon opened his own plumbing shop, Harold’s Plumbing. He was proud of his profession and loved to tell stories of starting the business and of the people he met. It was impossible to go anywhere with Harold and not run into someone he knew. You could also count on him talking about the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom, if you were out at a restaurant. He was a proud member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, and a member of the Lacey and Tumwater Rotary.

Harold is survived by his daughter Penny (Evon) Johnston, son Mark Paulsen, and Dean (Valorie) Paulsen. He is the proud grandfather of Holly (Johnston) Holt, April (Johnston) Gilson, Matthew (Mark) Paulsen and Graeme (Dean) Paulsen. Harold loved to show pictures of his great-grandchildren Samantha, Cassandra and Bradley Gilson and Ryan and Addy Holt.

Harold loved chocolate, and could be counted on to always have some on hand. He loved to tell jokes, you know the terrible kind that make you groan, and make us all smile when we think of them. Harold was also proud of his Norwegian heritage, and would often state that you can tell a Norwegian, but you can’t tell him much. Besides his family, his other love was cars. He carried around copies of a handwritten list of all the cars he had owned, and would happily provide you with your very own copy. His updated list includes 64 cars. Starting with his first car a 1926 4-door Nash, a 1978 Cadillac that he won from a Rotary Club raffle ticket, and several El Caminos – these were one of his favorites.

His family hopes that you will be able to join us on November 12 from 1:00 to 4:00 at The Pelligrino’s Event Center in Tumwater as we celebrate Harold’s legacy with laughter, stories and hugs.