Paul Lawrence Beebe passed away on Wednesday, June 5th, at age 69 at his home in Kennewick surrounded by loved ones.

He leaves behind his life partner of 21 years Ann Hostetler, daughter Cassandra (Dan) Stidham, granddaughter Trinity Menke, grandson Hezekiah Menke, Ann's daughters Laura (Daniel) Longoria and Ellen Hostetler (Erik Shoemaker), and many many dear friends.

Paul was born at Fort Lewis Army base and spent the first five years of his life in Alaska, returning to the Tri-Cities for the remainder of his years. He was a proud Kennewick High graduate, where he was a notable character with his classic Model A and floppy hat! Reuniting with his old classmates at reunions was a great joy for him.

After receiving an AA degree from CBC, Paul began his 26 year career at Hanford, starting in the mail room, and ending as a computer technician for the missile defense program in Delta Junction, Alaska. He then spent five years with Amazon, starting in Kindle support, and finally retiring as corporate support for Amazon VIPS.

While working for Hanford, he began his 27 year association with Columbia Basin Dive Rescue, dealing with many difficult rescue/recovery missions as well as promoting kids' water safety education programs in schools.

Throughout the ups and downs of their 21 year life together, Ann and Paul found strength in each other and faced these challenges hand in hand. Their partnership was a true testament of the love. Ann and Paul thoroughly enjoyed exploring their interests in wine, photography, astronomy and travel. They enjoyed their tour to Portugal, trips to Sedona, and Albuquerque balloon festival, but for Paul, the Oregon coast was his Zen spot.

Paul was a funny, fun-loving man who thoroughly enjoyed life- savoring steaks, seafood, good wine and rarely passed up a dessert. He spent fun times with his daughter and grandkids and was very proud of them. He especially enjoyed visiting Cassy and Dan's cabin in Alaska, where they are planning to retire to a life of fishing, taking photos, and enjoying beautiful Alaska. He wished he had had many more years enjoying his family.

He loved to make people laugh, smile and sometimes groan. He had his nurses laughing even has his health was failing.

Paul was jokingly referred to as the "cat whisperer"- cats always took to him very quickly, and he enjoyed them all, especially Orville who kept him smiling and warm through his illness.

He enjoyed car shows and spent many years riding with the motorcycle club and the friendships forged there continued throughout his life.

In recent years, he enjoyed playing pool with the guys at Richland Community Center. The camaraderie was so valued that he continued to play until his health prevented it further. His last game was one of his best- 6 balls in a row and then sunk the eight ball.

After his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, he complained about the tradition of a celebration of life afterward. " A party that I pay for and can't attend? I don't think so!". We were fortunate enough to have his celebration ahead of time, so he could attend and hear all the funny stories, tributes and celebrate with the important people who touched his life. The event was so special to him, and the memories gave him comfort in his last days.

Paul was predeceased by his mother, Nancy Lawrence, father Raymond Beebe, half brother Michael Lawrence, and grandparents Lawrence and Loraine Riggs.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Columbia Basin Dive Rescue or the Benton Franklin Humane Society. Also, consider toasting to Paul with your favorite beverage - he always enjoyed a fine Malbec.