John Richard Paus

John Richard Paus

"Jack" was born in New York City on November 24, 1922 to Elizabeth and Herbert Paus.
He grew up in Mamaroneck, New York about 20 miles north of NYC. He attended private boarding school at Hotchkiss in Connecticut. He then went to college at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA, to study Mechanical Engineering. He completed his degree in 2 1/2 years, in order that he join the war effort, World War II. He initially joined as a private in the Army, but then accepted a position of Lieutenant in the Navy. He utilized his mechanical Engineering to run the Engine room on the ships. When the war was over, Jack joined the Merchant Marines and traveled all over the world on Cargo ships for 4 years. Jack also took flying lessons and got his pilot license through the GI bill.
Jack then took a job in Niagara Falls, New York at Union Carbide Corporation (now Dow Chemical). In Niagara Falls he met the "love of his life" Laila, who was visiting here from Norway. They dated about 2 months and Laila had to return to Norway because her travel visa was up. Jack flew to Norway a couple months later and proposed! They were married in Norway 3 weeks later.
Jack worked for Union Carbide for 35 years, allowing he, his wife Laila and 4 children to live in many communities all over including, Niagara Falls New York, Fostoria Ohio, Chelmsford Massachusetts, Lawrenceburg Tennessee, Clarksburg West Virginia, Cleveland Ohio, Geneva Switzerland and finally Wilton Connecticut where he took an early retirement from his Position as a Vice President of Union Carbide at Age 60. During his career Jack always made a point to enjoy weekends with the family in activities including tennis, skiing, camping and traveling and special vacations through out Europe. One of his accomplishments was summiting the Matterhorn with a good friend from Italy with guides.
He spent the first portion of retirement in Wilton Connecticut, then in 1995 Jack and Laila moved to beautiful Bainbridge Island to rejoin children who'd moved West. Here on Bainbridge Jack and Laila were involved in local activities. A good portion of most days were spent at Wing Point Country Club playing Tennis, Bridge and Golf. When not at Wing point they were busy offering support and guidance to family, and were helping raise grand kids.
All four of Jack and Laila's kids reside in Washington State. Lisa Rose, Mark Paus and Linda Floyd live on Bainbridge. Mike Paus lives in Issaquah. Jack was preceded in death by wife Laila in 2009. He maintained an active life style till the end! He lived in his home until age 94. He then transitioned to assisted living at Madrona House on Bainbridge. We are grateful for the excellent care and wonderful staff at Madrona House. in the weeks prior, he was surrounded by his kids, grand kids, and caring workers. Jack lived a very full life. He set a great example as a Gentleman and was looked up to and respected by all who knew him! Jack passed on his 96"‘ Birthday! He lives on in our hearts and dreams!

At the families request, services and interment will be private and at their convenience.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook family Funeral Home.