Paul William Oden

passed away on Friday, March 30, 2012 at Bailey Manor Family Home, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He was born on February 28, 1948 in Vermillion, South Dakota. He was 64 years of age. He attended Dartmouth College, The University of Boulder and New York University. He spoke five languages. Paul worked as a lawyer specializing in tax, wills and probate law. He was past president of the Wing Point Country Club on Bainbridge Island and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce President's Club, he was also the Centennial President of the Rotary Club of Emerald City. Paul loved golf, his family and taking pictures of his family as they grew up. He was a former Peace Corp Volunteer on Yap Island in Micronesia (1970). He returned there after law school to help write the Federated States of Micronesia's Constitution. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, clients and all who knew him as an intelligent, kind and consistent advocate of hard work. In his witty and reserved way, he guided his family and friends professionally and intimately with knowledge and strength. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Colvin of Bainbridge Island, children; Laura Oden of Seattle, Peter Oden of San Francisco, CA, father Robert Oden of Peoria, Arizona, sister Jane Stull of Bloomington, Minnesota and brother Robert Oden Jr., of Hanover, New Hampshire. Paul also leaves behind three nieces and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Margaret Ardelle Armstrong Oden. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 4-7 PM at Cook Family Funeral Home, 163 Wyatt Way NE on Bainbridge. The scattering of ashes will take place on the 4:45 am Bainbridge ferry. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 1:00 PM at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church also on Bainbridge Island. Memorial contributions can be made to the Rotary Club of Emerald City Foundation PO Box 21943 Seattle, WA 98111. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family.