Paul W. Poulson

Paul William Poulson of Poway, California—master craftsman, unequaled problem solver, and the greatest giver—died on Friday, October 12, 2018. He left this world encircled by those he loved with fierce loyalty and passion. He was 47. Taken too soon, yet Paul left indelible marks from a life brimming with joy and adventure. Born November 22, 1970 in La Mesa, California to Bill and Carol (Gale) Poulson, Paul began his journey feet first before reaching the hospital—fair warning to the world that he would do things in his own, genius way, on his own terms, and in his own time. Convention was never his concern.

Raised in Spring Valley, California, Paul graduated from Monte Vista High School in 1988. Three years later, he married Becky (Rebecca) Reyes on June 29, 1991. Becky was Paul’s perfect companion, the woman of his dreams, the yin to his yang. Paul loved family, adventure, music, and travel; he and Becky saw much of the world together.

Paul’s capacity to focus, concentrate, and conquer virtually any challenge was unmatched. He was blessed with supernatural insight and loved to solve puzzles of every kind. Paul could make anything into a game. Relentlessly competitive while also wielding an iron will, Paul was rarely—if ever—bested at anything. He was a natural at essentially every sport he tried. And he was a sportsman through and through. On the very rare occasion when a putt didn’t drop, the ball failed to score, the fish got away, or when the disc found water or missed the chains, things might get heated. Sometimes equipment would be abandoned as faulty—because surely the failure was unrelated to human error; that was unthinkable. Leaving “defective” equipment for his competitors to “inherit” was just one of a thousand ways Paul’s generosity was manifest. And let’s be clear, Paul never bought anything but the best. He lived by the phrase, “Buy it nice, or buy it twice.” Strangely enough, however, Paul often purchased the nicest things more than twice. He was a lover of nice things.

Paul marshaled his best traits as the founder of Poulson Hardwood Flooring, a successful construction business he built and developed for nearly 30 years. Paul’s chosen profession allowed him to express his exceptional talents with incredible flair. He was a dedicated, hard worker. But it is also true Paul rarely allowed work to distract him from his passion for fun and family. Not only did he fill his home with his own custom, handmade furniture and floors, Paul’s gifted hands touched many hundreds of homes throughout San Diego County that now bear his signature craftsmanship—work best described as nothing less than art.

Paul was a stoic but not simple, brilliant without boasting. He let the greatness of his life speak for itself. But he also couldn’t help himself when it came to speaking of and caring for those he loved with unique devotion, most of who are left to honor his remarkable legacy. Forever first in line was (and always will be) his beloved Becky (wife of 27 years), and their three children: Nathan (Kendal), Kara (Ryan) Zacchilli, and Justin. And then there’s his grandson Jackson—the apple of Paul’s eye. Watching Paul with Jackson revealed the grandeur of his soul, a man of deep compassion and an overflowing capacity to love and generously give. He is also survived by his parents (mentioned above); his in-laws, Ernie and Vangie (Esquibel) Reyes; ten siblings: Carrie, Kimber (Dyke) Millard, Rick (Kathie), Amy (Jeff) Riddle, Emily (Mike) Jackson, Jennifer (Jeff) Card, Bryce (Andrea), Wade (Lyric), Kayce (Quinn) Heap, and Amber (Keith) Lowell; his sister in-law Cyndie (Mark) Hollister, brother in-law Ernie (Neomi) Reyes; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Paul has left us all trailing clouds of glory.

A memorial celebrating Paul’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14211 Twin Peaks Road, Poway, California. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests to do as Paul would and give your talents, time, and means to those around you while expecting absolutely nothing in return.

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