Tribute

With immense sadness we announce that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Paul Richard Steffens, 73, of Powell River, BC, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2021.

Paul was born on September 25, 1947 to Rose and John Steffens in Merritt, BC. Growing up he loved spending time at the Steffens’ family ranch in Merritt. After graduating from Merritt Secondary School, he went on to study mechanical engineering at Michigan Technological University.

Upon earning his degree, Paul worked for Western Star Trucking in Kelowna, then moved to Lillooet to work for Evans Products.  At 35, Paul decided to get his MBA from Oregon State University, after which he and his family moved to Powell River where he was the wood room/sawmill manager with MacMillan Bloedel. Dissatisfied by the bureaucracy of a large company, he decided to move to the ranks of the self-employed as a partner in Westview Dredging and later as sole owner of Atek Hydrographic Surveys.

Paul was a member of the Professional Engineers and Geologists of British Columbia and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Paul enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially camping, hunting, skiing and target practice. He also took pleasure in traveling, either through work or with family and friends.  His favourite pastimes, though, were dinners at the beach and putting on fish fry gatherings. In his later years, he took up guitar lessons and would spend hours listening to country music. You could be sure to find him shopping in the local Canadian Tire. He was always generous, lending anything he had to those in need and donating to local charities.

Paul is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy, daughters Kristina (Warren) Steffens and Jennifer (Shawn) Hight and grandchildren Ayden and Arya.

To all the friends he made along the way, he valued your friendship dearly. Family services will be held at a later date.