Paul Donald Brook, 77, a Grayland resident, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at Harbor Regional Health in Aberdeen, Washington.
Paul was born on Dec. 19, 1945 to Donald and Phyllis (Dean) Brook, in Portland. In 1946, the family moved to Westport. He attended primary and secondary school at Ocosta and excelled as a multi-sport athlete and class leader in high school. Paul was freshman class president, junior prom king and ASB president. He met Jane Gerdes his freshman year, and they were married April 2, 1966.
He attended GH College and then enlisted during the Vietnam War in the Army. He was trained as a microwave radio electrical specialist and then served a year overseas in South East Asia. After his overseas tour he was stationed at Fort Huachuca and Fort Lewis. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army, he went to work for ITT Rayonier where he would become their youngest wood mill foreman, promoted to maintenance supervisor and then timber buyer. The restructuring of the company in the early 1980s led to widespread layoffs. His electrical training from the service, mill maintenance, and timber cruising and buying experience at ITT would give him the fundamental knowledge to start his own mill — Harbor Chip. Jane was an experienced bookkeeper and together they successfully created a business with a niche market that sold wood chips and hog fuel. Upon the sale of the mill, they retired and enjoyed their travels to the unexplored Baja. They also purchased a cranberry farm (Brook Farms) and have been part of the Ocean Spray family for over 32 years.
Paul is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jane Gerdes Brook of Grayland, his daughters: Angie Brook (Steve Woodberry) of Lacey and Christi Brook (Jim) Boora of Hoquiam; grandchildren: Brittani Boora and Jimmy Boora; sister, Pam (Ron) Davis of Kirkland; niece/nephew: Eric Davis and Brooke Davis; brother, Kelly Brook, (Jody Brook) nieces/nephews: Kyle Brook, Jennifer Brook Punke, Kelli Brook (deceased) along with numerous other family members.
Paul was a proud lifetime member of the VFW.
He leaves a footprint of a family man, friend, fisherman, hunter, avid outdoorsman and a Clint Eastwood like persona.
His life’s mantra: “If it’s not yours, don’t take it. If it’s not true, don’t say it. If it’s not right, don’t do it.”
Come join us in a celebration of Paul on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Ocosta Rec Hall at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
