Paul Roy Waite

In Loving Memory

Paul Roy Waite, 76, passed away peacefully August 31, 2023, in Bountiful, UT, after a valiant battle with Lewy Body Dementia.  Paul was born in Oakland, California on April 29, 1947, to Dan C. and Marion Estelle Aga Waite. He was the second of 5 children.

Paul attended schools in Martinez, CA and graduated from Alhambra High School where he was a student athlete participating in football, basketball, and baseball.  Paul continued his love of sports in college and played football at Taft Junior College and Weber State, where he set many records.  He graduated with a BS in Physical Education from Weber in 1970.

Paul met the love of his life, Julie Knudsen, at Weber State and asked her to marry him 12 days later.  In his words, “When you know, you know.” They were married on November 23, 1968, and settled in Centerville, UT where they raised their family. They were married for 54 years.

After college, Paul signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent and played preseason ball, but did not make the final roster, although he continued to be a lifelong fan.

In August 1970, Paul joined the Utah National Guard and concluded his military career with the rank of Colonel, retiring in December of 2000.  His military awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Special Forces Tab, Pathfinder Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge with 137 completed jumps. Paul graduated from the United States Army War College in 1992. Most of his military career was spent with the 19^th Special Forces. He served as Group Commander of the 19^th and spent time overseas training troops.

Paul’s civilian career encompassed 41 years serving students and families in Davis School District.  He was a secondary educator teaching at Viewmont and Bountiful High Schools where he taught history, physical education, and weight training.  Paul was the head football coach at Bountiful High School for 10 years and coached a State Championship team.  While teaching, Paul completed his Master of Education from BYU and was hired as an Assistant Principal and then Principal at Viewmont.  Paul retired in 2012 as an Assistant Superintendent with an Ed.D. in Administration and Leadership from the University of Utah. 

Paul thoroughly enjoyed retirement spending his time playing golf, golf, and golf, had season tickets to the University of Utah football games (for more years than we can remember) and spending time with family and friends.

Paul is survived by his wife Julie and most favorite child (whom he had to fight for her love and attention from) “O” the cat.  Daughters, Kelly Mattena (Mark), Shelby Kleyn (Gerald), grandchildren, Mitchell, Katherine, Dallas, Anders, Parker, Sophie, and Linnea.  Siblings, Melody (Melvin) Hillier, Carol Small, Danielle (Stephen) Sneeringer, sister-in-law Myrlai Waite, sister-in-law Kristin Castleman, and cherished nieces and nephews. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Dan and Estelle Waite, brother Art Waite, daughter Stacy Waite and brother-in-law Lorin Castleman.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023, in the Russon Mortuary Chapel, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, UT.  A viewing will be held from 12:45 – 1:45 p.m. prior to the services. The funeral service will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Paul’s name to The Lewy Body Dementia Association:  https://www.lbda.org/donate/ or a charity of your choice.