Paul Sornsin
January 1, 1970 ~ January 25, 2014
Paul Sornsin, age 57, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2014, at home in Grand Junction, CO from complications associated with dementia. He was surrounded by immediate family, friends and assisted by HopeWest Hospice.
Paul was born in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Roland and Barbara Sornsin. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson in 1977 and worked 26 years at the Developmental Work Activity Center (DWAC) until his retirement in the spring of 2003.
Paul enjoyed Boy Scouts, travelling, visiting family in Colorado and California, journaling his daily life, dancing at the activity center with friends, singing, doing art, spending time at Lake Melissa and volunteering at the ARC Thrift store. Paul had a wonderful sense of humor and wit. He was also the coordinator for all of the family parties.
Paul is survived by his mother, Barbara Sornsin of Englewood, CO; sister, Ann (John) Peery of Littleton, CO and their son Nate (Courtney) of Seattle, WA; sister, Mary (Mike Agee) of Grand Junction, CO; brother, Steve (Therese) and their children, Allison and Patrick of Alamo, CA. He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents and a special Aunt, Madeline Connelly.
The family thanks HopeWest Hospice with a special thank you to Dr. Carol Fowler and Dr. David Gordon, as well as Paul’s caring staff both in Grand Junction and Fargo.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southeast Human Services Center Account, DWAC Job Shop of Fargo, ND.
May you rest in peace Paul. You are loved by those who knew you. You were a wonderful teacher and will be greatly missed.
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Pelican Rapids MN
To the Family of Paul Sornsin,
It feels like I have lost a an old friend and I have with the death of Paul! We spent the past five weeks in FL and that is the reason this message is late.
I loved the obituary that you wrote for Paul! It was right on target! I, too, so enjoyed Paul’s great sense of humor and his great wit! He was always caring and loving to the members of his family and his classmates and teachers, and paras!
Barb, you gave Paul all of your love and dedication during his lifetime! Paul also had a meaningful life working at the DWAC, Job Shop, and at the ARC Thrift Store. I am so very happy that your grown children assisted you with Paul! He always talked so much about them, too!
I know that Paul is in Heaven singing and dancing and greeting his father, and other friends who have passed away!
God Bless the Memory of Paul Sornsin!
Love, Kathy Stigman (Paul’s first teacher at Woodrow Wilson School in the Fargo Public Schools).
Fargo ND
Dear Paul Sornsin Family:
Our sincerest condolences to you on the passing of Paul, your beloved son and brother and a dear friend of ours. We were surprised and saddened to hear of his passing.
We are so thankful for the gift of knowing Paul. It was a delight to see him at Mass at Nativity. And it was also a delight to see him at various Arc of Cass County Buddie events. We truly enjoyed the pictures with the “Three Paul’s” at the Arc events. And just simply interacting with him was such a joy.
Paul lived a rich life. He was able to do many things such as travelling, working at DWAC, the Arc store, and may other things. But more enriching was how magically he enhanced the life of others. Paul was incredible in so many ways!!
Paul truly was a gift to all of us. He had a kindness about him that radiated. He brought a calming delight to a room. He had a smile that was inviting and made your heart smile from the inside out. God places wonderful people on this earth and in our lives, and Paul Sornsin was one of those people.
We feel blessed to have known Paul. May the lessons and love he has shown all of us be eternal memories. I have no doubt that the Lord is gently welcoming Paul into the palm of his hands.
During this time and always, know that we are thinking and praying for you and Paul. May you find peace, consolation and cherished memories yours each and every day. Take care and know that we care.
Sincerely,
Paul, Sheila, and Paul Wm. Leier
Fargo, ND
Casper WYPaul was always my buddy and I was his wife. I will always remember the fun times we had together.
West fargo North Dakota
I will always remember Paul at lake Melissa so full of life and always happy! I am sorry for your loss and I hope u can find comfort knowing how many lives Paul’s big smile touched!
Kathy
Fargo, ND
We are sorry to hear about Paul’s death. We knew him from Helaine Arnold’s religion classes. We were volunteers there.
With deep sympathy
Mark and Hella Helfter.
My Mom, Mary Miller, my daughter, Angie, and I loved our visits to see Barb and Paul. Paul was always so happy and loved visiting with us. He was the perfect host, too. My love and sympathy to you, Barb! Paul was a treasure!
West Fargo ND
Dear Sornsin Family,
I was filled with sorrow reading of Paul’s death. He was a ray of sunshine in my life as a child. Your Mother, and my Mother were St. Anthony’s friends and would often have afternoon coffee together along with Paul and myself. We were both late in life babies, I am guessing. He is a delightful memory of my youth on 7th street. Our paths crossed later in life when I started working as a social worker and I enjoyed our visits. My most cherished memory of your brother was the loving note he sent after the death of my Mother. God Bless you all, Jane DuBord-Hill
Fargo ND
Paul was my cousin and my friend. In reality he was everyone’s friend. He always had a positive attitude and a hug for me and Nancy. I have been fortunate to live near Paul for almost my entire life. Being able to get together with Barb & Paul & Mary was always a highlight of our summers. It was a sad day when we heard of Paul’s passing.
You will be missed!!!
Fargo ND
I always enjoyed seeing Paul and Barbara in Church at Nativity in Fargo. Paul was a happy, pleasant guy to be around. I’m sure he will be missed by all.
So sorry for the Sornsin Family.
fargo ND
We will always remember Paul and his cheerful disposition. We are hoping the Denver Broncos will win the Super Bowl for you on your birthday, Paul.
Naples FloridaPaul was my cousin and we will miss hime very much. He always had a great attitude and big smile. He spread his happiness to everyone he met. Love Laurie & Bob
Fargo North Dakota
Paul was a very special neighbor when we lived on 7th Street in Fargo. Rest in peace neighbor. Your kisses will always be remembered.
So sorry to hear that Paul died. Paul was always so positive and loving. Bill and I are thinking about all of you during this
difficult time. Remembering you and Paul in our hearts.
State College PaLinda and I will always remember our visit with Mary, Mike, and Paul in Fargo a few years ago. Paul had a wonderful sense of humor and used frequently in conversations. Paul was an inspiration for many of his cousins because of his zest for life and his positive attitude. We know Paul is in Heaven and we will pray for his family. Much love Bob and Linda Hendrickson
Grand junction CoMay you rest in peace sweet angel.
You will always be in my heart.