Paul Bernsen obituary

The Columbia Basin lost a favorite son on November 11, 2010. Despite
being born in Boston, Mass., Paul S. Bernsen (aka "The Silver Fox")
spent the majority of his life here in eastern Washington, raising his
family, growing his business, and becoming a household name among
hunting aficionados in this area and beyond.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a
dear friend to many. Born on September 8, 1931 to Margaret Anne McNeill and James Sydney Bernsen , Paul was the oldest of six. He moved to Washington in the
early 1950s and served his country on Moses Lake's Larson Air Force
Base. In 1953 he married Judith Lee Hargraves, with whom he had four
children. Over the next several decades, he distinguished himself as a
top salesman for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance, earning
membership at the Million Dollar Round Table for 25 consecutive years.
Also a charter member of the Moses Lake Businessman's Association, he
was instrumental in bringing the Hallmark Inn to the town.

Besides also functioning as the occasional record producer, Bernsen
was a prolific author. His books include The Bugle of the Elk, The
Goose That Went to Hollywood, and, his best-known work and genre
bestseller, The North American Waterfowler.

He will be forever remembered for his generosity. Whether surprising
his grown children and their families with fresh salmon dinners or
hiring crews from Pasco's Union Gospel Mission, Bernsen was always
willing to share what he had. He was even known to use his expertise
to help local farmers recover lost water rights from the government.
Bernsen was an avid sports fan, particularly the Boston Red Sox. He
also had a near-perfect attendance record at the games of his
grandchildren. Sometimes this meant spending the first quarter
cheering on a grandson, driving fifty miles, then arriving in time for
the last quarter of a granddaughter's game.

He is perhaps most famous for his work as a land developer and pioneer
in waterfowl clubs. Bernsen developed thousands of acres of land
throughout the Columbia Basin, from cherry and apple orchards and
thousands of acres of farm ground to Moses Lake's Sand Castle Estates.
He started Snake River Goose Camps in Walla Walla County, which was
eventually sold to Ralph Broetje to become Jubilee Christian School.
He developed thousands of acres of pristine wetlands throughout
Washington state. The Basin Goose and Duck Club he founded over sixty
years ago has become Eagle Lakes Ranch, which is still operated by his
sons and grandsons. His unique waterfowl style is still evident
everywhere.

Bernsen was preceded in death by Judy in 2002. He is survived by his
siblings James Bernsen, Anne Musmeci, Peggy Jacques, Besty Galeota,
and John Bernsen; his four children, Debbie Walker and husband Ric,
Tony Bernsen and wife Tina, Tammy Newman, and Mike Bernsen and his
wife Debi; his twelve grandchildren, Lindsay Stabler Poteet, Kaci
Hobart and husband Keith, Amanda Walker, Ryan Bernsen and wife
Jessica, Tyler Bernsen, Caz Newman, Brock Newman, Kayla Bernsen, Beau
Bernsen, Bailey Newman, Jake Bernsen, and Samantha Newman; and four
great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Kayser's Chapel of Memories in
Moses Lake, with a private service for family. Please sign the book or
leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com An open house
celebrating Paul's life will be held at Eagle Lakes Lodge, 903 Eagle
Rd, Othello, Wash. on Saturday, November 20th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
for all wishing to attend. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to
make a donation in Paul's name to Ducks Unlimited's Greenwing Program
supporting youth waterfowling.