Paul Robert Monk, 80, of Anthem, Arizona passed away peacefully with his family present on July 24, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona. He was born on May 7, 1942, to Elmer and Astrid Monk in Seattle, Washington. His beloved sister, Dale, clearly recalls it was a sunny day, which is rare for May in Seattle, but Paul was a rare man, so it was a sign of things to come. Paul graduated from West Seattle High School in 1960, and later attended Olympic College and the University of Washington. Paul met Suzanne Bendt on a fateful bus journey in 1961. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he would tell all it was love at first sight. They were married in Enumclaw, Washington on June 18, 1965. They had three children, Ynez, Russell and Deana. While in high school, Paul spent summers working with his father Elmer, and Uncle Bob on the charter boat, the Sea-Mar in Tokeland, Washington, as well as Washington State Ferries in several roles. He served on the MV Kalakala and MV Tillicum. He even had the opportunity to steer the MV Kalakala. As he tells the story, it got a bit too close to the shoreline, so that was his only opportunity. He served in the US Air Force, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. While in college, Paul returned to the Washington State Ferries, serving on the MV Vashon. He also worked for Boeing as a Stores Clerk, Fabrication Inspector and Tool and Production Planner. His love of Puget Sound, the Pacific Ocean and everything maritime carried forward as he migrated to the Steamship industry, first in Seattle for Arthur J Fritz & Co, then transferring to Portland, Oregon in 1971. He then moved to Olympic Steamship Co, where he stayed for 13 years, becoming the District Manager. In 1987, he moved to International Shipping Co, Inc, where he was the General Manager and Board member, and stayed until retirement in 2006. Paul loved being a Steamship Agent. He had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, learn about various cultures, and continue working in the maritime field he adored. He served as President of the Portland Steam Operators Association in 1986, an honor he was very proud of. He had many interesting experiences, but none as challenging as being the agent for the owner of MV New Carissa, a freighter that ran aground on a beach near Coos Bay, Oregon in February 1999. Paul and Suzy raised their family in Oregon City, Oregon and resided there from 1972 until retiring to Anthem, Arizona in February 2007. Paul was a loving and dedicated husband to Suzy for 57 years, father and grandfather. In Arizona, he and Suzy were able to be actively involved in the lives of their daughters and grandchildren. Paul loved boating on the Willamette River and Lake Merwin, first with the Monk Maru, and later the Daydreamer. He shared many family adventures, from camping, the cabin in Westport, Washington, and visiting with cherished family in Seattle after relocating to Portland. He was kind, patient, funny, honest, and touched the lives of the people he met, whether professionally or personally. He was an eternal glass ¾ full guy – always finding the positive. He had a warm laugh, inviting smile and was so much fun to be with – whether hanging out at home or on an adventure. He spent his later years living with Parkinson’s and Advanced Metastatic Prostate Cancer. When he found out his cancer was no longer in remission, he found humor, stating he found his cure for Parkinson’s – cancer. On June 7, 2021, Paul celebrated 50 years of sobriety from alcohol. The amazing accomplishment was celebrated with his family and memorialized with 18,250 pennies – one for each day sober. He added another 365 pennies this past June. Paul received great care, comfort, and comradery at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center in Phoenix. In his final days, he was surrounded by his family at Hospice of the Valley. Their staff provided compassion and comfort for Paul and his entire family. Paul passed peacefully with his wife Suzy and daughter Ynez at his side. Paul is survived by his beloved wife Suzy, daughter Ynez Cross, son-in-law Dave Low, daughter Deana Crisp, son-in-law Mike Crisp, favorite granddaughter Sabrina Bonn and her husband Marcos Gutierrez, cherished grandsons Carver Bonn and Bradon Cross, and adoring big sister, Dale Cameron. He is reunited with his son Russell Monk, parents Elmer and Astrid Monk, and many dear friends who have preceded him in death. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 27, 2022 at Chapel of the Chimes in Glendale, Arizona. Information and memories of Paul can be shared at www.ChapeloftheChimesMortuary.com. A secondary celebration will be held in Seattle in June 2023.

Published in The Arizona Republic