“Jack” was born in New York City on November 24, 1922 to Elizabeth and Herbert Paus.
He grew up in Mamaroneck New York about 20 miles north of NYC. He attended private boarding school at Hotchkiss in Connecticut. He then went college at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA to study Mechanical Engineering. He completed his degree in 2 ½ years, in order that he join the war effort, World War 2. He initially joined as a private in the Army, but then accepted a position of Lieutenant in the Navy. He utilized his mechanical engineering to run the engine room on the ships. When the war was over, Jack joined the Merchant Marines and traveled all over the world on Cargo ships for 4 years. Jack also took flying lessons and got his pilot license thru the GI bill.
Jack then took a job in Niagara Falls, New York at the Union Carbide Corporation (now Dow Chemical). In Niagara Falls he met the “love of his life” Laila, who was visiting her from Norway. They dated about 2 months, but then Laila’s travel visa was up and the said goodbye not knowing if they’d ever see one another again. Jack flew to Norway a couple months later and proposed on the spot! They were married in Norway 3 weeks later.
Jack worked for Union Carbide for 35 years, allowing he, his wife Laila and their 4 children to live in 10 homes, moving with his job on the east coast of the United States and also in Switzerland. The Paus family lived in Niagara Falls New York, Fostoria Ohio, Chelmsford Massachusetts, Lawrenceburg Tennessee, Clarksburg West Virginia, Chelmsford Massachusetts, Cleveland Ohio, Geneva Switzerland and finally Wilton Connecticut, where Jack took an early retirement, from Vice President of Union Carbide at Age 60. During his career Jack always made a point to enjoy weekends with the family in activities including tennis, skiing, hiking, camping and traveling and special vacations thru out Europe. On one such trip, while the family stayed in Zermatt, Switzerland, Jack and an Italian friend summited the Matterhorn with 2 climbing guides.
Jack and Laila enjoyed first portion of retirement in Wilton Connecticut, then in 1995, they packed up and moved to beautiful Bainbridge Island to rejoin children who’d moved West. A good portion of most days were spent at Wing Point Country Club playing Tennis, Bridge and Golf. When not at Wing point they were busy offering support and guidance to family, and were helping raise grandkids on daily basis!
All four of Jack and Laila’s children now reside in Washington State. Lisa Rose, Mark Paus and Linda Floyd live on Bainbridge. Mike Paus lives in Issaquah. Jack was preceded in death by wife Laila in 2009. He maintained an active life style till the end! He lived in his home until age 94. He then transitioned to assisted living at Madrona House on Bainbridge. We are grateful for the excellent care and wonderful staff at Madrona House. In the weeks prior, he was surrounded by his 4 children, grandchildren, caring workers. Jack lived a very full life. He set a great example as a Gentleman and was looked up to and respected by all who knew him! Jack passed on his 96th Birthday! He lives on in our hearts and dreams! A memorial service will be held at Island Church on Saturday, January 12th at 1130 and reception to follow at Wing Point G&CC.
