Paul Erley, age 90, of Coupeville passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7 at Careage of Whidbey nursing home.

Born to Marian (neé Llewllyn) and Walter A. Erley, he grew up in Chicago.

After serving in WWII he came home, attended the University of Illinois School of Engineering and married Phyllis Ann Homan.

They eventually moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they raised their family. Paul enjoyed his work, which involved helping customers solve problems through engineering.

Paul is survived by his son, Robert and his girlfriend, Bev Holstun; daughter, Nancy and her wife, Lynn Terwoerds; and granddaughter, Sarah. He was an extremely loving and supportive father, passing along his sense of adventure and love of life to his children. After retirement, Paul and Phyllis moved to Whidbey Island to be close to their children.

Paul was a model railroad enthusiast, attending the Oak Harbor model railroad club meetings until very recently with the help of fellow member and friend Bill Harper. He also earned his pilot’s license at an early age and completed a parachute jump on his 75th birthday. Paul shared his hobbies with his son Bob – flying and model railroad, and his sense of adventure with his daughter Nancy – sailing and HAM radio. He was very proud of his family and engaged in life to the end, often saying, “Every day is a bonus day.”

We wish to thank the staff at Careage of Whidbey for their care, compassion and advocacy through the years. Services will be held at 2 p.m., July 19, at Burley Funeral Chapel, 30 SE Ely Street in Oak Harbor. Family and friends are welcome.