Paul Lyford

Paul Francis Lyford was welcomed into the world at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon on August 2, 1991 to the delight of his parents’ Leo and Julie’s hearts. He became part of a large and loving family in cities far and wide. He welcomed a baby brother Michael in 1993. In the early years of their lives, the brothers were seldom seen apart; each of them as cute and smart as they could be and different as night and day.

Paul’s birthday was celebrated every year at the Lyford reunion at Waldport, Oregon, which became his favorite place in the world throughout his almost 33 years. Julie made an artistic cake for him each year and Paul received many gifts, prompting other cousins to complain, “Why can’t my birthday be at the beach?”

Paul learned easily at O’Hara and Marist Catholic schools, where he was an avid sports fan and hard-working athlete. He continued his education at the University of Oregon where he graduated in 2014 with a social science degree. An enthusiastic Duck, Paul memorized stats and attended every game he could, collecting jerseys from favorite players.

Paul most recently attended Grand Canyon University where he prepared to become a teacher. A past Grand Knight at Knights of Columbus at Saint Jude’s, at the time of his death Paul was a member of the Saint Mary’s Sunday Choir. Paul died July 6, 2024 and is survived by his parents Julie and Leo Lyford of Happy Valley, Oregon and his brother Michael Lyford of Seattle Washington.

As he is welcomed into heaven by loving ancestors too many to mention, Paul looks them in the eye and sharply nods his head in his signature greeting. He turns to his extended family of multi-generational cousins, aunts, uncles and friends here on earth and does the same. Paul might quote the Marist slogan to us now “WE ARE ONE.”

Mass of Christian burial Saint Mary’s Catholic Church 1062 Charnelton Street, August 1, 2024 12:15 pm followed by burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery. 

Click here to Provide donations in Paul’s memory; Made to the O’Hara Catholic School Paul Lyford Memorial Fund