Gaylord Paulson

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce that our dear Father Retired Captain Gaylord Oneil Paulson passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024 at the age of 84 after a short battle with Cancer. As a strong, supportive and loving Husband, Father and Grampy, he was our anchor and our strength. 

Born on December 2, 1939, to Gilbert Arnold and Lillian (Ostenson) Paulson in Elbow Lake Minnesota. In High School, Gaylord was the President of his class who was heavily involved in the music program including playing the Clarinet, being the Major in the high school Marching Band, using his deep rich Bass Voice in the Choir and being featured in their theater productions.

Graduating with honors from the University of Utah in 1962 with a Bachelors of Science Degree and later received his Masters Degree in Oceanography. He joined the Navy where he was an officer on numerous vessels including two tours on the USS Enterprise, the CO of the USS Merrill and his last post at sea as the Commanding Officer of the Nuclear Guided Missile Cruiser USS California as he served for 30 years with 18 years at sea and multiple tours at the Pentagon. 

Gaylord met the love of his life, Marianne Jane McPherson while stationed in San Diego. They met at the El Cortez Hotel Dance Hall when Marianne’s Mom told her to watch out for the Navy guys with their shinny shoes, but she did not listen, so her “Captain” swept her off her feet. In 1966, they married in Monterey and enjoyed 57 years together before Marianne’s passing last October.

During their life together, they moved every couple years and while on land he loved camping with his family across the country. Gaylord brought his family back to California anytime he could and eventually retired in the cowboy town of Alpine right outside of San Diego in 1990, where they became active members of the community and of the Alpine Community Church. Gaylord was very social and at heart was an entertainer who sang in the Church Choir, sang for years in the San Diego Sun Harbor Chorus and the Alpine Chorale. He really enjoyed making people laugh while in character in the skits they performed. Gaylord encouraged his kids and grandchildren to participate in choir, music programs and theater. 

Gaylord is survived by three of their four children: Kathi Mitchell, Linda Pierce (husband Patrick) and Robert Paulson (wife Jackie). Gaylord was also a very proud grandfather to his 6 grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He now joins his wife Marianne, their son Rick Lee Paulson, their grandson Michael Mitchell and his parents Arnold and Lillian Paulson in Heaven. We love you and will be thinking of your guidance and wisdom every day! We wish you “Fair Winds and Following Seas.” 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 1pm, at the United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, with US Navy Military Honors along with a Warbird Flyover. He will be laid to rest in Elbow Lake, Minnesota at Ness Cemetery beside his beloved. Donations may be made under his name through the Alpine Community Church at alpineucc.org or to the Pacifica House, Hospice of the North Coast at Hospicenorthcoast.org or the VFW.org. The family appreciates all of your prayers and support during this time.

Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake is in charge of local arrangements.