Bradley Ty Paulsen, 73

Born June 8, 1948, to Ingomar “Ty” and Helen, in Fontana, Calif.

On Dec. 14, 2021, a truly remarkable man, Bradley “Opa” Paulsen, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 73 at his home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Nothing will ever replace Opa’s presence. He was a man most aspire to be — kind, generous, always positive, accepting, family-loving, forgiving, hardworking and selfless. His days were filled tending to most everyone but himself, usually whistling like a songbird, with a genuine smile that never faded. He loved everyone without question or exception. Every time he was with his family and friends, he would scan the room and say, “Now this is something special.” Opa made everyone around him feel special. It was clear to see, Opa’s heart was full of faith and reverent service. In this mournful time, we take solace in knowing Opa is watching over us from heaven.

To say Opa beamed when he spoke of his family would be an understatement. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life for 50+ years, Elizabeth, “Oma,” his eldest son, Clint, daughter-in-law, Leanne, and their daughter, Hannah (Opa’s first and only grandchild and the source of his nickname, Opa), his youngest son, Ben, Ben’s fiancé, Kelli, her children, Hayden and Olivia (Opa would always say he has three grandkids), his sisters, Carol and Marilyn, his sister-in-law, Chris, and brothers-in-law, Michael, Tim and Calvin, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

As a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, Opa loved his country and held a solemn pride for the time he served in the Army. He loved animals and nature. Opa’s passion for fishing and the outdoors was contagious. When not boating and fishing on Lake Coeur d’Alene, you could often find him, a contractor by trade, working on projects, or tinkering on a vehicle from his glory days, his recently acquired 1956 Willys Wagon. If you needed a do-it-all handyman, Opa was your guy.

Opa will be honored in a funeral service at Yates Funeral Home, located at 744 N. Fourth St, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at 2 p.m. The service will be followed by the burial at Riverview Cemetery with military honors and a reception at The Coeur d’Alene Resort (guests may go directly to The Coeur d’Alene Resort for the reception if they do not wish to attend the burial). Guests are welcome to attend any or all portions of the service/reception as they see convenient or comfortable. We recognize and respect the sensitivities and individual choices related to the current social environment. Safety and sanitization measures are offered at the service and reception.

Please visit Brad’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.

Yates Funeral Home entrusted with final arrangements.