8 April 1921 to 26 December 2016

After 95 interesting and adventurous years, Paul J. Kersten peacefully passed away the morning after Christmas.  Coming of age in World War II Europe as the eldest of thirteen children, the Germans took him and placed him in a forced labor camp.  Over a period of years, he escaped, headed west, was recaptured, escaped again, and made his way to southern Holland, which was behind allied lines.  His family, however, was stuck north of the line, so a reunion had to wait until the war’s end.

He then assisted his family in re-starting their shipping business, which his father had scuttled at the beginning of the war rather than have the Germans take it over.  Eventually he found his way to America, working in shipping in New York harbors.  He met the love of his life – Evelyn Kersten nee Smith – in New York, and they were married in 1971.  Their marriage was highlighted by mutual kindness and support, setting a positive and high standard for many of the younger generation in the family.  Paul’s senses of humor and whimsy were well-developed, and to experience Evelyn’s laugh in reaction was to hear joy.

An accomplished sailor, Paul could navigate by the stars.  He sailed the Escapade out of City Beach as frequently as possible, providing the perfect calm captain counter to first mate Evelyn’s more excitable sailing style.  Other family members also served as crew, manning the winches in calm and wavy waters.  Through one storm, Paul had the crew tacking as many as 30 times an hour, and loved every minute of it.

Paul and Evelyn also traveled the world, north and south and east and west.  One trip found them at a wedding in Alaska where the elements of water and air threatened to overtake their balance with fire and earth.  Through an epic squall, Paul directed and joined a nephew in holding a 4’ x 8’ piece of plywood over the salmon-filled barbeque.  This feat was celebrated into the night, or at least late into the endless day as occurs there in the summer.

A spiritual but not wooden man, he dabbled in alchemy.  And with healthy habits, and a firm belief in alternative medicine, he was largely prescription drug-free well into his 90s.  As a PhD teaching nurse, Evelyn provided the important service of keeping Paul grounded.

Paul outlived his beloved Evelyn by several years.  He is survived by a son, Joost Ketting, of Holland, from an early relationship, two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three sisters, a brother, as well as nieces, nephews and those of younger generations nearly too numerous to count.  He and Evelyn were as generous in death as in life, leaving contributions to numerous charities.  As per his wishes, there will be no service.