Paul Ackerly

Husband, father, brother, son and friend. All who were lucky enough to have him cross their timeline were graced with his gentle nature and wisdom. A man who was reserved with his words, always saving his voice for when it was truly needed. A person who lived an authentic life.

Growing up in Atlanta he embraced taking care of the people who mattered to him, always keeping a connection with friends and family. He ventured to the Triangle C Ranch in Dubois, Wy as a young man and worked summers learning how to be a cowboy.  Finding his home to be in the wind of Wyoming he chose to stay there and attended Casper College where he met the love of his life, Linda. They married and had two children, Ernie and Elaine. His fatherly nature was never limited to just his own offspring, taking many of their friends and other children under his wing helping to shape their lives for the better by teaching his skills in master woodworking. Many of them, including his son Ernie, went on to have careers in construction. Paul’s impact will be felt for many generations. Not just through the skills of the trade, but of the ethics and empathy that always came with them.

Paul’s talent can be seen in countless households in the form of magnificent staircases and fireplaces. In a more public setting his skill can be witnessed at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he donated most of the woodwork to make his wife smile and feel joy. A goal throughout their life together.

He spent countless hours making his and his wife’s dream ranch a reality on Hat Six Road. Fighting against the wind to mend the fences and bob around in his tractor to keep the roads passable.

Paul is preceded in death by his father Ernest, mother Mary Ella, in-laws, Madeline and Chuck, his love of over 50 years Linda and his son Ernest.

Lovingly remembered by his daughters Elaine and Shelly, sister MaryNell, brother Alan, grandsons Darren, Dillon, Colton, Tyler and Hunter, Uncle Bill, many nieces, nephew, extended family and dear friends.

While he has left us in the physical space his grace and empathy will forever be a part of who we are and we are better for it.

Paul passed peacefully Nov, 24th 2019 at Mountain Plaza with his sister holding his hand.