Paul A. Criley

Paul Arnold Criley June 1, 1934 - April 9, 2017 passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 9th, 2017. He was born in Denver, CO on June 1st, 1934 to Lewis and Matilda Criley. A fourth generation Coloradoan, he grew up in North Denver, the youngest of three siblings, and graduated from North High School in 1952. He served in the United States Coast Guard for four years from 1953 to 1957. During this time he mostly served aboard the USCGC Eastwind (WAGB-279), an icebreaker that took him to both the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica. He was a member of Operation Deep Freeze I (1955), which established the first permanent research station at the South Pole. He returned to Denver after the Coast Guard and attended the University of Colorado, Boulder to earn a degree in Business. He married his loving wife, Marilyn, in 1961 and they remained married until his death. Paul and Marilyn raised four children and lived the majority of their life together in Westminster Colorado. Paul met Marilyn at Highlands Lutheran Church in Denver and they continued to be active members throughout their lives. After college, Paul earn his Certification of Public Accounting and joined Arthur Andersen. After several years at Arthur Andersen, Paul started an office supply business, Northwest Office Supplies. Paul returned to accounting as a partner in the firm Wright, Criley and Associates in Longmont Colorado. Paul also performed auditing work for the Indian Legal Services. After leaving his accounting practice, he went to work for his friend Ron Pearce at Baron Industries, and finished his career at Ditch Witch of the Rockies as their controller. Paul enjoyed golfing, model building, and spending time on his property in the mountains. He loved to read and was fascinated by topics of history and politics. He also enjoyed taking road trips with Marilyn in their RV, even driving all the way to Alaska. Paul was an active member of the community serving on the Shaw Heights Water District Board, the Highlands Church Council and as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He will always be remembered as a loving husband and father who always provided for his family. He will also be remembered for his witty and sarcastic sense of humor and way with words. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Matilda. his brother Ronald and his sister Mera Lou. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn, his children Sherri an her husband Ben of Chugiak, Alaska, Scott and his wife Stacy of Castle Pines, CO, Ann Marie her husband Keith of Broomfield, CO and James Lance and his partner Paul of San Diego, CA. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Matilda, Sadie, Kevin and Megan. Services will be held in Paul's honor on May 13, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Highlands Lutheran Church located at 3995 Irving Street, Denver, CO, 80211. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Highlands Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in memory of Paul Criley.