Funeral - Paul Didier

What a fitting song for a man who, even in the face of his greatest trial, was full of gratitude.

In First Thessalonians chapter 5, verses 16 through 18, we read these words: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Paul Didier understood something profound about gratitude—that it's not a response to our circumstances, but a declaration of faith in the midst of them. Even as he faced his diagnosis, Paul's first instinct was to make sure we all knew where he stood: firmly planted in thanksgiving, firmly trusting in God's goodness.

Let me share with you about the life of this remarkable man:

Obituary:

Paul Robert Didier (68) passed away peacefully on Jan 2, 2026. From the diagnosis, he wanted people to know he was OK, that he was not mad at God, and insisted on doing a gratitude video to say that very clearly.

He was born to Robert Didier and Irene (Boughton) Didier on January 28, 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the second of 6 children. As a family, they went to Perham, Minnesota every summer for the big family gathering at Babe's Resort. They also enjoyed camping as a family. When Paul was in 8th grade, they moved from St. Paul to Yakima then Selah, Washington.

After graduating from high school in 1975, he went to J M Perry Trade school for HVAC. He worked in the trade until someone saw something in him and asked him to run a business in Moses Lake. He eventually went to Spokane to run then own Heat Transfer. He was very good at what he did. He eventually grew the business and had 28 employees. When given the right opportunity, he sold the business. What to do? He started working with our church doing different administrative jobs until they discovered they needed him full time. He worked as the church administrator for 20+ years.

Paul and Karla got married October 17, 1987 and soon had Brianne then Brett. While he was busy with "running a business," we had trips and camping and such that he always made time for. He was a part of the kids' activities and school events. Paul loved being a dad to our two children. There are so many pictures of him sitting with them, playing with them, building something for them, teaching them…. This continued with grandchildren. Pickleball, projects, darts, snuggling, reading and playing games.

Paul was always good at taking care of people. He helped many family members at different times along with other friends and neighbors. His impact was global as he helped build churches with the MOVE group in Peru and Argentina. He worked in Cambodia to put in solar panels so they could have consistent electricity for their school and training facility. He worked in Thailand to put in electricity and air conditioning. He wanted to do what he could to make others' lives better. He felt strongly that he wanted his life, time and skills to leave a legacy meeting the needs of others.

Another passion Paul had was for the security of our church. He headed up a security team, watched videos, and did trainings to make sure, as best he could, that none of that bad stuff was going to happen on his watch!

On the way home from talking with the neuro-surgeon on Oct 24 of his diagnosis, we went to Panda. We laughed and saw irony in his "fortune" that said: You never hesitate to tackle the most difficult problems. Though, yes, there were moments, to be sure of "Oh God!!! How can I walk this road?" Paul also went into 'Paul-mode' to make sure that all he was taking care of would continue. He was so intentional in meeting with people and speaking into their lives. He was so present at church, letting the words and music speak life and hope to him. There was grace and provision in this difficult time - Altars in our wilderness that tell the story of His faithfulness. God is good – all the time.

Paul is survived by his wife, Karla Didier; his children Brianne (Cameron) White and Brett (Amny) Didier. His grandchildren: Elijah, Isaac and Adelyn White. Nelson, Graham and Suzannah Didier. His mom, Irene Didier and siblings: Laurie Horn, Peter (Lydia) Didier, Dean Didier and Danielle (Elton) Prince. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Didier and his sister, Michelle Gerard. Paul had a very large extended family. He is loved and missed.

Testimonies:

I want to share with you some reflections from those whose lives were touched by Paul:

Brad Goeman, former Assistant Pastor at Turning Point and now pastor in Florida, writes: "Paul was a great man, and a great friend. He was always willing to help, but did it in a way that equipped me to be capable myself, in the future. I loved his heart, his willingness to serve God, and yet be strong in his convictions. One of my favorite memories was sharing a medication with Paul that I had gotten while on a mission trip in Mexico. Lesson learned. Don't share medications from Mexico! I will leave the rest of that story alone. Paul, I love you and will forever miss you."

RaeAnne Hedstrom, former Assistant to Paul Didier, shares: "It was an honor and pleasure to work with Paul. He was a good steward of what the Lord provided him, which led to excellence in all he did and oversaw. There's a misconception that such standards cannot coexist with compassion, but Paul was a challenge to the very notion. His high expectations were gladly met because of his kindness, thoughtfulness, and good humor. Working with Paul gave me opportunity to grow both professionally and spiritually and I am forever grateful!"

Nathan and Candi Hagan, former Assistant Pastor and now Regional Executive Director, says: "The entire Hagan family sends their love to the Didiers. Paul made a significant impact on our lives, having known and worked with for over 20 years. We have lots of deeply and dearly held memories with Paul. My office was right next to Paul's at the church and I was grateful to have him as my office neighbor. While I could share many stories about Paul, such as trips to Bruchi's, climbing up the scaffolding in the Worship Center to change lights (I still have nightmares about this), or doing projects up at the camp, my favorite memory with Paul took place the night before we hosted 'The Big Event' on the current church property to raise funds for the new building. It had rained all day and into the night and our large event tent was completely flooded and muddy, not in any way suitable for the hundreds of people who would be coming early in the morning for the event. We were up all night dealing with this issue, Paul used a back hoe to build trenches and try to address the flooding. Eventually sometime in the early mornings the raining stopped and by 10AM, the location was dry enough to have the event. It was truly a supernatural miracle. I'll never forget what God did that night. This was one of many 'miracles' God used Paul for throughout the church and his many years serving on staff. While I could take hours to share stories and affirmations about Paul, as many here today could do, I was grateful most of all to simply call him my friend."

Nick Potvin, former Facilities Director who worked closely with Paul, says: "Paul was an amazing mentor, leader, and friend. Getting to know him over the past three years has been one of the greatest blessings. He may never fully know the impact he had on me and on so many others, but it truly shows his character and his love for this church and the people in it. His legacy is not only this building and everything within it. It is the hearts and lives he touched, while spreading the character of God."

And Robert Robertson, who worked with Paul on several projects, especially in Cambodia, shares this: "In a world where many of us grew up with fathers who were present in body but absent in guidance, Paul quietly became the wise, steady mentor and father figure we desperately needed as men—especially later in life—always ready with business insight and hard-earned life wisdom, even though he had grown up with that same profound absence himself."

These aren't just nice words at a funeral—they're the fingerprints of a life well-lived, evidence of what happens when someone takes seriously Jesus' call to serve others. Paul understood that legacy isn't just about what we build with our hands, though he built plenty. It's about what we build in people's lives. It's about being present in the difficult moments, about showing up when the tent is flooded at midnight, about making sure the next generation is equipped to carry on.

And now, we'll hear from two people who knew Paul's heart better than anyone—his daughter Brianne, and his beloved wife Karla.