Paul Kenneth Hanks SR
May 25, 1955 - May 2, 2024
Obituary
Paul Kenneth Hanks, Sr., 68, of Burien, WA, died on May 2, 2024. Paul was born in Spokane, WA in 1955 to Frances and Russell Hanks. Paul attended Highline High School before studying Ceramic Engineering at the University of Washington and earning his Master’s Degree in Computer Systems from City University. Paul retired from Boeing after more than 40 years.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother Frances, and is survived by his wife of 46 years Elizabeth, son Kenneth (Brianna), and their children Xavier and Cora, son James, father Russ, brothers Eric, Cliff, and Gordon.
Paul loved to build communities. He developed life-long friendships and loved to spend evenings in the backyard with his close friends over a glass of wine or scotch. He would often cook for, or with, his friends and share jokes and stories for hours.
Paul was also active in the Catholic Church and served St. Francis of Assisi Parish as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, Mass live-stream minister, as well as a member of the choir, Finance Council, and the Knights of Columbus. He was always willing to help anywhere his talents or deep voice could serve others.
One of the hobbies that brought Paul joy was feeding others. He loved to cook and bake for his family and friends, especially bread. Paul constantly tried new recipes and would spend hours preparing and making dinner for Elizabeth or treats for his grandchildren. For decades, he continued a tradition started by one of his childhood neighbors of baking dozens of Christmas coffee cakes and delivering them to loved ones.
When he wasn’t at church or at home, he spent time building communities with others who shared his passion for wine. Paul was a regular at wine tastings at Burien’s Vino Bello and the Greek House (both now closed) and his most recent favorite Humble Vine. He would spend hours making new friends through wide-ranging conversations.
The Funeral Mass will be held 10:30am on May 14, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Burien. Donations may be made to: the Archdiocese of Seattle, KCTS 9 (PBS), Fred Hutch Cancer Center in lieu of flowers.
This is Michele from Vino Bello and I’m just now hearing about this devastating turn of events for Paul. Paul was lived by so many, he was so kind, thoughtful and generous, his passion for wine was unrivaled and his support of the community never wavered. My love goes out to his kids and mostly Elizabeth who he lived with his whole heart.