Obituary of Paul Leslie Sullivan

Hagerman -- Paul L. Sullivan, 84, passed away on Nov. 1, 2011. Born on Jan. 14, 1927 near Acequia to George and Bliss Gentry Sullivan, Paul was the second of 11 children in a tight-knit family that to this day believes in the pulling-yourself-up-by-the bootstraps ethic as well as taking care of each other. Paul, known to some as “Les,” was acknowledged by those who knew him to be an honest, frugal and kind-hearted gentleman with a well-developed sense of dry humor. He did his best to teach his three living children the difference between right and wrong. Always, people who knew Paul regarded him as insightful and highly ethical. Many consider him the rock in their lives and wonder how to move on without his steadying advice and presence. After establishing himself as a formidable basketball player -- along with his brothers, he graduated from Acequia high School in 1945. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, and afterward went on to major in agronomy at the University of Idaho, graduating in 1952. He married Sheila Theresa Kelton on Nov. 15, 1948. They had four children. He drew a homestead eight miles north of Rupert in 1956 and farmed it until 1965. He went to work for the Farmer’s Home Administration in 1962 and retired in 1987. His wife died in 1991, and shortly after he began keeping company with Iris Jankow of Ketchum. They have been best friends and companions ever since. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his daughter Victoria Theresa, his granddaughter Sarah Dean, his brother George Sullivan and sisters Margaret Sullivan and Flora Bennyhoff. He is survived by his children Julie (Steve) Pence of Murtaugh, Mike (Carol) Sullivan of Jerome, and Becky (John) Dean of Buhl. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Regan Pence of Boise, Casey Pence of Fredericksburg, Virg., Jacob Sullivan of Boise, Jennifer Sullivan of Boise, and Emily Dean of Twin Falls. In addition, he is survived by his brothers Bob Sullivan, John L. Sullivan, Jim Sullivan and Richard Sullivan, and two sisters Mary Dallolio and Cecelia McCain, plus many cousins and nieces and nephews. And of course, his trusty, devoted friend, Iris Jankow. The viewing will be held at Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls on Friday, Nov. 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. Graveside services will be held at the Rupert Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. Afterward, a reception will be held at Mary Dallolio’s home near Paul. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Jubilee House, P.O. Box 5684, Twin Falls, ID 83303 Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com