To view the flowers from Paul's service, click here: Paul Ness Flowers

Memorial Service to celebrate Paul's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. November 11, 2023 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Visitation: November 10, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Paul Anderson Ness , 88, born on July 5th, 1935, in Drayton, ND, passed away on October 9, 2023, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks.

Paul was raised and educated in his hometown of Drayton, where he graduated from Drayton High School at the age of 17. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, dedicating three years of his life in service to his country, stationed on the aircraft carrier Kearsarge.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Paul pursued higher education at the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.  He had a successful career in engineering, first working for the Schlumberger Well Company. His position took him far and wide, including assignments in Texas, Alaska, California, and Hawaii. Throughout life, Paul was game for adventure and traveled to far corners of the globe when the opportunity presented.

In 1973, Paul became the first person in history to request a move from Hawaii to North Dakota.  Seeking to return home, he took a position with General Electric as a service representative, and eventually settled in Minot, ND. He retired from General Electric in 1995.

Paul was a dedicated member of several organizations, including the American Legion, Eagles, American Vets, Sons of Norway, Elks, and Moose. His commitment to these organizations, as well as years of volunteering with Meals on Wheels, reflected his sense of community and his desire to help those in need.

In his retirement years, Paul had a passion for golf and enjoyed many rounds on the course, as well as on the 19th hole. Always the loyal brother, he shared a daily call with his sister, and moved to Grand Forks in 2015 to be closer to her. As was the case throughout his life, he made friends wherever he went, and remained connected to lifelong friends – without the use of social media! Even toward the end of his illness he impressed his family with his ability to track birthdays and milestones from memory.  He was a great storyteller and could make a bad joke really funny. Ask any of his great nephews or nieces and they could tell you a special story they heard from him.

Paul was a great uncle – a really great uncle.  Uncle Paul: hard worker, great storyteller, unmatched sense of humor, quiet generosity. A humble man who never wanted fuss about himself. He is forever loved, already missed, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Paul is survived by his nieces Dianne Staples, Grand Forks, ND; Terri Staples (Jim Pender), East Grand Forks, MN; Amy Payne, Burlington, VT; and Kristin Ness, Lincoln, NE; and nephews Mark Thai (Vivian), El Sobrante, CA; and Loc Thai (Judy), El Sobrante, CA.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley Staples, brother-in- law Jack Staples, brother M. Earl Ness and sister-in-law Kay Ness.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodside Village for their caring and the sense of community they fostered, and Hospice of Red River Valley for their support to us all.

Memorial Service to celebrate Paul's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. November 11, 2023 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND
Visitation : November 10, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Paul's memory.