Peter Helmuth Paulsen

PETER HELMUTH PAULSEN BUILDER, DEVELOPER, PHILANTHROPIST PASSES AWAY AT AGE 90

 Peter Helmuth Paulsen was born in the village of Schardebüll, in Northern Germany, June 17, 1934.

 Peter immigrated to the Midwest in 1952 with his Mother and his brother after the hardships and turmoil of WWII. At the age of 17 was already a master mason brick layer. With is keen business sense and outstanding quality of construction, he quickly aspired to starting his own business, building brick homes and apartment complexes in Moline Illinois.

 In the mid 1960’s Peter and his family moved to Northern California, where he continued building homes, business complexes. He owned and operated Commerce Security Bank in Sacramento, and was also a highly successful investor.

 In Bellingham, Washington, Peter built more business complexes and The Hotel Bellwether, a European style hotel and helped enhance the Port of Bellingham waterfront.

 Peter throughout his life always contributed back to his communities and through his “Peter and Diana Paulsen Foundation” he and his wife Diana continue to give to charities and hospitals enhancing the lives of others.

 Here in Phoenix they contributed $10 M to Honor Health Hospital and $25 M to Mayo Clinic.

 Recently he also contributed $60 M to the Peace Health, St. Joseph Medical Center for a building extension in Bellingham Washington, named “Peter Paulsen Pavilion.”

 The Peter Paulsen Stage, Bellingham Food Bank, Skookum Kids, Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom County and Phoenix, are also recipients of their generosity.

 Throughout the years, Peter enjoyed boating on his beautiful yachts named “Freya”. He loved classical music, traveling the world with friends and family, and he loved to dance. Peter and Diana could often be spotted at the Ocean Club.

 Peter is survived by his lovely wife Diana and five children; Veronica, Susan, Lisa, Peter Andreas and Lauren.

 Celebration of Life will be held at the Christ Lutheran Church, 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ, on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with reception with food to follow. The event will be recorded for viewing. Call Susan at 530-570-6300 for further info. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com. 

 Peter will be dearly missed by all, and now in heaven, he dances with the angels.