(Sept. 29, 2008)
Paul Thomas Sironen, 62, of Powell, died Monday, Sept. 29 at the Billings Clinic.
He was born in Billings, Mont., on Jan. 6, 1946, to Archie and Leola Sironen. He spent his childhood in Red Lodge, Mont., Elk Basin and Powell. He graduated from Powell High School in 1964 and earned a B.S degree in Psychology from the University of Wyoming.
Paul served in an Army artillery battalion in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He married Sue Edgar in Powell on July 11, 1970. Their daughter, Stephanie, was born in Powell in 1977.
Paul worked for Davis Audio Visual in Denver and later in Casper. He began his career as a Probation and Parole Officer for the State of Wyoming in 1971, starting in Casper and later transferring to Cody. In 1984, Paul and Sue opened Interlacings Fabric Shop in Cody.
In 1997, he began working for the Department of Family Services in child protection and juvenile probation. He retired from DFS in March, 2007. During the last year, Paul worked for M&S Technologies, selling computer security software.
When asked about his career, Paul would tell how rewarding it was for him to make a difference in the lives of the children, teens and families. He respected the kids whom he had on probation, encouraged them to take responsibility for their actions, and was always very proud of their successes.
Paul loved the Beartooth Mountains and Crandall area where he spent time hunting, fishing and camping with his family and friends. His grandson, Riley Martin Valentine, who was born April 13, 2008, always brought a smile to his face.
Paul is survived by his wife Sue of Powell; daughter, Stephanie (Dave) Valentine and grandson Riley Valentine of Laurel, Mont..; and brother, John (Susan) Sironen of Salem, Ore.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Leola Sironen.
A celebration of his life was observed Oct. 4 at Homesteader Park in Powell. Cremation has taken place.