Paul Henry Abbott

Paul Henry Abbott of Troy, Idaho passed away November 27, 2020 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane after an eleven year battle with cancer. Paul was the beloved husband of Debbie Abbott and father of Sarahbeth and Bill Abbott.

Paul was born July 13, 1949 in Lewiston, the fifth of seven sons born to James Vernon Abbott and Virginia Belle Henry. In his early years Paul and his six brothers grew up in Clarkston, Washington where his parents had fruit orchards. When the boys were not in school they had room to ride their bicycles, play in the dirt and climb trees. When Paul was six years old his father passed away. His mother later married Bill Yockey of Troy, at that time Paul along with his six brothers moved from Clarkston to the Troy area. The blended family included two step brothers and a half-brother, all ten boys were raised on the family farm on Driscoll Ridge outside of Troy. It was there Paul developed a strong work ethic, learned how to operate and repair just about anything mechanical on the farm and acquired a lifelong affinity for horses.

Paul attended Troy High School and after graduation enlisted in the U. S. Army, serving in Germany where he became adept at driving military vehicles including large trucks and wreckers. In 1977 Paul met and married Betty Jean Fisher, the couple had two children Sarahbeth and Bill Abbott, the marriage ended in divorce. In 1999 Paul met Debbie Gulliksen at cow camp around the bonfire, he won her heart by asking, how would you like to be my next ex-wife, the couple married in 2005.

Paul spent his career working in the logging industries and preferred owning and operating his own truck. He would often quip, I’m the President and CEO of my own company. Then he would hastily add, I also drive the truck and do all the repairs because I’m the only employee. Paul was highly admired by many friends and coworkers. On numerous occasions in the past, family members had been told that Paul was a living legend in the local logging communities and known as Fonzy or Fonz.

From the time he was a child, Paul had a strong bond with and under-standing of horses. If he was not working, there was nothing he would rather be doing than riding a horse. Whether rounding up cattle or packing in horseback to some of the most remote wilderness areas in the northwest, Paul loved the solitude of the mountains. As he would say, there is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse. Many said of Paul that he was one of the last real cowboys. Paul also enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends. Paul was renowned for the entertaining stories he told to family and friends when gathered around a camp fire, often leaving them in stitches.

Paul is survived by his wife Debbie, children Bill (Andrea) Abbott of Troy Sarahbeth (Brett Bennett) Abbott of Troy. He is also survived by stepchildren Shelby Ochoa of Lewiston and Sheri Fisk of Lewiston. Grandchildren; Hiram and Emma Abbott (Bill and Andrea Abbott), Eva Antell and Jaden Jensen (Shelby Ochoa), Caleb Fisk (Sheri Fisk), Brianna   and Bryson Bennett (Sarahbeth and Brett Bennett), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, two of Paul’s brothers, Terry and Lee Abbott preceded him in death. He is survived by brothers Joe (Kris) Abbott of Bellingham, Pete (Julie) Abbott of Port Orchard, Dave (Kathy) Abbott of Clarkston, Bob (Barb) Abbott of Costa Mesa, California, Clay (Connie) Yockey of Troy, Larry (Kris) Yockey of Elk River and Joe Yockey of Elk River.

While Paul no longer is with us, cherished memories of him will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. At Paul’s request his ashes will be scattered in the mountains where he loved to be. A remembrance and celebration of Paul’s life will be held at a later date.

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