Paul S. Bernsen

The Columbia Basin lost a favorite son on November 11, 2010. Despite being born in Boston, Mass., Paul S. Bernsen (aka "The Silver Fox") spent the majority of his life here in eastern Washington, raising his family, growing his business, and becoming a household name among hunting aficionados in this area and beyond.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a dear friend to many.

Born on September 8, 1931 to Margaret Anne McNeill and James Sydney Bernsen, Paul was the oldest of six. He moved to Washington in the early 1950s and served his country on Moses Lake's Larson Air Force Base. In 1953 he married Judith Lee Hargraves, with whom he had four children. Over the next several decades, he distinguished himself as a top salesman for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance, earning membership at the Million Dollar Round Table for 25 consecutive years.

Also a charter member of the Moses Lake Businessman's Association, he was instrumental in bringing the Hallmark Inn to the town. Besides also functioning as the occasional record producer, Bernsen was a prolific author. His books include The Bugle of the Elk, The Goose That Went to Hollywood, and, his best-known work and genre bestseller, The North American Waterfowler.

He will be forever remembered for his generosity. Whether surprising his grown children and their families with fresh salmon dinners or hiring crews from Pasco's Union Gospel Mission, Bernsen was always willing to share what he had. He was even known to use his expertise to help local farmers recover lost water rights from the government.

Bernsen was an avid sports fan, particularly the Boston Red Sox. He also had a near-perfect attendance record at the games of his grandchildren. Sometimes this meant spending the first quarter cheering on a grandson, driving fifty miles, then arriving in time for the last quarter of a granddaughter's game.

He is perhaps most famous for his work as a land developer and pioneer in waterfowl clubs. Bernsen developed thousands of acres of land throughout the Columbia Basin, from cherry and apple orchards and thousands of acres of farm ground to Moses Lake's Sand Castle Estates.

He started Snake River Goose Camps in Walla Walla County, which was eventually sold to Ralph Broetje to become Jubilee Christian School.

He developed thousands of acres of pristine wetlands throughout Washington state. The Basin Goose and Duck Club he founded over sixty years ago has become Eagle Lakes Ranch, which is still operated by his sons and grandsons. His unique waterfowl style is still evident everywhere.

Bernsen was preceded in death by Judy in 2002. He is survived by his siblings James Bernsen, Anne Musmeci, Peggy Jacques, Besty Galeota, and John Bernsen; his four children, Debbie Walker and husband Ric, Tony Bernsen and wife Tina, Tammy Newman, and Mike Bernsen and his wife Debi; his twelve grandchildren, Lindsay Stabler Poteet, Kaci Hobart and husband Keith, Amanda Walker, Ryan Bernsen and wife Jessica, Tyler Bernsen, Caz Newman, Brock Newman, Kayla Bernsen, Beau Bernsen, Bailey Newman, Jake Bernsen, and Samantha Newman; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Kayser's Chapel of Memories in Moses Lake, with a private service for family. Please sign the book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com

An open house celebrating Paul's life will be held at Eagle Lakes Lodge, 903 Eagle Rd, Othello, Wash. on Saturday, November 20th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for all wishing to attend. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Paul's name to Ducks Unlimited's Greenwing Program supporting youth waterfowling.