Paul Symons
Negaunee
Paul Raymond Symons, 66, of Maas St., Negaunee, passed away unexpectedly at home Saturday evening, August 27, 2016 after suffering an apparent heart attack.
Paul was born August 8, 1950 in Ishpeming to Donald and Gertrude (Lenten) Symons, graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1969 and was a lifelong area resident. 1973 was an important year in Paul’s life as he graduated from Northern Michigan University with his Marketing degree and also married the love of his life, Lynn Lahti, in November, enjoying 43 wonderful years together.
The family business, Symons Hardware, which opened in 1953, served the local community for many years until Paul’s retirement in 2012. Many former employees who worked at the store have remarked on the impact that he made on their lives and careers while employed at the three stores. One of the highlights of Paul’s life was talking with and serving the many local customers. To Paul, customer service always came first.
Paul was a member of Mitchell United Methodist Church in Negaunee. Since 1986, he served on the Board of Directors at Range Bank, formerly the First National Bank of Negaunee. He was also a member of the Downtown Development Association, Ishpeming Chamber of Commerce, Negaunee Elks, Michigan Retail Hardware Association Board, and many other community service organizations.
During his high school years, Paul was known as an outstanding athlete, with many people remembering his excellence in track. Paul still holds the Negaunee High School record in the long jump and, until recently, the record in the 100 meter dash. One of Paul’s biggest accomplishments, like his father, was earning his private pilot’s license. He was also an amateur HAM radio operator, communicating with people all over the world.
Although Paul was an only child, much of his childhood was filled with many of his cousins and friends. Paul cherished the many special friendships he had throughout his life. Paul always looked forward to his morning coffee group, which originated on Iron Street, which has now moved to the Beef-a-Roo. Paul enjoyed his weekly walks with Fred Grandchamp and visiting with others which he encountered throughout the neighborhood. It was almost impossible to ride through town in Paul’s pickup without someone giving a wave. Paul also relished his many visits with lifelong friend Dave Ameen, who was present when Paul and Lynn got married.
Most of all, Paul loved being with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Paul was very proud of his family and their many accomplishments; he enjoyed attending their many activities. Paul also delighted in his many visits with Lynn’s brothers and sisters and their families. He was an avid sports fan following high school sports, the Detroit Tigers, and the Green Bay Packers. Paul also savored his music, attending many concerts including the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, BB King, and the Rolling Stones.
Surviving are his loving wife, Lynn (Lahti) Symons; three children, Bradley (Layla Roderick) Symons of Wakefield, David (Tracey) Symons of Hancock, and Laura (Matthew) Jarvi of Negaunee; nine grandchildren, Mackenzie Johnson-Duquette, Jacob (Shayna Pertile) Zeller, Matthew Denofre, Hunter Johnson-Duquette, John Symons, Piper Symons, Jace Symons, Sydney Jarvi, and Alexandra Jarvi; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm on Thursday, September 1st at Mitchell United Methodist Church in Negaunee with Rev. J. Albert Barchue officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00 pm until the time of services at 5:00 pm at the church on Thursday, and also at a dinner reception at the Negaunee Elks following services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Paul Symons Memorial Scholarship Fund at Range Bank, PO Box 668, Negaunee, MI 49866.
Paul’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.

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