Lewis "Paul" Ellis

Lewis "Paul" Ellis, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully, at home, on January 28, 2017, in the arms of his wife Lori. He was 58. Paul was born on April 19, 1958 in Detroit, MI to the late Dr. Lewis E. and Mildred L. (Houghton) Ellis. Paul moved to Kalamazoo to attend WMU, where he obtained his BS and MA Degrees in Psychology. Paul was determined to live a full life, and a full life he lived. Despite a 40-year battle with ESRD, Paul persevered. He completed his schooling, married the love of his life Lori, obtained his LLP certification, and started a private practice, treating patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. He was dedicated to his patients and would not let years of dialysis, numerous surgeries, two bouts of cancer, two kidney transplants, and his declining health, prevent him from providing rehabilitative counseling to them and their families. He was a devoted psychologist. In addition to his passion for psychology, Paul had a great passion for skiing and teaching skiing. Paul started skiing as a child at Blizzard Ski School, was on the WMU slalom race team while in college, and obtained his Level II PSIA teaching certification. He raced on the Timber Ridge Adult Race League, and he taught at Timber Ridge for 30+ years. If it was winter, and Timber Ridge was open, you would find him there, all day Saturday and Sunday, teaching and skiing, and during the week, racing. His favorite line was, "one more run", when fellow skiers wanted to go to the lodge. He considered Timber Ridge his second home and he loved his Timber Ridge family. When Paul's illness prevented him from skiing at Timber Ridge, he started mono-skiing with Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association at Cannonsburg Ski Area. He was determined to continue skiing. He shared his passion for the sport with everyone he met and with his patients. He was a true ambassador of skiing. In his later years, Paul collected rocks, minerals, and fossils, a passion that started when he was a child. He loved to share his knowledge about his extensive collection and frequently gave his rocks/minerals to friends, family, and his patients. Paul left many friends grateful, proud, and honored to be in his life. He will be missed dearly. Paul will be remembered always by his loving wife of 19 years, Lori; 2 step children, Tyler (Angela) West and Nicole West; one grandchild, Jaxson West; sisters, Jan (James) Bolden of Evanston, IL and Marlene Ellis of Chicago, IL; in-laws Doug (Pam) Zwart and Nancy (Kirk) Briggs; special nieces and nephews, Alexa and Michael Bolden, Sydney and Jordan Zwart, and Jason and Molly Briggs; special friends Joe and Teresa Torre and Jennifer Jones, who were always there for Paul and Lori, providing support and friendship throughout his illness; and his precious poodle, Pepper, who was his constant companion and therapy dog. As was his wish, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Paul's life will take place, at a later date, at his beloved Timber Ridge Ski Area. Memorial contributions may be made to Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association (CCSA) in Paul's name. Please visit FB page Lori Zwart Ellis to leave a personal message for the family and get information about the celebration of life. In Paul's honor, please perform an act of kindness for another today and always make "one more run"!