Paul Davia

Paul was born to Albert and Helen Davia in Kalamazoo, MI on August 15, 1959. He was placed in foster care as his birth parents loved him but did not feel they could best care for him. As a young boy, Paul came to live with Russ and Harriet Bohlinger, whom he referred to as "Dad" and "Mom". It was not long and he was loved by the entire family. Paul attended school at Croyden Avenue and then when Russ and Harriet retired he moved with them to Traverse City.

He spent the better part of 15 years enjoying Traverse City, and Duck Lake. There he enjoyed a small part time job for a bit, fishing, pontoon boat rides, going Trap shooting with his dad, playing basketball, strumming his guitar and singing songs by the fire to the entire family. He loved shooting pool, swimming and spending time with his family. He enjoyed going out to eat and having, his favorite, an ice cold Coke.

Later he moved back to Marshall, MI with Russ and Harriet. There, they were all closer to family. In 2013 Paul needed to move into a facility that could help his family manage his care. Paul gained more "family members" in his last home, at Residential Opportunities Inc. where he had a great fondness for many staff and greeted them with big, warm, loving hugs. He had a special connection with Amy and Eric who worked tirelessly to care for Paul along with Paul's nieces and guardians, Jodie Kurtz and Amy Francis.

He loved to help others and assisting with household duties and folding laundry. He took pride in his work and accomplishments. He enjoyed cleaning, raking and sweeping. As a reward to himself he enjoyed any reruns of "Murder She Wrote" and to catch any episode of "The Price Is Right" while swinging his washcloth folding and refolding it. His room was always clean and the bed made just perfect while he listened to the old Paul Harvey radio announcer.

Paul was a gentle, kindhearted man and an extraordinary man to know. He was kind, funny, gracious, thoughtful and had just the perfect amount of feisty mixed in. He had a smile with his infamous phrase: "Come on...PLEASE" that could always win him one more cookie, one more pop or the rest of your hamburger. He loved fiercely and was a friend to all he met.

He leaves behind his foster sisters, Dawn (Roy) Quada, Debra (Daryl) Luedecking, Robin (Robert) Stafford and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, March 17, 2017 at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo, MI (269-375-2900), where family will receive friends a half hour prior. Immediately following the service, burial will take place in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Please visit Paul’s personal webpage where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of him and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to ROI or the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center.