Veterinarian Paul Mc-Williams was known as a mentor and inspiration to colleagues and somewhat of a character to close friends and family.
"He was a spur-of-the-moment person. He thrived on confusion. I had to stay ahead of him, he was a rascal," his wife, Saundra McWilliams said.
Paul, a Boise resident and Bench-area veterinarian, died Aug. 22 at age 65.
Born in 1942 in Sikeston, Mo., Paul grew up on a farm where he developed a passion for animals from his father, who was known by family as a "wannabe veterinarian."
"He had a variety of friends, young and old; wealthy friends and share-cropper friends," Koening said.
After leaving the farm, Paul attended the University of Missouri where he obtained a degree in veterinary medicine .
While there, he met the love of his life, Saundra. They married in 1967 in a double wedding ceremony with Saundra's twin sister marrying Paul's close friend from veterinary school.
Paul served as a veterinarian for military scout dogs in Fort Benning, Ga., until 1971 when he was transferred to Germany.
"We were young, and we didn't mind sleeping on the floor of the airport. I'm so glad we did those things together. It was wonderful," Saundra recalled.
Paul and Saundra moved to Boise in 1977, where Paul opened Orchard Animal Clinic.
Fellow colleague of 12 years at Orchard Animal Clinic, Amy Schaffer recalled Paul's "can-do attitude" at work.
"Whenever we had a question, he would be excited to pull books off the shelf. He was a great veterinarian and was very compassionate," Schaffer said.
Saundra McWilliams said Paul did not want loved ones to mourn his loss, but rather celebrate his life.
"We actually all had fun. Forty white balloons went up into that beautiful sky ... that was my favorite part."
According to Saundra, Paul's remains will be scattered by Saundra and Paul's close friends in the Owyhee Mountains.
Kristi Coffman: 672-6742
