Paul Douglas Bromley, 65, of Ludington passed away peacefully Saturday, June 11, 2016, in the loving presence of his devoted wife, Kathy, and his loving daughter, Traci, along with other adoring family members. Paul waged a valiant fight against complications from Chronic Rheumatoid-Arthritis and resulting Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Paul worked for and retired from United Parcel Service, where he met the love of his life, Kathy, with whom he shared a towering and tender devotion for many years.

Paul was born in Muskegon, Michigan, on July 7, 1950, the son of Roger and Audrey (Young) Bromley, who, along with brothers Roger (Tobe) and Tom, preceded him in death. Paul is survived by a sister, Camilla (Jerry) Neal.

Paul moved often in his youth and was graduated from Newton High School in Covington, GA, in 1968. Following several jobs, Paul enlisted in the US Army in 1970 and took his basic training at Fort Polk in Louisiana. Following boot camp, Paul was sent to flight school in Texas, and later to helicopter pilot training at Fort Rucker, Al. He served with distinction as a CWO2 in the 1st Cavalry Division, Charlie Company, 227 Assault Helicopter Battalion. Paul was a decorated Vietnam veteran, having been awarded the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with V Device (the “V” is awarded for valor in battle).

An incident from his tour of duty serves as a testament to his courage in combat and to the kind of devotion to others that Paul displayed daily later in his civilian life: leaving a hot LZ under fire with wounded men aboard, Paul’s craft had its tail rudder shot away by enemy groundfire. Despite almost incalculable difficulties, including the wounding of members of his own crew in the action, Paul single-handedly fought to bring his craft out of the LZ, through the trees, and landed it without the loss of a single life. As evidenced in this particular act of heroism, and in many others during his tour in which he saved countless fellow soldiers, Paul lived his entire life in tireless, loving care and support of others.

In addition to his commitment to the betterment of all around him, Paul was also committed to truth and honesty; he always “told it like it is,” but with humility and compassion. Paul cherished his family and built a community of relationships that were precious to him and to the many for whom he cared and supported. Paul never judged, but spent his days dedicated to making his family’s dreams and the aspirations of all around him come true.

Whether listening to music or sharing his special passion for automobiles, Paul lived life to its fullest and he is missed by all whose lives he touched.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his children Traci (Craig) Noteboom, Mike (Becky) Heemstra, and Tara (Scott) DeMarr; and his grandchildren Conner and Christian Noteboom, Austin DeMarr, and Evan, Annika, and Noah Heemstra. Paul will also be missed by his nieces and nephews Mark (Melissa) Thompson, Leslie (Brian) Meehan, Jonathon (Susan) Bromley, Jeffrey (Ann) Bromley, Jennifer (Jody) Akins, and Shane Bromley, and by many great nieces and nephews. Paul is loved and missed by all of his family and countless special friends.

In addition to his support of many community organizations, Paul also volunteered his time and talents to many worthy charities: he was a volunteer driver for Road to Recovery (ACS); a Hospice Respite Volunteer; a Community Table Leader; a volunteer for Relay for Life; a volunteer at HELP Ministries; a volunteer at Christmas and Thanksgiving Community dinners; and a volunteer for the Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program. And Paul continues his giving even after his death—he has donated his body to the University of Michigan Medical School for anatomical research.

Paul lived his life heeding a line from Shakespeare: “God bless thee, and put meekness in thy breast, Love, charity, obedience, and true duty!”

A memorial Celebration of Life is planned for July 7, 4-7 pm, at his residence at 312 North Gaylord Avenue, with time for sharing and military rites at 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations in memory of Paul be sent to either Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the Community Foundation of Mason County.

Please feel free to share a photo or memory with Paul’s family on his personal page at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.