Paul William Strand

Paul's memorial service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/740863589

Paul's tribute video can be viewed here. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/FCB3KGT6L4XZ9DQQ

Paul William Strand, age 62, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Paul was born on April 1, 1960, to Palmer and Elizabeth (Swanston) Strand. He grew up in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Paul graduated from Moorhead Area Vocational Technical Institute in June 1982, completing his degree in Electrical Design Drafting, a career choice used in all aspects of his life. Following graduation, he began working for Swanston Equipment Company full time, where he worked until his passing. He had worked there for 40 years, taking on multiple roles within the company, from striping roads, and managing heavy equipment to, most recently providing Customer Technical Support.

On December 3, 1982, Paul married Shirley Sakshaug at Peace Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. In 1991 their son, Jacob was born. They all reside in Moorhead, MN.

Paul was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and more. Paul loved his work, his family, his shop, and his cats. He was found to be kind, quiet, and patient. Paul enjoyed his home shop in, which he built and used to work on several projects in his free time. His favorite pastimes include self-taught Computer Assisted Drafting(CAD) which he continued educating himself on all of the CAD programs, riding motorcycles with friends, teaching his son about tools and their uses, watching television and movies with his family, listening to music and working on his computer. Paul had a creative mind and was always thinking of new inventions. Paul enjoyed mentoring people and teaching them his vast skill set. Paul's favorite holiday was Christmas, and he became "Santa" to all.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, step-father, mother-in-law, father-in-law, as well as several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Shirley, son Jake, brother Pat Strand (Patty), Lindsey Lacroix, Pete Strand, Uncle Bill Brown, Aunt June Sakshaug, Aunt Erma and
Richard Siedschlag and numerous cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Pauls's favorite quote from the Lion King: R=Rafiki S=Simba and worn permanently on his shoulder.

R: Change is good, yeah?
S: But it's not easy.
S: I know what I have to do, but going back means I'll have to face my past.
I've been running from it for so long.
*rafiki hit simba with his stick*
S: OW GEEZE, What was that for?
R: It doesn't matter; it's in the past?
S: Yeah, but it still hurts.
R: Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can run from it, or learn from it.
*rafiki swings and misses simba*
R: Ah, you see! So what are you going to do?
S: First, I'm gonna take your stick, and I'm going back.

Paul will be missed by all.