Paul Lewis Trygstad, 87, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Born on March 07, 1937, in Dallas, Texas to Reuben and Mary Trygstad, Paul led a life defined by hard work, love of adventure, and faith.
Paul’s professional journey was marked by an exceptional dedication to his work. After graduating from St. Olaf College in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, he began his teaching career that spanned over 20 years in four different states. His most memorable teaching years were in the Homer and Talkeetna area schools, where he taught band, choir and classroom music. Many of his former students will remember marching in the Fur Rendezvous parade or the Homer Winter Carnival parade. Paul opened his first business, Four Seasons Sport & Music Center, in Homer and Seldovia eventually building a new storefront on Pioneer Avenue currently the Frontier Building. Paul found his professional passion when he joined New York Life in 1982, where he remained an agent for 42 years. His passion as an agent was evident to all who knew him as he built relationships with clients and families throughout Alaska. Paul’s work ethic served as a guide and inspiration to his family who credit him for their own professional successes.
As a young man, Paul’s passion for the outdoors was evident. As a canoe guide and counselor at The Plymouth Youth Wilderness Canoe Base in the Northshore area of Minnesota, he guided at-risk youth in a faith-based setting. This ministry continues today. In Paul’s own words, “my seasons on the Wilderness staff left me with a lifetime of memories and a heart of compassion.” He taught his children how to hunt and fish as they explored the pristine beauty of the Talkeetna andHomer areas.Paul acquired his small craft pilot’s license and took to the Alaskan skies in his beloved 1947 Luscombe taildragger which Paul said was a “real pilot’s airplane … no training wheels”. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, spending many autumn days with his sons and friends enjoying cabin life at Caribou Lake and exploring the backcountry of the Caribou Hills by ATV, and snowmobile. Paul spent the summers RVing and camping with his family throughout the Kenai Peninsula.
As a man of faith, Paul was an active member of church throughout his life. His faith in Christ inspired compassion for those in need, and his many acts of care and kindness have been an inspiration to his family. He befriended those who many in society ignored, not only offering financial support, but most importantly, genuine care and friendship. Nearing the end of his life, Paul expressed peace at his passing knowing he would soon be with the Lord.
Family was at the heart of Paul’s world. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Francine, for over 50 years. Together, they built a loving home and enjoyed sharing new experiences as they lived throughout Alaska. Paul’s pride in his children’s successes was evident in his enthusiasm to hear about what they were doing and learning about new endeavors. His family remembers him as a loving patriarch whose compassion for those in need will continue to inspire them.
Paul is survived by his wife, Francine Trygstad, his sons Jason Trygstad (Kelsi), Bryan Trygstad, and his stepsons Ty Snodgrass (Shannon) and Kelly Snodgrass (Kelle), and his twelve grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother, John Trygstad, his nieces Carrie Trygstad and Chris Trygstad-Lopez, and his dear friend, Mike Chaisson.
A memorial service will be held at 4 P.M., October 12, 2024, at Glacier View Baptist Church in Homer, Alaska. In honor of Paul’s compassion for those in need, and in lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to a charity of your choice or to organizations supporting the homeless or those in recovery from substance abuse.
Paul Lewis Trygstad’s legacy of faith, hard work, and love of the outdoors, will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered with deep affection by those whose lives he has touched.
