Paul Edward Champion Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

It is with deepest sorrow, we announce that Paul Edward “Champ” Champion, of Traverse City, passed suddenly on June 5, 2021. He is the beloved son of Donald and Lorinia Ruth Champion. Those who knew Paul, even in passing, lost a shining light in their lives. We know Paul will be loved in heaven as much as he was loved on earth. He was born in Warren, Pennsylvania and resided in Clarendon, and Sheffield, PA. Paul moved to Traverse City in 1975. He graduated from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and has an undergraduate degree, with honors from Ferris State University. He had love and respect for the water enjoyed a successful career as a professional mariner. He became an experienced sailor in travel and leisure. Paul was a constant student of life; a progressive thinker, music lover, true motorcyclist, world traveler, fearless snow skier, compassionate caregiver, a loving partner, and raised the bar on general goodness. The instant you met him, he accepted you as a friend. He left all of us in a better place. Paul will be missed every day by his mother, Lorinia Ruth; sister’s; Donna (Fred) Kukla and Judy (Frank) Work; several nieces and nephews; 1 great-niece and 2 great-nephews, as well as extended family members and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his father Donald L. Champion; brother, Larry Stephen Champion and niece, Stephanie Saber. Paul’s love and friendship, kindness and generosity, will be deeply missed by family and his extended family of friends. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held Wednesday, June 16, 11:00 AM, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM and will continue until the time of service. The service will take place outside. Please consider memorial contributions to Central United Methodist Church c/o Community Outreach, tccentralumc.org/outreach, or to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, nmc.edu/give. Paul and his family are being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. You may visit his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Paul Edward Champion

August 3, 1957 - June 6, 2021