Walter Riley Paulson was born to Clarence and Elsie Paulson on Dec. 23, 1933, in Del Norte, Colo. He was the third of four children. On Sept. 24, 2023, Walter was called home. He graduated from Del Norte High School in 1951. In November of 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Vada Ann Wright. They spent nearly 57 years together before Vada’s passing in 2009. Together, Walter and Vada had two children, Shawnee Kaye and Steven Kent. 

Walter served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1956. After he was honorably discharged, Walter attended Adams State College to become a teacher. His first teaching job took him to Fontana, Calif. After one year, Walt decided California was no place to raise his two children, so the family returned to the San Luis Valley where he spent 31 years at Sangre de Cristo.

During his 31 years tenure, Mr. Paulson taught industrial arts, auto shop, welding, drivers’ education, hunter safety. He also coached baseball, basketball, and football. After a few years in the classroom, Mr. Paulson moved into administration. He held the positions of high school principal as well as elementary principal. He retired in 1995 as Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Paulson touched the lives of hundreds of students during his 31-year stint at Sangre de Cristo. He often said, “There are no bad kids, just bad decisions.” His actions towards his students greatly reinforced his belief. Mr. P will be greatly missed by his former students but will continue to speak in their hearts.

After his retirement, Walter and Vada moved to Alamosa where he continued to serve his community. He was instrumental in the establishment of the SLV 911 system. He remained on the 911 board for many years. He served the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center in several capacities as well as being actively involved in his church, the First United Methodist Church of Alamosa. People loved to go into the Alamosa Visitor Center to visit with Walt who was always eager to share with them his vast wealth of knowledge of the San Luis Valley. 

Walter is survived by his sister, Betty May Paulson; his daughter Shawnee Weigt (Christoph) and son Kent Paulson (Susie); grandchildren Dr. Amanda (Sean) Weigt McGary, Jared (Corey) Paulson, Lindsay Gurney, Wendi Matthews, Amber (Adam) Ordal, and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Walter’s life will be held at Sangre de Cristo High School on Saturday, Oct. 28, beginning at 5 p.m. Inurnment will be at the Columbarium of the First United Methodist Church of Alamosa on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider the Gary Sinise Foundation or a charity of your choice.