Paul is my beloved cousin on his mother's side of the family. We will miss him so much, but I am thankful to God that He allowed me to have him for a cousin.Paul was more like an older brother to me than a cousin. We grew up together, and we spent a lot of time with each other: playing, eating, sleeping over, swimming, boating, going on vacation. We spent all of our Thanksgivings and Christmases with Paul as we were growing up. We were blessed to be able to go together to our grandparent's house on Sunday afternoons and also at our grandparent's cottage in northern Wisconsin where memorable, good times were had.Once on vacation together, Paul proudly showed me his then college and dorm ( University of Wisconsin Platteville). On the way back to our vacation spot, the car over-heated, and we had to turn the heat on full-blast on a hot summer day.Paul was truly a gentle soul, kind-hearted, and also quit with his wit. When Paul decided to transfer to the University of Arkansas, we still kept in touch, and he always made time to come back to Wisconsin to see his family. We never lost the bond we shared together.When Paul met the love of his life, Laura, I was so glad, and we quickly made friends. As time progressed, "us" cousins started having children around the same time, and I was thrilled to be adding to our family. Paul and Laura's son, David, was born two months before our daughter, Nicole. The cycle started over again, and our children became cousins with one another.I have added a great family photo from Paul's mother's side of the family. It was taken at Christmas time in 1987. Back row, starting from the left: my brother, Paul's cousin, Kris Koykkari; Aunt Joyce Christensen; my mother, Aunt Nancy Koykkari; Our grandmother, Ruth Christensen; Paul's mother, Patricia Mortensen; Paul's father, Eric Edward Mortensen; and Paul Mortensen. Middle row, starting from the left, Julie Koykkari, my brother's wife; me, Kim Yoghourtjian, Paul's cousin; My husband, Jim Yoghourtjian; and Laura Mortensen, Paul's wife. Our children, starting from the left, Aaron and Alexis Koykkari; our daughter, Nicole Yoghourtjian; and Paul and Laura's son, David. Paul and Laura's daughter, Leigh, had not been born yet.Paul we love you, and we will miss you greatly, but you are only a heart-beat away.
