Paul Richard Delury

Paul Richard Delury passed away on May 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was 68 years old.

Paul was born on August 19, 1957, to James Leonard Delury and Helen June Delury. He grew up in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School in 1975. Following high school, he pursued his passion for broadcasting and earned an Associate's Degree in Radio Broadcasting from Portland Community College.

Paul built a successful and respected career in radio advertising sales that spanned more than four decades. He began his career with KBMC in Eugene and KORE in Springfield before finding his professional home at KWIL/KHPE in Albany, where he dedicated 33 years serving local businesses and building lasting relationships throughout the community. Known for his warm personality, integrity, and genuine care for others, Paul was well respected by colleagues, clients, and friends alike. In 2021, he began a new chapter as an Account Executive with 50 Plus Magazine, where he continued to enjoy serving clients and building meaningful connections until his passing.

On October 15, 1988, Paul married the love of his life, Bettie Woollard. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, laughter, and adventure. Paul was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather who treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved.

Paul is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bettie Delury; son, Nathan Delury and wife Erika of Post Falls, Idaho; daughter, Kayla Kumley and husband David of Dallas, Oregon; and his beloved grandsons, Henry, Dimitri, and Noah. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Tate, along with many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Leonard and Helen June Delury.

Outside of work, Paul found joy in camping adventures with his family, listening to music, and sharing his technical talents in service to his church. For many years, he faithfully operated the sound board, helping create meaningful worship experiences for others. His love of radio, audio production, and music remained a lifelong passion.

Paul's quick wit and sense of humor brought laughter to everyone around him. Family members will forever remember the funny terminology and expressions he picked up from radio programs over the years, as well as the impromptu songs he would make up on the spot that somehow always managed to rhyme. He had a gift for finding humor in everyday life and was known for his creative approaches to stretching a family budget, often jokingly referred to as his specialty in "creative financing."

Family was Paul's greatest joy. He cherished vacations and adventures with those he loved, creating lasting memories during trips to Disneyland, Maui, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Vallarta. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his children and took immense pride in watching Nathan and Kayla perform in middle school and high school jazz band competitions and concerts. Few things made him happier than seeing them develop their musical talents.

Music remained an important part of Paul's life until the very end. During his final year, he especially enjoyed listening to Leonid & Friends, a talented Russian tribute band known for performing remarkably accurate covers of classic rock groups such as Chicago, Journey, and other popular bands from the 1970s and 1980s. Their music brought Paul great enjoyment, comfort, and many hours of listening pleasure.

In 2026, Paul faced an aggressive form of ALS with remarkable courage, determination, and grace. Despite the challenges of the disease, he continued to inspire those around him through his resilience, faith, humor, and enduring love for his family.

Paul will be remembered for his kind heart, quick wit, steady presence, unwavering faith, and dedication to the people he loved. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, the laughter he inspired, and the countless friendships he nurtured throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Salem Heights Church, 375 Madrona Avenue South, Salem, Oregon 97302. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Paul's life and share memories of the man who meant so much to so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Paul's honor to ALS Northwest or The ALS Association to support individuals and families affected by ALS and to advance research toward finding a cure.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, caregivers, medical professionals, and members of the community whose prayers, support, and acts of kindness brought comfort throughout Paul's journey.