Paul Upchurch, 89 of Friday Harbor, Washington, passed away on Nov. 21, 2023. He died peacefully at home with his wife by his side.

Paul was born in April 1934 to Floyd and Maggie Upchurch in Kingsport, TN. He earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from General Motors Institute of Technology in Flint, MI. He spent many years as an engineer, salesman, inventor, and entrepreneur. He founded Upchurch Scientific, specializing in high-pressure liquid chromatography, in Sunnyvale, CA, in 1975. Paul then moved the business to Oak Harbor, WA, in 1980, which he sold in 2000 and is now known as Idex.

He may have retired from business in 2000, but he certainly didn’t retire from life. There was always a new adventure just around the next bend or a new project to be undertaken. Paul spent his time on his passions for boating, being on or near the water, traveling, and woodturning.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia Upchurch; a sister, Delores Upthegrove; 2 daughters, Paula Soper (Patrick) and Susan de Budden (Ted); 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, but we are comforted and reassured that even though he is absent from the body, he is present with the Lord.

A Celebration of Life will take place on January 27th at 11 am at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church.

To share memories of Paul, please visit his online obituary at www.evanschapel.com/obituary/paul-upchurch

Memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s name to: Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Dr, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273; Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, PO Box 946, Friday Harbor, WA 98250; Family Worship Center / Jimmy Swaggart Ministeries, PO Box 262550, Baton Rouge, LA 70826.