Paul Daniel Lau

Paul Daniel Lau was “taken home to that God who gave [him] life” on April 30, 2024 at the age of 84. He was born on November 25, 1939 in Soda Springs, Idaho to Daniel Clarence Lau and Gwendolyn Poulsen. He was the 3rd of 5 children, 1 brother and 3 sisters.

Paul enjoyed a happy childhood growing up on the family ranch in Soda Springs, pioneer home of the Lau family for several generations before. Years later his father purchased a dry cleaning business, where the family lived and worked together in Boise, Idaho. Paul lived in Boise until the time he was called to serve in the Hamburg, Germany mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After an honorable release, Paul was accepted to Brigham Young University in Provo, where he studied Art History. It was there that Paul met Merrily Miller, who he married on June 26, 1964. They were blessed with three children, Derek, Kira, and Anneliese. As Paul pursued a career with the government in the Department of Recreation, he spent several years living in Germany, the land of his forefathers, after which he returned to Lompoc, California. During this phase of his career he earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Boston University, enjoyed teaching college art classes, and managed the Arts and Crafts Department on US Military Bases. The next phase of his career began with a move to Utah, where he had various marketing roles with Little Giant Industries and Devry Institute of Technology. After a time, Paul and Merrily separated and he moved to Phoenix, AZ. It was there that he met Sharon Lynn Robles, whom he married on February 26, 1993. Paul came to love and receive as his own, Sharon’s three children, Steve (deceased), Shar, and Chris.

Paul was a talented artist, who mastered the mediums of pottery, sculpture, and jewelry. He had a good eye for form and was praised by his colleagues for his artistic skill and ability. Paul found great joy in physical exercise, which included cycling, mountain climbing, and long distance running. Some of his greatest achievements include climbing the Matterhorn, completing several century rides, and consistently placing in the top of his age category in multiple marathons. His passion for exploration led to many adventures where he traveled to foreign countries and explored the beauties of this world. These expeditions often involved family, friends, and youth groups on backpacking treks, river runs, canyoneering trips, and other epic adventures. Paul found great meaning in life through his deep understanding and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a masterful teacher and when he taught the gospel in public settings he touched many hearts. Paul accepted many callings of responsibility in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and particularly loved serving in the temple.

He is survived by his first wife, Merrily Lau, his wife, Sharon Lau and children: Derek (Felicia) Lau, (JoAnna Vea), Kira Lau, Sharlinda Burris, Christian (Deborah) Burris, and Anneliese (Jeremy) Clark; his grandchildren Moriah, Joseph, Jessica, Nathan, Monica, Hannah, Diana, Samantha, Cassidy, Alexander, Brooklyn, Sybria, Shianna, Michael, Madison, Emily, Elise, Theron, Harrison, and Findlay; his great-grandchildren Paisley, Kimber, Dacre, Alma, Cephas, Ezekial Paul, and Bennett; his siblings Ruth Miller and Jim Lau.

We feel grateful and blessed by the love and support that has been given by so many of Paul and Sharon’s friends and neighbors during these past few months.

A family viewing will be held on May 11th at 10:00 am with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 am at the Snowflake LDS Meetinghouse located at 421 North Main Street, Snowflake, Arizona. Interment will take place following the service at the Snowflake City Cemetery.

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