Paul L. Sale

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the full and joyful life of Paul Leon Sale, who returned to the love and care of God on April 25, 2025, at the age of 85, with the care of hospice and at the home he loved.

Born in Holland, Michigan, on June 24, 1939, Paul had an engineer’s mind, a sailor’s soul, and a heart as big as the water he loved. A graduate of Holland High School and DeVry Technical Center, Paul spent his life building, fixing, and always tinkering.

Paul was married to the love of his life, Bozena, for 53 wonderful years. He was the proud father of Kurt, (Amy), grandsons Tyler and Travis, and daughter Tania Dozeman, (Ted), grandsons Elliot and Sebastian. He was preceded in death by his son Jeff, his sister Leona Sluis, and his parents, Laura and Lawrence.

In 1973, he founded Sale’s Heating and Cooling, a business built on service, honesty, and dedication. Over 52 years later, the company still runs strong under the leadership of his son Kurt — a true testament to Paul’s success and steady determination.

Paul’s hands were rarely still. Whether he was fixing something, rebuilding a Cushman scooter, or holding his own at the ping-pong table, he approached life with curiosity, good humor, and quiet resolve. He was the guy who could fix anything—and if he couldn’t, well, there was always duct tape.

A lifelong lover of the water, Paul found pure joy in boating, fishing, and sailing—anything that got him out on the lake or by its shore. He and Bozena spent 20 winters in sunny Florida, where his fishing pole and boat saw plenty of action.

Paul loved hosting people at home, gathering with friends, and simply being in the company of others. He was incredibly social and genuinely loved connecting with people—there was always room at the table, and always a story to share. He was known for his signature phrases—“Ok, fine, life is good!” and the ever-upbeat “fine and dandy”—always delivered with a sparkle in his eye.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 2, at 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Holland, with visitation beginning at 3 p.m. A celebratory gathering will then take place on Thursday, May 8, at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

In place of flowers, contributions may be made to Evergreen Commons, a community center for seniors that Paul frequently visited with his friends, or to Hospice of Holland.

He leaves behind a family and friends who will miss him dearly—but who will keep his legacy alive every time something is lovingly fixed, a boat hits the water, or someone says, “Life is good.”

Professional service entrusted to the Downtown Chapel.