Paul F. Lande, professional plumber
Paul F. Lande, 73, of Camden passed away at home Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born March 18, 1947, he was the third son to the late Leslie T. and Barbara Andres Lande of Moscow, Idaho.
Paul truly loved his learned profession of plumbing and heating, joining The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 44 in Spokane, Wash., in 1972. In 1975 Paul taught plumbing at Spokane Community College, and in 1979 he started Lande Plumbing and Heating in Sandpoint, Idaho. In 1987 Paul moved his family, Susan Lande (Foresta) and their children from the West Coast to the East Coast, settling in Bradley Beach, N.J. He then worked for Lighton Industries Inc., managing his crews for government contracts, including West Point, Rahway Prison and Dover Air Force Base. In 2003, as a self-employed contractor, Paul started his current business of X/L Mechanical Inc. in Dover, and continued until semi-retirement in 2018.
In his semi-retirement years, Paul enjoyed all of his friendships with local business owners and contractors, including Donna F., Brian, Leroy, FixIt, Jody, Rich, Stan, Kenny X, Charlie and Chip (you know who you are!), and a host of others. Paul was always ready and willing to help friends and family with anything he could do.
Paul was an avid traveler, and loved planning vacations, in particular to the Caribbean. His constant traveling companions included his wife, Jeannie, and his brother-in-law M.J. Brent and his wife Susan. Many of their vacations were to their favorite Island of St. Maarten in the Caribbean where, in 2017, they experienced the devastation of hurricane Irma. They were rescued after several days by military cargo planes and flown to Puerto Rico. Allowed only essentials on board, all luggage was left behind and finally received eight months later by mail. Sadly, of course, that was Paul’s last trip to St. Maarten.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Barbara Lande of Moscow, Idaho; brothers Charles “David” Lande (Marilyn) of Raymore, Mo., and Leslie Lande (Carolyn) of Brooklyn, Wash.
Paul is survived by his best friend of 20 years and wife, Jeannie George Lande. Paul and Jeannie were married Aug. 8, 2008, in Maui, Hawaii. Their vows included “I was too late to be your first love, but I want all of my lasts to be with you.” This “last” came much too soon! Paul is also survived by his children, Lisa C. Tarnowski (Steve) of Duluth, Minn., Paul F. Lande of Neptune, N.J., Adria M. Lande of Providence, R.I., and Kaitlyn S. Lande of Smyrna. Paul was also loved and will be missed by stepdaughters Monica L. Mosier (Paul) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Jessica L. Hodges (Jermaine) of Camden.
Paul had a big heart and a large family that he adored. This included eight grandchildren, Steven A. Tarnowski and Kevin L. Tarnowski of Bozeman, Mont., Austin F. Tarnowski of Duluth, Madison P. Lucas, Meaghan G. Lucas and Evin (Alvin) T. Lucas of Anchorage, Kayla R. Hodges and Keira L. Hodges of Camden. Paul also had a special bond and love for his mother-in-law Barbara A. Edwards (Gordon) of Camden.
In addition, Paul is survived by siblings Terry Lande (Claudia) of Bainbridge Island, Wash., Brian Lande (Becki) of Pullman, Wash., Jeff Lande of Colton, Wash., and his only sister, Cheri Lande Landrum (Carl) of Colton; sister-in-law Marsha H. Custer (Joe) of Dover and brother-in-law MJ Brent (Susan) of Oakhurst, Calif. Paul had a host of nieces and nephews he loved very much.
Celebration of life is being planned for March 18. All plans are contingent on if and when it will be safe to fly and be together to celebrate Paul’s life.
A huge thank you to Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care (Barbara, Denise and the entire staff). We were treated with much respect and care. If so desired, please send memorial contributions in Paul’s name to Seasons, 220 Continental Dr., Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713.
Memories and Condolences can be shared via www.ambruso.com. Arrangements by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director Inc., Dover.
