Marion Ronald Paradis
MOUNT VERNON, WA–At the age of 80, Marion Ronald Paradis of Mount Vernon Washington, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully in his home on February 5, 2026. Born on June 21, 1945 in Marshall, Minnesota, he was the son of the late Victor and Cecelia Paradis. Marion was a 1963 graduate of Marshall Public High School. He continued his education and received a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. He is survived by his four children, Brad Paradis of Mount Vernon, WA, Chrissy Clark and husband Brian Clark of Portland, OR, Tim Paradis of Rochester, WA, and Melanie van Witzenburg and husband Marcus van Witzenburg of Portland, OR; five grandchildren, Tyler Paradis, Abby Clark, Phoebe Clark, Emmy van Witzenburg and Max van Witzenburg, and three great-grandchildren, Kayla Stanek, Giovanni Olvera, and James Paradis. He was preceded in death by his brother Harlyn from Burnsville, MN and is survived by his brother Marlin of Marshall.
Marion spent his entire professional career in the healthcare industry, as a mental health provider. He began his service as a social worker with the Skagit Group Ranch Home for Boys, and with the Skagit Mental Health Clinic. He later opened a private practice providing guidance for family, marital, group, and personal counseling. He was one of the first Designated Crisis Responders (DCR) in the state of Washington and served in that capacity for 54 years with the last 20 plus years at Compass Health. Compass Health is dedicating their new building in memory of Marion for his many years of unwavering support to people in the greater Skagit Valley. He was known in the industry for being the person to call in difficult situations, for advice and counsel. He helped and saved countless people during his life.
He possessed an enduring appetite for helping others and making connections with people within the community. He enjoyed spending time outside, walking his dogs, spending time with the children in his life, telling stories and joking around. He was beloved by his fellow DCR’s in Skagit County and was an inspiration to folks, coining the phrase “what would Marion do?” Marion would give the shirt off his back for anyone he crossed paths with. In his home life, he was a loving, fun-spirited, supportive father, grandfather, friend and mentor. .
For more information, see the Cascadia Daily News article: Cascadia Daily News: Marion Paradis. https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2026/feb/12/marion-paradis-skagits-enduring-designated-crisis-responder-dies-at-80/
Memorial contributions may be made to Compass Health. All contributions will support mental health services in Skagit County. Gifts may be made online at www.compasshealth.org/donate or via check by mail: Compass Health, PO Box 3810, M/S 49, Everett, WA 98213. Please note that the gift is In Memory of Marion Paradis.