Donald Paul Noorda

POCATELLO -- Donald Paul Noorda, 68, our beloved husband, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021, with his wife and her son by his side at the Portneuf Medical Center.

Paul was born April 6, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is the third of five boys born to Donald E. and Peggy R. Noorda. Paul, as described by his brothers, was humorous, independent, insightful, motivated, tough, tender, generous, and intelligent.
A lifelong resident of Pocatello, Paul graduated from Pocatello High School in 1971. He studied business at Idaho State University. He also worked as an intern in Washington D.C. for Congressman Orval Hansen.

For most of his life, Paul was employed in the family business, Gem State Distributors. He found his home and career there and became President and CEO of the company in 1988. Paul worked tirelessly to ensure Gem State’s success. His work was a hobby and a passion. He was a very caring leader and was respected and loved by everyone.

He spent many years serving in the American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA) presently known as the Convenience Distribution Association (CDA). He was instrumental in establishing its Young Executive Group where he served as President, and later served on the AWMA national board of directors. During this time, he met the love of his life, a fellow board member, Bonnie Currie-Capriglione and they married on September 19, 1993.

Paul enjoyed boating with Bonnie on Jackson Lake, WY and Lake Mead, NV. He also enjoyed the endless hours with Bonnie on their “his and hers” John Deere tractors, manicuring their yard and caring for their garden. In addition, Paul was a big fan and supporter of the Pocatello High School and Idaho State University football programs.

He truly cherished the time with his grandchildren who live in Minnesota and Connecticut, and with his nieces and nephews. Paul was their biggest fan at their sporting events. They will forever remember their visits to his office, receiving his support and guidance, and sitting on his lap at Christmas. Paul truly loved to make them laugh, watch them grow, and follow their passions.

Paul’s giving heart and love of family inspired him to continue the annual Noorda Family Christmas Party in his home after the passing of his parents in 1995. This is where he and Bonnie created a magical time for the little ones for which they will always remember and cherish.

Paul was a member of various civic organizations, and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Paul is survived by his wife of 28 years, Bonnie; Bonnie’s sons Scott (Lori) Capriglione, and Chris (Carolyn) Capriglione; five grandchildren Nick (Bre) Capriglione, Noelle Capriglione, Natalie (Corey) Christensen, Nate Capriglione, and Vincent Capriglione; three brothers Jan (Roberta) Noorda, James (Natasha) Noorda, and Joseph (Laura) Noorda; Judy Noorda; Devery (Fred) Stradinger; and 12 nieces and 14 nephews.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Donald E. and Peggy R. Noorda; brother Peter R. Noorda; and grandson Dominic Capriglione.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the Wilks Colonial Chapel, located at 2005 S. Fourth Ave., Pocatello. Funeral services for Paul will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at the LDS Tyhee Stake Center, 12146 W Tyhee Road, Pocatello. Burial will follow at the Restlawn cemetery.

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