Paul Thomas O'Hare

Paul Thomas O'Hare was born in Sand Coulee, Mont., on June 23, 1917, to Thomas and Florence (Laizure) O'Hare. He passed away on July 11, 2008 at his home in Hope, Idaho. He was educated in the Great Falls, Mont., schools and graduated from high school there in 1935. While in high school, he obtained an Eagle Scout ranking from the Boy Scouts of America. Paul attended the University of Montana in Missoula, obtaining a bachelor of arts degree in 1940 and a master of education in 1946. While at UM, he was on the swim team for four years and held records in the 220 and 440 freestyle at schools in Montana, Idaho and Washington.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

A life-long educator, Mr. O'Hare began his teaching career in 1941 at Deer Lodge, Mont. He married Catherine Mae McKeel on Dec. 20 of that year. His educational career was put on hold while he proudly served his country in World War II with the United States Navy. He was an admired and respected L.C.I. ships captain in the Pacific Theater and was discharged as a lieutenant senior grade after four years of active duty.

Following his military career, Paul returned to the University of Montana where he served as a counselor and dormitory manager and taught mathematics while working toward his master's degree. Upon completing his MEd, Paul and Catherine moved to Red Lodge, Mont., where he taught math and served as the principal of the junior high school. In 1948, he accepted a position as superintendent of schools in Thompson Falls, Mont., and remained in that position until 1956. At that time, the O' Hares moved to Helena, Mont., where Paul was assistant principal at Helena High School before accepting the position of deputy state superintendent of public instruction from 1957 to 1960.

The Billings Public Schools called, and Paul served as assistant superintendent from 1960-1964 when he was named superintendent of schools. Mr. O'Hare held that position from 1964 until his retirement in 1977.

Mr. O'Hare belonged to many service and civic organizations throughout his life and he served as a vestry member of his church in several communities. He achieved the DeMolay Legion of Honor Award in 1946 and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also an active member of Rotary International while living in Billings.

Paul and Catherine retired to their beloved Lake Pend Oreille in 1977 near property they had purchased in 1949 while living in Thompson Falls. They enjoyed many happy years there with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the many friends they met throughout their lifetime.

While in Idaho, Paul was an active member of St. Agnes (now Holy Spirit) Episcopal Church, serving as an usher and a vestry member. He enjoyed playing card games with his family, loved water sports, and liked tinkering in his yard and garden. His children and grandchildren remember his kind heart and gentle manner as well as his subtle sense of humor.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce J. Pierre and Leo L. Pierre and his brother, William C. O'Hare. He is survived by his wife, Catherine, of Hope as well as his daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Carl Sandell and his son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Linda O'Hare all of Hope.

Mr. O'Hare is also survived by his grandchildren: Carleen Sandell Clark and her husband, Spencer of Sandpoint, Ryan O'Hare and his wife, Barbara Jo of Kirkland, Wash., Shannon O'Hare Renevier and her husband, Jeffrey of Bozeman, Mont., and Caitlin Sandell of Saipan, MP.

He is also survived by three great-grandchildrn: Trey Clark and Ara Clark of Sandpoint, and Logan O'Hare of Kirkland. Other survivors include a sister-in-law, Bertha O'Hare of Great Falls, Mont., and one niece and two nephews and their families.

Memorials may be made to Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Sandpoint.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements.

Please visit Paul's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.