Robert Mercier Paul
Robert Mercier Paul was born in 1915 in New York City, the son of George A. and Mabel Paul. He passed away due to natural causes at Willamette View Manor in Portland, Ore., on Jan. 3, 2010, at the age of 94.
Robert graduated in three years from Morris High School in New York City. He then had a senior year at Mount Herman Prep School. During his youth he was very active in Boy Scouts, especially the Sea Scouts, and attained Eagle Scout Rank. His scouting greatly influenced his love of the water and his years in the Navy and his summers as a ranger in Glacier National Park.
Robert graduated from Columbia University in New York. While attending college he returned from the family Jersey coast cottage in time to teach Sunday school classes. Having graduated during the Depression, he worked in commerce for an importing firm and also for R. H. Macy.
His first teaching assignment was at Wasatch Academy (Presbyterian boarding school) in Mount Pleasant, Utah. There he met and courted Mary Benbow, who was a home economics teacher at the Academy.
In 1942 Robert volunteered for the Navy and was the commanding officer of an LCI participating in the amphibious landings in North Africa, Italy, and France during D-Day. In November 1943, Robert and Mary were married by her father, The Rev. Earl Wm. Benbow, in Seattle. Robert remained active in the Naval Reserve and retired as Lieutenant Commander.
Following World War II, Robert received his master's degree in Teaching of Mathematics from Columbia University. He taught on Long Island before moving west to McMinnville, Ore. There Robert taught math and later also became Dean of Boys at McMinnville High School, retiring in 1977 after 32 rewarding years. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and internationally.
Bob began his 53-year seasonal career with the National Park Service on July 14, 1947, as trailcrew/fireguard/camp-tender at $1 per hour, before becoming a ranger.ÊAssigned stations began and ending at Bowman Lake but also included Many Glacier, Kintla Lake, East Glacier, Waterton (Goathaunt), Two Medicine, Logging Creek, and Walton. He earned a Superior Service Award and was affectionately known as "Bowman Bob."
Robert was an active member of the McMinnville First Presbyterian Church and Kiwanis before moving to Willamette View Manor in Portland and transferring membership to Moreland Presbyterian Church. He was an avid hiker, birder, fisherman, and a very accomplished boatman with canoes, sailboats, pleasure craft, patrol boats, and landing craft infantry.
Survivors include Mary, his wife of 66 years, and daughters Janet Bones and husband Stan, Nancy Trembath and husband Rick, and Mac Bones, Jodie Bones, Laura Trembath Pieri, and Paula Trembath.
Robert was preceded in death by his older brother, George T. Paul, of Middlesex, N.J.
A memorial service was held Jan. 8, 2010, at Moreland Presbyterian Church in Portland, Ore., with Rev. Tom McKnight leading the service. Cremation took place at Macy and Son Funeral Home in McMinnville.
A special thank you is offered to all of Bob's caregivers, including Hospice.
Memorial gifts may be given to The Salvation Army, or to a charity of the donor's choice.