Paul Lawrence, 78
Paul Lawrence, 78, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at his childhood home on Conrad Drive in Kalispell, surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 5, 1926, in Mt. Vernon, S.D., to Jesse and Marie (Wagner) Lawrence.
He moved to the Flathead Valley with his family in 1936. He attended Kalispell schools, graduating from Flathead High School in 1944. He was nicknamed "SP" (Superior Paul) for his superior ratings on his tuba throughout his high school years.
After graduation he went into the V12 Naval Officer Training Program. He entered the service again during the Korean War, serving in the Brooke-Army Medical Center Band. After discharge from military service he resumed his position at the Kalispell Post Office, working there until his retirement. His expertise and speed as a "foot beater" is legend.
Paul loved music. He played many instruments in his lifetime. His greatest love being the tuba, of which he was unequaled in our area. He was a charter member of the Flathead Valley Community Band, the BrassWerks, the Rocky Mountain Rhythm Kings, and the Big Horn Trio. He had performed with the Glacier Orchestra and Chorale, the Flathead ValleyAires, the Mendelssohn Club Men's Chorus of Missoula, various barbershop quartets, and the Trosdorf Maintaler Blaskappelle in Trosdorf, Germany.
He was also involved in singing and playing music at his church, the Central Christian Church for many years. The scriptures came alive when Paul read them and he was a favorite orator.
Recently he sang gospel with his younger brother's band, the Don Lawrence Orchestra, stirring audiences with his rendition of "This World Is Not My Home." His greatest love for the past 25-plus years was fronting his own band - the Bavarian Echoes.
Paul is a Past Master of the Kalispell Masonic Lodge No. 42 AF & AM, and was recently honored by entry into the Mason Hall of Fame in Helena. Paul was also involved in the Knights Templar, receiving the Cross of Honor. When his children were young he coached PeeWee baseball for 15 years. Many of his teams won state and local championships.
Another love for Paul was traveling and the many friends he made all over the globe; he especially loved to go where he could find a good brew! Paul loved the great out-of-doors, putting many miles on his hiking boots.
Paul will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of fun, big bear hugs, and rigorous honesty. His smile lit up every room he was in! We all appreciated his down-to-earth faith and approach to life. He knew how to be content and those of us fortunate enough to spend time with him came away with some of the same contentment. He was a man not rich in material possessions, but rich with spirit and adventure. His German friends dubbed him "Immerlustig" which means "Always Happy." "We love you now and forever. 'Prost.'"
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, George; and his grandparents, Tom and Panzy Wagner, and John and Edna Lawrence.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Barbara Lawrence, of Kalispell; three daughters, Gayle Hoehn and husband, John, and children, Kirsten and Kevin of Belgrade, Paulette Yee and husband, Gary, and their daughter, Emma of Kalispell, and Susan Wiens and husband, Stuart, and children, Ryan, Kari and Travis of Boulder, Colo.; one son, Neil Lawrence, and wife, Sheila, and sons, Jason, Casey and Jonathon of Boise, Idaho; also Paul leaves behind his buddy and brother, Don Lawrence, and wife, Barbara, of Columbia Falls, and one sister, Shirley Cardew, and husband, Cal, of Portland, Ore. Paul was loved and admired by two nephews, Jim Bachofner and wife, Josee', and sons, Eric and Philipe, and Dav'd Lawrence and daughter, Sandra; and nieces, Tracy Jones, and Rebecca Bekkedahl and husband, Randy.
Memorial services for Paul Lawrence will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Central Christian Church. Interment will be celebrated at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery later this summer.
The family suggests donations be made to the Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 42, Kalispell, MT 59901; Hospice Home Health Options, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; the American Cancer Society; or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Cremation.