Paul had a personal philosophy that began, “Start each day with the positive thought that you are going to do the best that you can do, then live that day to the fullest!”
Born in Escanaba, Michigan, Paul moved to St. Ignace when he was two-years-old. For a future educator, Paul had quitter a different feeling about school when it came to kindergarten. His mother would drop him off in the morning, but some days he would leave school and walk the two blocks to his grandmother Monson’s. While his grandmother welcomed him warmly, she did tell him that he should have stayed in school. She then would make him chocolate pudding (Paul’s favorite!). This stopped as soon as his mother found out.
He went on to graduate from La Salle High School in St. Ignace. After high school, he attended Sault Tech (which is now Lake Superior State University), the University of Michigan where he earned his BA in education and psychology, Northern Michigan University for more education studies, and Eastern Michigan University where he earned his MA Degree in education with a special education endorsement.
Paul’s career started as a Psychologist Trainee at Newberry State Hospital. He quickly realized that it was not what he wanted to do, but it was here that he met Irene Shoemaker. They fell in love, and would be married for 65 years until her death in 2020. Another of Paul’s personal philosophies was, “…Every child can learn if given the right help and direction.” He brought this philosophy to Flushing Public Schools, East Detroit Public Schools, assisting new teachers for Michigan State University, serving as a teacher and consultant for Sault St. Marie Public Schools, and as the Director/Supervisor for Special Education in the Sault Public Schools where he would retire. Even in retirement however, his passion kept him busy, serving as a Special Need’s Consultant for Head Start in Holland.
When Paul wasn’t working, he was actively involved as a life member of the Michigan Education Association, the Rotary, the Masonic Lodge, was a hospice volunteer, a member of the Sault Association for the Handicapped Children, and served in the United Methodist Church in a variety of capacities, including Stephen Ministries.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife Lora Irene Monson.
He is survived by his sons: Steve and Melanie Monson, Robert Monson, Jay and Mary Monson; Grandchildren: Adam Aldrich, Angela Logic, Derek and Samantha Monson, Lindsey Monson, Josh Monson; Great-grandchildren Tommy Aldrich, Michael Monson, Theo Monson; Great-great-grandchild Liam Aldrich.
A memorial service will be at Saugatuck United Methodist Church, 250 Mason Street, in Saugatuck on August 28, 2021 at 11:00am.
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