Paul John Eve

Paul was born May 19, 1939 in Belt, MT, to Joseph W. and Lorena Eve. The sixth of ten siblings - first of the 2nd five, according to Paul.

He grew up in Montana towns of Geraldine, Stanford, Poplar, and St. Regis, graduating from St. Regis High School in1957. He attended Carroll College in Helena before transferring to the College of Great Falls, where he received a BS degree. He then worked as their accountant before moving to Helena to become an IRS agent. His work as agent produced the largest tax case in Montana at that time. A director of the Union Bank, who had been involved in defense in the case, suggested the bank hire him. As auditor of the bank, Paul soon became an officer. When the bank became part of a corporation, Paul was assigned to Banco, Inc. regional audit group, auditing eight banks in Montana. He quickly rose to the position of lead auditor. Upon graduating with honors from the School for Bank Administration, he was offered the position of vice president of operations at Norwest Bank, formerly Union Bank.

In1984 he left banking to own and operate One Way Marine. When the former owner asked to buy it back, Paul agreed and found work with his nephew Joseph Eve's CPA firm in Great Falls. Paul and Joe enjoyed a great relationship, but Paul soon left to become CFO of Salish Kootenai College near Polson, MT. Recognizing Paul's abilities, the president tasked him with assisting the newly formed American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). After eight years at SKC he accepted the position of CFO for AIHEC, gaining respect from many tribal leaders. When the newly formed Tohono O'odham Community College in Sells, AZ asked him to become their CFO, he accepted, retiring early due to health issues.

While in Helena, Paul was active in Jaycees, working concessions at the Last Chance Stampede, organizing events, and other civic activities.

In high school Paul competed in basketball and football, ran high hurdles, and played in the band directed by his Dad. He loved to fish with his brother Phil, who taught him well. His brown trout catch won him a coveted Field and Stream award. Born in Montana, hunting was in his blood. He spent many a chilly morning stalking game, and enjoying the comradery of his hunting buddies. In Helena he found a new love- sailing. He enjoyed cruising, but each cruise soon became a race. He won many trophies on Canyon Ferry Lake. He always looked forward to competing in the Montana Sailing Championship on Flathead Lake. After moving to Polson, he often would sail the overnight race single handed, and loved the fun Friday evening races, enjoying a dog and a beer with sailing buddies afterward.

In later years he loved driving the backroads of Montana and stopping for lunch with brothers Phil and Jean, and brother-in-law Johnny McDonald.

Paul was a man of faith, loved his family, and was a devoted husband to his wife Rosie for nearly 55 years. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his generosity and his perseverance.

He is survived by his wife Rosemary "Rosie", children Sandra "Sam" Marsteller (Loren), Christine "Chris" Crick (Tom), Laura Johnson (Nick), Richard Eve, Ann Butryn (Tom), 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, brothers Allan (Norma), and Robert (Jane.)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul.