Paul C. Halas Jr.

Paul C. Halas died peacefully at home on October 2nd. His loving wife, Janet Poillon, was by his side. He is survived by his daughters Regan of North Adams, MA; Sarah of Tahoe City, CA; his son Steven (Michelle) and his grandson Wyatt of Tampa, FL. Paul was the eldest of ten children born in Danbury, and his surviving siblings include Lizzie (Robert), Patti, Barbara, Geraldine, Maggie Moy (Jeff), Michael (Laura) and their families. He was incredibly proud of his family and his early days working at the Halas Farm Market.

After graduating from Mount St. Mary’s University in 1972 with a B.S. in Economics, Paul travelled Europe and eventually moved to Vermont to pursue his love of skiing. In 1974, while bartending in the Bear’s Den at Stratton Mountain, Paul was invited to join the New York corporate training program at McGraw Hill, which then led to a 36-year career in advertising and marketing. His leadership roles at Chemical Weekly, Aviation Week and Business Week were applauded, and he was happily tasked with spearheading client entertainment including shooting sporting clays, tennis, skiing and charity biking events.

One winter weekend Paul was standing in a lift line at Stratton when the acting ski patrol director pulled him aside and told him, “Come with me, Halas. I have a job where you’ll never wait in line again.” Paul joined the National Ski Patrol in 1974 and it was a large part of his and his family’s life. Being on the mountain was Paul’s ‘happy place,’ and his Stratton Ski Patrol family has shared multiple stories of his medical expertise, skiing skills and patient care. The laughs, cheerful songs, mischief, camaraderie, powder days and hours spent in the woods have unearthed incredible tales. Paul was confident yet humble, and his fellow patrollers loved working with him on the mountain. He always made people feel safe and was proud to wear the cross. His adept medical training was once put to work in Grand Central Station when Paul performed CPR and saved a commuter in distress.

At McGraw Hill and Stratton Mountain, Paul was a mentor, a teacher, a listener and a great friend. When Paul retired from McGraw Hill in 2010, he worked full time at Stratton Ski Patrol, and at Sam Bridge Nursery in Greenwich as the spring snow melted. He loved working with people and plants and thrived in the serenity of the great outdoors.

Paul married Janet at the top of Stratton Mountain in March of 2013 and was thrilled to travel and ski with her by his side. Paul also loved to bike, swim, sail, fly fish and enjoy a nice cold IPA. He was welcomed by his many new friends and was incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and respect from all the Belle Haven Club members and staff over the last ten years.

Paul was a member of St. Michael’s parish in Greenwich and leaned on his faith countless times throughout his life. His family plans a wake at Leo P. Gallagher funeral home on October 10th from 5PM-8PM, and funeral mass at St. Michael the Archangel Church on October 11th at 10AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Greenwich Emergency Medical Service, Greenwich EMS.