Paul Verdon, 85, a longtime Montana newspaper editor and a former researcher at the state Legislative Council, died Friday at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena. He suffered from Parkinson’s disease.
Verdon was editor and publisher of the Western News in Libby from 1960 to 1979. Under his direction, the paper chronicled the construction of the Libby Dam and the vast changes in the community that came with activity from the massive federal project. The Montana Press Association three times named the paper outstanding weekly in the state while Verdon was editor. It also was once honored for outstanding typographical excellence. Earlier he worked at the Phillips County News and the Great Falls Tribune.
After selling the paper in 1979, Verdon and his family moved to Helena and he was hired as a legislative researcher in 1980. He generally worked on issues concerning business, economic development, transportation and mineral taxation. He became an authority on the coal severance tax. He retired from the council in 1992. However, shortly afterward he spent seven months helping staff a commission appointed by Gov. Stan Stephens to fix problems in the state’s worker’s compensation system.
In his retirement, Verdon volunteered at a number of local nonprofit organizations, including the Montana Historical Society. He had a deep interest in Montana and U.S. history.
Paul Eugene Verdon was born March 2, 1926, on an isolated homestead south of Wolf Point to Thomas Sylvester and Maude Dwyer. He was the youngest of six children. His mother died when Verdon was just 2 years old, and he went to live with Alex and Mary Verdon in Poplar. They later adopted him.
After graduating from Poplar High School, Verdon enlisted in the Navy and joined the V-12 program that offered a college education and pilot training. He was sent to Carroll College. He received about half his college education there. It was a time he always remembered fondly, and he was active in a V-12 alumni organization and helped organize reunions. The war ended before he was ready for pilot training and Verdon opted to leave the service to attend the University of Montana. He graduated from the School of Journalism.
While working at the Phillips County News, Verdon fell in love with Malta native Elaine Hendrickson. They were married in 1952.
Verdon is survived by his wife Elaine of Helena; a daughter, Lexie, of Arlington, Va.; four sons, Robert of Plano, Texas; Timothy of Port Neches, Texas; Kenneth of Helena and Michael of Missoula, two grandchildren, Andrew and Jamie Barr of Virginia; his son-in-law, Stephen Barr; three daughters-in-law, Beth, Donna and Jill Verdon; and a sister, Harriet Eastman in Great Falls. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.
The family will receive friends from 4:00p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 22nd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Rosary will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 23rd with Mass of Christian Burial to be at noon at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A reception will follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Burial with military honors will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 24th at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association: APDA Great Falls Chapter, 1200 32nd Street, South, #25, Great Falls, MT 59404, the Montana Historical Society, P.O. Box 201201, Helena, MT 59620 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
1200 32nd Street, South, #25
Greatfalls, MT 59404
Barbara Hacke Resch says
Tim and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a strong figure while we were growing up in Libby. My thoughts and prayers go out you. Regards, Barb Hacke Resch
Bruna Larson Bogart says
To Elaine, Lexie, Bob, Tim, Ken, Mike and families–I was deeply saddened to hear of your dad’s passing, I remember him as kind,generous, and always smiling with twinkly blue eyes–such a wonderful person to be around, and I was lucky enough to live right across the street from you for so many happy years. I feel truly blessed to have known him, and all of you as well. Please know that so many people share your sadness, hope that helps to ease some of the pain–my love to you all
Christine Nowicki-Rieck says
Bob,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Christine Nowicki-Rieck
Dana Dedrickson Tandy says
Elaine, Lexie, Bob, Tim, Ken, Mike and families-Every time I think of Paul, I see his wonderful smile and the gentle way he made all of Lexie’s friends feel at home. Kindness is his legacy and it shows in his family. Please know I am with you in spirit this day and always-
Love to all,
Dana
Doug Stipcich says
To the entire Verdon family, please accept my deepest sympathy regarding the loss of Paul. He was by far one of the most kind, pleasant and compassionate individuals I have had the pleasure to meet. I might add, not a lot of fun to play trivial pursuit against, but still always a joy to be around. My prayers are extended to each and every one of you at this darkest moment. If there is anything I can do in any way, shape or form, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Doug
Emily Patch says
My father, James Patch of Poplar, MT, often spoke of his friendship with a young Paul Verdon. I will always remember my dad’s affection for Paul.
Emily Patch, Portland, OR
Erik Kohan says
Bob – Very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fr. Joe Harrington says
Dear Elaine and Family: I knew Paul especially during the many years he was active as a member of the Helena Kiwanis Club. I came to know and admire Paul for the ecellent man he was. At Carroll we always felt a kinship wih Paul because of his association as a young man with the V-12 Navy Program during World War II. Truly an outstanding journalist and a real gentleman in every respect. I extend my sympathy to all your family and althogh I am away from Helena this week and unable to attnd Paul’s funeral Mass, I will be certain to remeber Paul and his family at Mass and in my prayers this week. Sincerely yours, Father Joe Harrington.
Glorine & Ron Delk says
So sorry we won’t be with you today in celebrating Uncle Paul’s life. The weather just didn’t cooperate. I have lots of great memories of my favorite Uncle, he will be greatly missed by all. To know that he is whole again is a blessing to all of us that saw him suffer the last few years. You will be in our prayers & thoughts today.
Harriet Eastman says
Paul: Rest in peace! Know that you are loved & will be missed. Keep watch from above. Elaine & Family, Keep all your happy memories close to your heart. Peace!!!
Your Loving Sister, Sister-in-law & Aunt
Jim Goll says
it was such an honor and a pleasure to have worked with Paul at the PCN back in the early 1950’s when he was the editor. i learned the printing trades under Pauls guidance . .and it was a lesson in life . . thanks to Paul
John and Hayden Constance says
Dear Lexie and Steve,
Hayden and I send heartfelt condolences to you at the end of your Dad’s life journey. He certainly gave you a lot, including a beacon for both of your careers in journalism. You have given him a lot over the years, but the support in his final years and the sensitivity to his wishes are near the top of that list. Blessings on you and your family,
John and Hayden
John Tabaracci says
Bob:
I’m sorry to read of your father’s passing. Please know you, and your family, will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Judith Thorpe says
Dear Elaine, I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a kind, generous and loving person. I know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you and the family.
Judy
Judy Eastman Gurganious says
So sorry for the Verdon family loss. Uncle Paul, you will never be forgotten. I have alot of precious memories of you and Aunt Elaine and the family. The Root Beer Floats memories are the best. Will keep everyone in our prayers. Love to all the family.
Judy Eastman Gurganious
Kathy (Kutz) Nelson says
Dear Elaine and family,
Our sincere condolences. I know Paul will be missed. I so much appreciated all he taught me at The Western News and for the encouragement that he and you, Elaine, were to me as a “newby.” The Western News was at its best when Paul was at the helm.
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Dave & Kathy (Kutz) Nelson
Keith & Pat Walsh says
Our sincere sympathy to all of you. We have fond memories of your family when you lived in Libby. God bless!!
Kelly Dwyer says
Sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. “Secretly,” I believe, he was always my father’s favorite cousin. My favorite memory of working in the capitol was knowing when your father and husband was close by and in good spirits, as his whistling echoed through the hallways. Our thoughts are with you.
Linda Cameron says
Mike, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My sympathy goes out to you and your family. May the fond memories help you thru the grieving and healing process.
Nan & Mitch Walter says
Dear Elaine….Mitch and I were sorry to hear of Paul’s passing but we know that he is God’s loving hands now and I’m thinking that he and my Mom are having a nice chat and perhaps playing a game of crib! My parents were blessed to have you and Paul in their lives. Let the good Lord wrap his loving arms around you and your kids to ease your pain and bring you through this time of sorrow. With our love, prayers and God’s blessings always! Nan, Mitch and David Walter
Paul Svrcek says
I was saddened to read of Paul’s passing. When I served in the Legislature in the 80s and early 90s, I often worked with Paul. You couldn’t ask for a more balanced, knowlegeable, calm, pleasant presence and advisor than Paul. He really exemplified public service and personal kindness, and it always rubbed off, at least on me. My condolences to Paul’s family and my thanks for his service and kindness.
Paul Svrcek
former State Legislator from Thompson Falls,
now living in Seattle
Ralph Taylor says
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I will always remember how good a “Boss” he was and the kindness the whole family showed me. I will always remember him calling me “Alfy” and I think he considered the whole crew at The Western News his family. We worked hard to get the paper out on time but there was always the good-spirited humor. Best of wishes to Elaine and the whole family.
Ralph and Peggy Taylor
Rob Nowell says
Hello, Verdons: I am sorry for your loss. Paul was a great guy. My dad passed away in December from what began as Parkinson’s, as well. My best wishes to all of you.
Robin Johnson says
So sorry to hear of Uncle Paul’s passing. I will hold my memories of him close. My thoughts and prayers are with Elaine and the family.
Ross W. Cannon says
My condolences to the Verdon family. I’ve known Paul for many years and have always held him in the highest regard.
Wayne & Janet Eastman Rollo says
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Aunt Elaine and the family. Our love and prayers are with you all during this time with the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. Uncle Paul will be misses.