Obituary of Paul Halason

The world has lost a man with a heart of gold; Paul Nicholas Halason of Monroe, Michigan passed away on July 25, 2015, after battling brain cancer for nearly two years. He was surrounded by the love he and his loving wife, Karen, created. Paul N. Halason is also known as: "Dad," "Papa," "Smiley," and "Blue Eyes." Born on February 22, 1939, in Monroe, Michigan, Paul was the eldest son of Nicholas and Theresa (Zemke) Halason. He attended St. Charles School in Newport, Catholic Central of Monroe, and graduated from Monroe High School in 1957 where he excelled in violin, choir, accordion, auto mechanics, and machine shop. Paul enlisted with the United States Navy in November of 1959. Due to his father's untimely death, he received an honorable discharge. Paul began working for Benesh Corporation in 1962, and continued until his retirement in 2004. After retirement, Paul served as a shop advisor at Benesh Corporation. In 1964, Paul completed an electronic technician's course at the Industrial Training Institute of Chicago, Illinois. Little did he know he would meet his sweetheart while earning an honest living. He met Karen Bashaw, and they wedded on April 14, 1973. Love at first sight is how their attraction is described. Many, through their 42 years of wedded bliss, witnessed their love and devotion toward one another. The passion within their marriage exuded from their eyes. The love they shared inspired others and helped to create a loving family. Paul had a passion for working with his hands and being outdoors. He loved working on cars and repairing things. He enjoyed hunting and fishing—he just loved being in the woods, by the water, or under the hood of a car. He loved and served his family through and through, following the example of our Heavenly Father. He was a true father in every sense of the word, taking the time to read, play, and to foster a safe, loving, and joyful home. Trips "Up North" were often taken with his wife and two daughters. Paul took tremendous pride in being a father and a papa to three granddaughters and then a great-papa to his only great-grandchild. Other activities Paul shared with his loved ones were games of Euchre, Kings in the Corner, Billiards, and even Wii Bowling. In his earlier years, he enjoyed racing his hydroplane, ice skating, and competing in Charles Atlas competitions. Paul was not a stranger to anyone. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off of his back, even if it were his only one. He enjoyed conversing with those he loved dearly, but he also appreciated a good 'ole conversation with a random someone in a grocery store. He was always pleased to chat. His positive attitude and his smile were infectious. He gracefully endured the complications from his illness, never complaining, even until the second he drew his very last breath. Paul will be remembered for his loyalty, compassion, love of family and children, generosity, wisdom, strong work ethic, long talks, and always doing his best. Surviving are his devoted wife, Karen; two daughters, Marie Halason (Dave Jackson) and Marcia (Thad) Scoles; two sisters, Nancy Yoas and Roseanne Thoms; one brother, Stanley Halason (Beth Haven); three granddaughters: Sandra Swinkey, Jade Kelley, and Serina Jackson; one great-grandson, John Christian Gentner, his best friend, Shadow, and most recent adoption of Buddy the cat. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan (734) 384-5185 on Tuesday, July 28, 2-7pm with a prayer service at 7pm. On Wednesday, July 29, Paul N. Halason will lie in state 10-11am, Mass will begin at 11am, at St. Mary Parish, 127 North Monroe Street. Procession to St. Charles Cemetery in Newport will follow, and a luncheon will be held at St. Mary's Church of Monroe. Father Louie Lapeyre will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions on behalf of Paul N. Halason may be made to the Monroe Cancer Connection, 800 Stewart Rd., Monroe, MI. 48162, Great Lakes Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, Mi. 49202, or to Wayne State University Brain Tumor Research Fund, Attn. G.R. Barger, M.D., Dept. of Neurology, 8D-UHC, 4201 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48201. The Halason family sincerely thanks the team of DMC doctors: neuro-oncologist Dr. G. Barger, Dr. Peveler, Dr. Nasseri, and neurosurgeon Dr. Mittall. Moreover, thanks to all of the dedicated DMC staff, nurses, and aides who have cared for him while he was in and out of the hospital. The Halason's would also like to thank the entire devoted staff of Great Lakes Home Care and Great Lakes Hospice for their commitment, professionalism, compassion, and education. From beginning to end, they held our hands every step of the way. Another thanks goes to Fountain View of Monroe. They have helped us feel at home while we were away from home. The kindness of the nurses, aides, activity directors, specialists, and office personnel has made these last few months enjoyable and bearable.