Paul Crary

Paul Thomas Crary, age 75, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 1, 2007. Paul T. was born in Fargo, ND on March 25, 1932. He graduated from Sacred Heart Academy. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and Marine Corps proudly serving his country in the Korean War. Paul had a love of reading and the outdoors. He enrolled and graduated from NDSU with a BS in Botany and Zoology, continuing on with a Master of Science in Speech and English. Paul?s quest for knowledge led him to the University of ND graduating with a Juris Doctor of Law. Paul T. Crary married Mary Ann Bernardy on August 30, 1958. They moved from Fargo and made their home in Walhalla, ND where they raised their family. Upon retirement Paul and Mary returned to Fargo where they remained until his death. Paul?s greatest joy was spending time with his four children. He was their scout leader, took them hunting in the Pembina Gorge, fishing at Detroit Lakes, hiking at every State Park, and camping in the National Parks. The whole family would load up the station wagon and begin their adventure, stopping to investigate every bird species, tree species and roaming animal. Paul often said his happiest times were spent with his kids. Paul was an accomplished writer with articles published in several journals. He was the first North Dakotan to be awarded the ?National Forest Conservationist of the Year? honor in 1969, for his work on saving trees in the Pembina Gorge. He served as Pembina County Judge from 1970 ? 1982 and also the Walhalla City Attorney. He was proud of the fact that he graduated from Judiciary College with Sandra Day O?Connor. He practiced law from 1965 until his retirement. Paul had both an insurance license and a lifetime teaching certificate. Paul T. Crary is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Ann; one daughter, Jeannie (Kelly) O?Connell of Kalispell, MT; three sons, Tim (Sandy) Crary, Joe (Mary) Crary and Steve Crary all of Grand Forks, ND; ten grandchildren; and two step grandchildren; one sister, Ann (John) Will of Omaha, NE; and several cousins. Paul is preceded in death by his parents Clarence Joseph and Lillian Crary. FUNERAL MASS: 11 a.m., Thursday, December 6, 2007 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo, ND. VISITATION: one hour prior to the funeral in the church on Thursday BURIAL: Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo, ND. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND. Online guest book at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com