Dr. Paul H Palm

Dr. Paul Herman Palm, 75, passed away peacefully at home on October 3, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. He will be remembered for his easy smile, welcoming manner, quiet wisdom, engaging conversations, great sense of humor and wonderful culinary skills. A Father’s Day baby, he was born June 17, 1945 in Glasgow, MT to Herman Benjamin and Gertrude Josephine (Kappel) Palm. He was the 3rd of 4 children. He spent his formative years in Saco, Bozeman, Glasgow, and Hinsdale. During his teen years he grew up on the family ranch outside of Hinsdale. Following his graduation from Hinsdale HS in 1964, he continued his education at Montana State University, (MSU) earning his Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1967. Prior to earning his Master’s Degree in Counseling from MSU in 1975, he spent a year traveling and studying in Europe through a Comprehensive Arts Program from the University of Oregon. In 1986 he earned his Doctorate in Education degree from the University of MT. His lifework revolved around education. He began his career teaching music at Riverside Jr. High in Billings, MT. Following a year in Europe, he moved to Hardin MT where he taught Music and Psychology. Over the next 14 years, he served as the HS Guidance Counselor, the Federal Programs Director, and Assistant Superintendent. In 1984 he moved to Missoula to pursue his Doctorate in Education. Following graduation, Paul held administrative positions in the Havre, Clancy, and Nashua, MT school districts. In 1993, he and his family relocated “south” to Casper, WY in support of a career move for his wife. While in Casper, he served as Educational Director at Wyoming Behavioral Institute, as well as managing a small restaurant. In 1999, he accepted a position with the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in Portland, OR. He served as Director of the Comprehensive Center before retiring from the educational field. A proud Democrat and self proclaimed political junkie, he enjoyed a robust political debate, always conducted with civility and a respect for the other person’s point of view. He believed in participating in the democratic process whenever possible. He ran for the MT Legislature from Big Horn County. He served on the MT Coal Board for 10 years and was Vice Chairman for 2. While pursuing his career in Hardin, he met the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Hendy. They met in the Fall of 1974 and were married June 7, 1975 after only 7 “official” dates. They joked that the only way they would get to know each other was to get married, particularly since their work schedules didn’t match! Together they shared 45 wonderful years and raised three children they were very proud of. To his family and friends, he was considered a Renaissance Man, a person of many talents and areas of knowledge, cultured in the arts, a true gentleman. He was an accomplished musician, whether singing in a quartet or community choir, playing the piano or church organ, or directing HS choral groups or community theatre musicals. He was a prolific reader, enjoyed refinishing old furniture, and gardening. Most of all, he was an accomplished cook, from gourmet meals to canning fruits and preparing jellies and jams. Family and friends enjoyed coming to “Palm’s Bed and Breakfast” and sharing in his wonderful meals and welcoming hospitality. He is survived by his wife Pat; son Kris (Anne), Portland, OR; daughters Julian (Lucas) Cogdill, Casper, WY and Jenny (Jeremy ) Ray, Heber City, UT; 5 grandchildren: Cormac and Cooper Cogdill, Kaleb and Blake Palm, and Scena Ray; brothers and sisters -in-law, Norman (Mary Hendy), Nancy Hendy, Bob (Sondra) Hendy, and Walt Kuster as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held in June, 2021 in Portland OR.