Best yet to come for newspaper man, historian, friend

Editor's note: A celebration of Paul's career and retirement is planned for June 1 from 2-4 p.m. at the Linderman Elementary School cafeteria. See upcoming editions of the Leader for more details, and for a feature story on Paul's distinguished career and long history with Lake County.

"It's been 55 years, and now the road is turning a little bit."

Longtime Lake County Leader reporter, editor, friend and coach Paul Fugleberg announced his retirement last Wednesday afternoon. Paul used the same creative, clever language that was the hallmark of his writing for nearly 55 years as he announced his new direction. He's not retiring completely - his popular column will still be an occasional part of the newspaper, and all of us hope he's a regular presence at the office - but, as he said, his road is turning a little bit.

Paul gave all of us a scare Thursday, May 1, when he suffered a heart attack while undergoing medical tests. Someone was looking after Paul: if you're going to have a heart attack, you're best off having it at the doc's office.

He took a helicopter ride to Missoula and after a few anxious days in the hospital was released to his family. According to the docs, his big heart was undamaged.

Paul's resume includes decades as a newspaper man, local historian, author, columnist, beloved community member and family man. His work has been featured in national and regional magazines; he also authored the Touch of Montana series and Proud Heritage, an illustrated history of Lake County, the Lower Flathead, Mission and Jocko valleys. He was a priceless resource for all of us at the Leader office, and a joy to work with.

Yes, Paul's road is turning a little bit. From all of us at The Leader, Paul, best wishes for a happy retirement. As you walk that bending road, may the sun warm your face and a gentle breeze cool your back. And may the road bring you back to the Leader office whenever you ever experience the newspaper itch.

Someone like Paul can never be replaced, and we've all felt his absence over the last week or so. But as Paul begins to write the next chapter of his life, we know the best is yet to come.

Melissa Peel

Michelle Cope

MissyAnn Webb

Missy Hould

Kurt Hannah

Earl Hanneman

Andy Downing

Vicki Gambrel

Ali Bronsdon

Trent Makela

Jennifer McBride

Sarah Leavenworth

Laurie Ramos

Dan Drewry