Paul R Haskins

Paul Raymond Haskins, 83, of Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, lost his brave battle with brain cancer on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020.

Paul is survived by his wife, Carole, the love of his life for nearly 62 years; his daughter Sally Laurila and her husband Steve; his daughter Paula Johnson and her husband Larry; his daughter Courtney Haskins and her husband Will; granddaughters Kelly, Macy, Sydney, Emma and McKinley; nieces Janet, Jody, and Julie; and nephews Jeffrey and Jimmy.  Paul was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Nystrom and nephew, Jon.  Paul also enjoyed the companionship of many four-legged grand-pups throughout the years, all of whom brought him great joy.

Paul was born in Ashland, Wisconsin on October 22, 1936.  He grew up in Bayfield, Wisconsin, attended Holy Family Catholic School, and graduated from Bayfield High School in 1956, where he played varsity basketball for four years.  After graduation, Paul spent a year working on an ore boat for Pickands Mather & Company.  In 1957, Paul joined Erie Mining Company in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, where he worked as a brakeman, conductor, and later an engineer. On June 7, 1958 Paul married Carole Meyers who was his schoolmate for 12 years and became his forever soulmate. Although Paul loved his many years working on the railroad, he chose to retire in 1996 after 40 years of service.

Paul and Carole began their life together in Virginia, Minnesota, and four years later, moved to Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. Here they chose to raise their three daughters and attended Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Paul’s faith was an important part of the man he was and how he lived his life.  Paul’s favorite past times were water skiing, bowling, softball, camping and fishing on White Water with Carole and his girls. Golf was one of Paul’s favorite hobbies, and he enjoyed playing in the Hoyt Lakes Men’s Golf League. Paul’s hole-in-one in 1971 will be a day always remembered.

One of Paul’s greatest passions was the love he had for his Green Bay Packers. He loved nothing more than watching the Pack on a Sunday afternoon.  They could be down 20-0 with 10 seconds left and Paul would be known to say, “plenty of time left…plenty of time.”  What a fan he was!

Paul wore many hats during his lifetime. He loved being a Dad to “his girls” and always treasured their times together.  But his favorite ‘hat’ was the one he wore as Grandpa to Kelly and Papa to Macy, Sydney, Emma and McKinley.  The love he shared with his granddaughters was special and gave him so much joy.  He said more than once… “I have it all.”

Paul and Carole were blessed with many happy and healthy years of retirement—spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona, where they met forever friends.

His memory will always be carried in our hearts, and we know he was greeted with open arms, and God saying, “Good job my true and faithful servant.” 

Memorial donations in memory of Paul can be made to Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospice East Range, 901 9th Street North, Suite 215, Virginia, Minnesota 55792.