Mikey "Poobah" Paul, beloved by many, has made his final Irish goodbye. Mike passed away on November 23rd at the age of seventy-one after a ten-month battle with serious health issues during this time of Covid. Mike was Butte through and through.

Born to Tom and Helen Paul on Main Street in 1950, he attended St. Joes elementary and Butte Central High School. In his youth he enjoyed his family, neighborhood, friends, cars, shenanigans and playing sports. Mike was a multi-talented athlete as well as an incredible human being.

Mike married the love of his life JoAnn Clark on January 13, 1973 and they welcomed their only child Jamie a few years later.

He had left home for the first time to serve in the Army during the Vietnam war. On his return he went to work for the ACM company in the machine shop becoming a journeyman machinist. After the Company shut down, he served the people of his hometown working for the Butte Fire Department and proudly served as the union president for a period of time. Mike cut short his career as a Fireman after a serious injury while fighting a fire.

Despite this setback, he moved on as he always did with everything, "in his own way". He went back to school earning an associate degree in environmental health and safety at MT Tech. He then enjoyed a long stint working at CCCS. Inc where he ended his career retiring in 2016.

Mike was a character whose personality, dedication and loyalty to friends, family and Butte endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mike was a lover of life and fought hard for it. Most important to him were his family and friends. He was a presence around town you could find him at the K of C, walking Cap'n Jack and Jilly Jo with his pals at the dog park, at lunch with his friends, helping anyone and everyone with whatever they needed, and never missing a celebration or summer festival. He enjoyed supporting local activities and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus #668. He was also very proud of his Irish and Lebanese heritage.

Mike is survived by his daughter Jamie and her husband Greg Garwood, his sisters, Mary Ann (husband Rob Smith-Trisha, Tasha, Craig, Dylan) Peggy (husband Jim Dallaserra-Kayla, Rissy, Cole Kallie) brothers Tom (wife Carolyn- Tommy, Jenny) Jerry (wife Sara-Dan, Kate, Kelly) Bernie (wife Cathe-Jessica, Maddy) Numerous grand nieces and nephews, cousins and a lifetime of deeply valued friends who were his chosen family.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife JoAnn, her parents Ken and Helen Clark. His father and mother Tom and Helen Paul.

Mike would be the first to say, "hey, we can't leave without thanking those folks who took care of me, gave me hope the last ten months and helped me leave with dignity.

With a deep heartfelt appreciation, we wish to thank the unbelievably caring staffs at Senior Solutions, The Crest, The Community Hospital of Anaconda, The Community Medical Center in Missoula, The Rehabilitation Hospital of MT, The Advanced Care Hospital of MT and SCL (Butte & Billings).

Their care and dedication during this time has been remarkable. The community of Butte has lost one of its prized sons, but his spirit will remain in the lives of those who loved and treasured him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Mike are suggested to the Knights of Columbus #668, 224 W. Park St, Butte, MT 59701 or to Action Inc. (Mining City Christmas), 25 W. Silver St, Butte, MT 59701, or to the charity of donor's choice. A celebration of his life will take place at St. Patrick's Church on Saturday December 4 ^th at 11am.