Paul H. Guare, 85, died Saturday, January 12 at Fletcher Allen Health Care, surrounded by loving family and friends. Born on September 16, 1922, Paul was a lifelong resident of Montpelier and lived nearly all of it at 57 Barre St. in Montpelier. After graduating from St. Michael's Elementary and St. Michael's High School, Paul attended St. Michael's College, graduating in 1948 with a degree in English following an interruption in his education during World War II. During the war, he enlisted in the Army and served in the 16th Armored Division of General Patton's 3rd Army, participating in the liberation of Plzen, Czechoslovakia from Nazi Germany in 1945. Following the war, Paul worked for seven years as a reporter and editorial writer for the Montpelier Evening Argus prior to its merger with the Barre Times, and also worked as a newscaster for WSKI radio. He also served as Executive Secretary of the Vermont Petroleum Association for several years, representing the trade organization with government agencies and the public. Following the historic election of Philip Hoff as governor in 1962, Paul joined the first Democratic administration since 1854. He served in many positions including Director of Planning and Director of the Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity; and as Deputy Commissioner of Administration he acted as primary coordinator of all federal programs administered by the Vermont state government. In 1975, Paul was appointed Executive Secretary of the Transportation Board during the time when Interstates 89 and 91 were in the final stages of construction. He remained in that position until 1986, when he was elected as Assistant Judge for Washington County. He served two terms on the bench in Washington County Superior Court and Family Court until the mandatory retirement age of 72. His most recent position in Vermont state government came with his appointment by Governor Douglas to the Vermont Rail Council, on which he served until the time of his death. Paul was an active member and champion of his community, often known as "Mr. Montpelier" for his civic service and extensive knowledge of local history. During his career he served as President of the Montpelier Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Montpelier on the Move, and Chair of the Montpelier Planning Commission. He founded the Montpelier Historical Society and served as its first president. He was a member of the Rotary Club for over fifty years, as well as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a loyal member of the Democratic Party and active in politics at the local and state levels. His contributions to the life and culture of Montpelier include spearheading projects for the night-time illumination of the State House, the establishment of a war memorial in front of city hall, and the refurbishment of the historic model State House. He also initialized the centennial re-enactment of "Dewey Day" in 1999, one of the largest public celebrations the city had seen since the original event in 1899. A lover of theatre, Paul participated for many years as an actor with the Montpelier Theatre Guild, and in several professional productions of The Atlantic Theatre Company. He worked as location manager in Craftsbury and Stowe on the 1956 Hitchcock film "The Trouble With Harry". He loved Irish music and opera; Shakespeare and Robert Service, international travel and pontoon boat rides on Lake Groton. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Claire (Paxman), daughter Kathryn, both residing in Montpelier; by his sister Columba (nee Margaret), a Cistercian nun residing in Dubuque, Iowa; and by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins who loved him dearly. He was the son of Thomas J. and Florence (Emmons) Guare. He is preceded in death by his brothers John Richard and Thomas. Calling hours will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, January 17 at 11 am at St. Augustine's Church in Montpelier where Paul was a dedicated, lifelong parishioner and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Lunch to follow in the parish hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Montpelier Historical Society, P.O. Box 54, Montpelier, VT 05601; or to Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, 8400 Abbey Hill Lane, Dubuque, IA 52003.