Early in the morning of September 4th, 2012, Pablo (Paul) Covarrubias passed away in Helena MT. He left behind a wonderful legacy of love, faith and friendship for family and friends.
Born on January 25, 1930 in Hysham, MT; Paul was the fourth son of Juan & Eulalia Covarrubias. He and eight siblings grew up in the farmlands surrounding Rosebud MT. Paul attended Carroll College in Helena and served several years in the Air Force. Moving to the western part of Montana, Paul worked road construction and was proud of the work he accomplished. He loved to take drives up Lolo Creek and point to places that he helped create.
On August 8, 1964, he married Doris Lawrence Kester and lovingly accepted her four children as his own. He guided them with a gentle spirit that will forever remain. Left behind are son, Jerry W. Kester of Missoula, daughters, Cheryl (Larry) Hanson of Lolo, MT, Connie (Duane) Teigen of Helena, MT, and Renee’ (Doug) Nuesse of Spokane WA. Also, he leaves nine grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. Two grandsons (Sean & Craig) and a great grandson (Orion) preceded him in death.
Paul worked for many years in the lumber industry as a millwright for Van Evans in Missoula and Champion International in Bonner MT. He retired to lovingly care for Doris for many years before her passing in 2001. He sang for several years with the Mendelssohn Club and was fortunate to have a hand in putting together the first International Chorale Festival in Missoula which brought talented singers and musicians together from all over the world. The past several years, he became deeply committed to his faith community at St Anthony Parish. The accomplishment he was most proud of was the attainment of 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus in March of this year. He truly enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Fishing, camping, Sunday drives and family dinners were all special times to him. He felt truly blessed to have spent so many great times with friends, especially in his church family.
Paul is survived by five sisters: Mary Covarrubias Ruffatto of Sidney MT, Maxeen (SR Consuela) Covarrubias of Sioux Falls SD, Socorro Covarrubias Steele of Amery, WI, Amparro (Consie) Covarrubias Kelly of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and Connie Covarrubias Ratzel of Chicago IL. His three brothers that predeceased him were: Frank Covarrubias, Leo Covarrubias, and John Covarrubias
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 509 N. 12th, Forsyth, MT. Rite of Committal with full Military Honors will follow the Funeral Mass at Forsyth Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Immaculate Conception Church. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com or www.stevensonandsons.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Paul.
Cindy Backeberg says
Connie and Family,
I didn’t have the opportunity to know your father but I wanted you to know that his obituary is beautiful and he sounds like a wonderful man. My sincere sympathy to you all as losing a loved one is very difficult. Many thoughts and prayers come your way,
Cindy
BIll Dean Holmes says
Dear Sister Consuela, Concie and Connie and Socoro….. Please note that you are in my prayers….. May Paul rest in peace.
Jim and Thelma Beyl says
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you