Paul J. Vardigan

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died July 26, 2013

Escanaba, MI
Paul J. Vardigan, age 98, of Escanaba passed away Friday morning, July 26, 2013.

Paul was born July 1, 1915 in Wells, the son of Paul and Helen (Crnich) Vardigan. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1933. He earned a Teacher’s Certificate at Delta County Normal in 1934 and attended Cloverland Commercial College the same year. He earned a degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin in 1956 and graduated from Northern Michigan University with High Honors in 1964. Paul taught for over 40 years in the public schools with a special focus on teaching children with hearing impairments.

Paul was active and ambitious from an early age, participating in sporting, musical and extracurricular activities in school. He remained active all his life by volunteering his time in the school system as well as his community. He served on numerous Boards and Committees involving the community, sports and education and was a member of the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish as well as other associations and clubs.

Paul was united in marriage to Ora May Ray, a union that lasted for 75 years. They recently celebrated their anniversary at a party with family and friends and Paul presented Ora with a beautiful bouquet of 75 roses. Paul dearly loved his family and was always there for anyone in need. He was an avid follower of sports. He played some, coached some, and enjoyed all sports he was fortunate enough to see in person or on TV or to hear on radio broadcasts.

Paul is survived by his wife Ora of Escanaba; five children, Ronald (Michelle) Vardigan of Ford River, John (Mary) Vardigan of Ann Arbor, MI, Thomas (Suzanne) Vardigan of Mattawan, MI and twins Robert (the late Tammy) Vardigan of Escanaba and Bonnie (Steve) Miketinac of Escanaba; 12 grandchildren, Nick (Kelli) Vardigan, Joshua (Sheri) Vardigan, Jasmin Vardigan, Jennay (Samson) Ondego, Jessica Vardigan, Benjamin (Kylie) Vardigan, Anna Vardigan, Jennifer (Jason) Zdunek, Ashley Rae Weber, Nichole (Kevin) McGraw, Mandy Vardigan and Angela (Kevin) Puszczewicz; six great-grandchildren, Caitlyn, Owen and Kelcie McGraw, Brynn and Grant Puszczewicz and Braylon Zdunek; three sisters, Patsy Johnson of Escanaba, Sister Mary Vardigan of New Orleans, and Ann Carter of Salt Lake City; and numerous nieces, nephews, special neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and a brother.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, July 29 at 10:00 AM at the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Eric Olson officiating. A luncheon will be served following the services in the fellowship hall.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 29, following the luncheon, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba.

Paul will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba.

14 Tributes for “Paul J. Vardigan

    Condolences to the Vardigan family. Memories of Escanaba would not be complete without the contributions of Paul to education and recreation within the city.

    I remember Mr.Paul Vardigan very well. As a young boy growing up in Esky in the late 1950’s, he was active with our recreational baseball at Royce Park in the Summer,and ice skating in the Winter.I also remember him being at Club 314 on 14th Street.He was a very nice man, and my condolences go out to his family.

    Mr. Vardigan was my 3rd, 4th, 5th grade teacher in Soo Hill in the late 40’s. Everytime that we saw each other, up until about a year ago, he stopped and talked to me. He was a very nice person and teacher and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

    I am so sad to hear about Uncle Paul and know what a good man he was. He was such a wonderful husband to my Aunt Ora and even after 75+ years of marriage always loved his “girl”! How blessed I am to have had an uncle like him. Bob and i send our condolences to Aunt Ora and my cousins and their families. We wish We could be there with you all.

    Always remember Paul as a very fair and understanding guy. played basketball with his son John in grade school and Paul was our coach. Thanks Paul for everything you’ve done for our youth throughout your generous years.

    Mr. Vardigan was always a very special person. I remember him well from my younger days. God has received a wonderful angel in heaven.

    Tom & Family,We are so sorry to hear of your dads passing. I’m sure it meant so much to him to hear you play live one last time. I’m so glad he stayed to see his 75th wedding anniversary, that shows todays world so much that if you have love & work hard you can be with someone your whole life. Your dad was a great guy, loved by many in this town.
    You have our deepest sympathies.

    Greg & Cathy Tolman

    to the best mentor that i ever knew,was always there for any one that needed help in any way.knew him through all my teen yesrs in baseball and recreational activities.great great man.all will miss him greatly.god send

    I remember Mr. Vardigan so well from my childhood days – attending Lemmer Elementary School, spending countless hours playing at Royce Park, and living on the same block in Escanaba. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

    I remember Paul ! He was a very nice individual and cared about the younger generation. If I remember correctly, he worked at Club 314 for awhile with Art Peterson. As a song by Simon and Garfunkle says “Preserve your memories, there all thats left you”

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