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Pair - Pare - Pear
Surname Resource Center
Arizona Biographies &
Obituaries
Maricopa County
Paul Pair. Born in Beatrice, Nebraska on March 25,
1898 to William Henry and Mary Dell Pair and died November 23, 2001 at the
Beatitudes Campus of Care, Phoenix at the age of 103. Pauline, his wife of
75 years, predeceased him in 1998.
Mr. Pair earned a BA degree from McPherson College, McPherson, KS and paid his
tuition by raising wheat on 80 acres. Many years later
McPherson conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree. Paul earned a
Masters Degree in Education from the University of Washington in 1934. Mr.
Pair was the oldest active member of Phi Delta Kappa National Education
Fraternity with 73 years of membership.
Paul was well known in national and local education organizations especially in
computer education. In 1957 he founded Business Automation Institute the
nations first public data processing and computer training center. He was
president or officer of the Association of Systems Management, Institute for
Certification of Computer professionals, and Association of Information
Technology Professionals.
Was president of the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation in 1985 and later
created the Paul Pair Endowed Chair at Glendale Community College to reward
outstanding achievement by faculty members. He also established an annual
Innovation of the Year Award for the Maricopa Community College District.
Paul was responsible for the creation of scholarships at McPherson College,
Tarelton State University, and Arizona State University.
He was a charter member of two Rotary Clubs in Washington State beginning 1928,
a member of Rotary Club of Phoenix, Club #100 for many years, and a Rotarian for
73 years. Paul received the Data Processing Management Association
Distinguished Information Sciences Award and many honors for his contributions
to many educational programs. Education was his mission as summarized by
his slogan "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance."
Mr. Pair is remembered fondly as a loving, loyal, and devoted husband and
father. His memory will be with us always. He is survived by son
Reese; his wife Peggy; son-in-law Herb Johnson; 2 grandchildren, Bruce Pair and
Patricia Bradley and her husband Kelly and 5 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services Tuesday, December 4, 10am at Beatitudes Campus of Care Life
Center, 1610 W. Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021. Rev. Amie Koriath
officiating.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Beatitudes Campus of Care, Age
Link Program, 1548 W. Glendale, Phoenix, 85021.
Appearing in The Arizona Republic on 2 Dec 2001.
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