CUTLER – Paul Cory Staake Jr., 85, retired vice president of Babson College, Boston, died July 25, 2008, at his home. Paul was born in 1922, to the late Paul Cory and Marion (Hoek) Staake, longtime residents of Kalamazoo, Mich. He fought in World War II as a ball turret gunner in a B-17, one of the most hazardous positions on the plane. He flew more than 20 missions over Europe and was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Paul attended the University of Michigan, earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in business administration. In 1944, Paul married his first true love, Margaret Foley. Paul and Marg followed their shared love of travel by visiting countries all over the world. They remained happily married for 55 years, until her death in 1999. In 1948, Paul joined Babson College as registrar. He rose to vice president of the Institute in 1964, a position he held until his retirement in 1985. Paul’s greatest passion was interaction with students, and he is warmly remembered by thousands of students he counseled during his 37-year career. Paul was an avid sports fan and supporter of all Babson teams. In recognition of his love of sports and his many other contributions to the college, the new Babson gymnasium was named for Paul Cory Staake and his wife, Marg. He grew up sailing and racing on small lakes, beginning a love of the water he retained all his life. Paul sailed J-boats and even 12 meters in the America’s Cup trials. He loved cruising, particularly in the North Channel, at the northern end of Lake Huron. Paul met his second love in Florida and married Karen in 2002. They decided together to sell the Florida home and remain in Cutler all year, a decision cheered by the entire family. Karen and Paul shared many adventures during their six years together. Karen has also been a patient, loving and supremely capable caregiver to Paul during his extended illness. Our love and prayers go out to her. Paul was a dedicated Downeaster for more than 50 years. He loved the countryside, loved Cutler and all its caring people, and he loved his view of the sea. Paul is survived by his wife, Karen; three nephews and four nieces. His only brother, Donal Burr Staake died in 2002; and his nephew, Donal Burr Staake Jr. died in 2000. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, at Cutler United Methodist Church. It is requested that any memorial gifts be sent to Babson College, care of The Fund for Babson, Alumni Hall, Babson Park, MA 02457 or Friends of Little River Light, P.O. Box 671, East Machias, ME 04630. Assistance with arrangements by Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Machias. www.bragdonkelley.com
PAUL CORY STAAKE JR.
