Obituary for Paul A Lahar

Our community lost one of its best. Paul Lahar passed away surrounded by his family at Maple Lane Nursing Home on April 6, 2026, just shy of his 92nd birthday. Paul was born on May 20, 1934 to Arthur and Rose (Robert) Lahar on Pine Hill in Derby, where he spent both his youth and his final years. He was most proud of his Abenaki heritage from his mother's family in Odenak, Quebec.

Paul attended Sacred Heart Schools before working alongside his father and brother, Albert, in the family's logging business. After a tragic logging accident took Albert's life, he turned to farming for the next several decades on Chamberlin Hill in Albany, Vermont. That is where he fed his passion for making maple syrup, first with his father and brother, then in later years with his two sons. Maple sap ran through his veins, and he loved sugaring season!

Like many of his generation, he learned to make due with what he had to work with, and he could build and fix just about anything. He spent many years after farming in his small business back on Pine Hill, selling and repairing lawn mowers and golf carts. Smart and resourceful, he could make anything run.

Paul's greatest joy was his family, and his legacy is now carried by those he leaves behind. He leaves his sweetheart, Elizabeth (Betty) Lahar, whom he married on July 3, 1954, along with his five children, Kathy Austin, David Lahar (Mary), Laurie Perron (Bruce), Tim Lahar (Ginger), and Amy Bertrand (Bill). His grandchildren include Brent Austin (Jess), Scott Austin (Lisa), Mitchell Lahar (Kelly), Liam, Adler, and Jesseman Lahar, Connie Brigham, Lindsey Perron Collins (Danny), Katie Perron George (Kolby), Ashley Malshuk, Dylan Lahar (Tabby), Crew Bertrand (Keeley), Willow and Kai Bertrand, and his great grandchildren Avery, Emery, Cam, Noah, Bryce, Micah, Malikai, Ada, and Deklin.

Paul leaves behind his sister, Pauline Fournier. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Albert, sister Irene Guillette, and his precious grandson, Joel Perron, and great grandson, Evan Austin.

A Celebration of Paul's life will be held at the convenience of the family. If you are so inclined, donations in Paul's honor may be sent to the Patient Activities Fund at Maple Lane Nursing Home, 60 Maple Lan

The family extends our deepest gratitude to Dr. Maria Fatigati and the entire staff at Maple Lane for the exceptional care, compassion and love shown to Paul and to "Miss Betty" and our family when we visited. We are very thankful for the special Pine Hill neighbors, friends who have become family, for their care and support of Paul and Betty.