Paul James Olscamp, 77

Paul James Olscamp, philosopher, poet, writer, professor, university president, Churchill scholar, art and music lover, singer, avid reader, traveler, teller of stories, champion of higher education, skier, pilot, diver, karate black belt, bungee jumper, frustrated golfer, philanthropist, humorist and beloved husband (twice) of Ruth Pratt Olscamp, died on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, on Aug. 29, 1937, to parents James J. and Louella Maude (Brush), Paul grew up in Sudbury, Ontario, with his sister Linda Lou (Pinnington) and his brother Dan.

Auspiciously, Paul was kicked out of grade 12 for bad behavior and absence, and finished at St. Michael's College School in Toronto, a private Catholic prep school and seminary. He quickly realized that this was not the life for him! However, it was there that he discovered his love of philosophy, and he subsequently received bachelor's and master's degrees in philosophy at Western Ontario University in London, Ontario (1960). Paul was the very first person to receive his doctorate degree in philosophy at the University of Rochester in 1962. He loved to tell stories about working in the nickel mines in Sudbury ... one of the main experiences which spurred him on to higher education.

Paul began his teaching career at Ohio State University, then served as V.P. for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculties at Roosevelt University in Chicago and Executive Assistant to the Chancellor at Syracuse University. In 1975, he became one of the youngest university presidents in the country at Western Washington State College in Bellingham, Wash. Subsequently (1982) he became the eighth president at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and served there until his retirement in 1995. During that period, Paul was appointed by President Ronald Reagan for a three-year term on the National Endowment for the Humanities and served on the NCAA President's Council. Paul was also interim president at the University of South Dakota (1996-1997), and Mayville State University in North Dakota (2002-2003), and Interim V.P. for Instruction at North Idaho College from January through July 2006. He then started writing a novel and his memoirs, which he continued to work on until he was no longer able to do so.

Paul was married to Joyce (Marsh) Olscamp for 20 years, and was exceedingly proud of his children, Dr. Adam Olscamp and Rebecca (Olscamp) Fry, both currently of Post Falls, Idaho; and his four grandchildren: Connor and Gabrielle Olscamp, and Isabella and Griffin Fry. A branch of Paul's family lives in Prince Edward Island, Canada, where Paul owned a house overlooking the Northumberland Straits ("PJ's Seahouse"). His uncle George and aunt Rita Olscamp were like surrogate parents to him. He loved spending time with them in the Maritimes. He also enjoyed all his caring neighbors in Syringa Heights and on the float house dock in Bayview where he spent his last months.

We take great comfort in knowing that Paul exited this world exactly as he wished. He made it clear through both legal and personal communication over the years that he wanted no end of life measures to prolong his decline. He entered the Hospice House of North Idaho where the gifted staff respected his wishes and made him comfortable during his four-day stay. True to his love of learning, Paul donated his body for medical research.

A private "wake" for family and friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Coeur d'Alene Public Library Foundation, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814. English Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." -Winston Churchill.