Paul R. Bader, 78, of Winchester, passed away unexpectedly in the comfort of his home on Friday, March 18, 2022, after a long period of declining health.
He was born the second son of the late Pauline (Tickey) and Francis Bader on August 30, 1943, in Long Island, NY. Paul was educated at Uniondale High School in Long Island, NY.
On August 30, 2003, Paul exchanged vows with the love of his life, Miriam “Mim” R. Johnson. They had a simple service with their family and friends at the Lakeside Chapel at Camp Takodah in Richmond, NH. They have been happily married for 18 years but have known each other for 46 years.
Paul was employed by the Northfield Drive-In as a projectionist for 16 years until he retired in 2014. Prior, he had worked at the Keene Drive-In for 10 years and he was an auto mechanic, operating “Paul’s Auto” for many years. In addition, he had worked at W.T. Grant, A.C. Lawrence Leather Co. (the Tannery), Troy Mills, and other auto repair shops in the region and in Louisiana. Paul was raised in a family of projectionists, trained by their father, and worked in that profession in New York, Texas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Paul enjoyed spending his time hunting, working on cars, motorcycles, and even built his own trike, being in nature, and spending time with his friend “Snowflake”. He served four years as a firefighter in the United States Air Force and was a Life Member of the American Legion. Most recently, he belonged to Gordon Bissell Post #4 in Keene where he loved serving on the Honor Guard and had been an Executive Board Member. He was a man of faith and was a member of The United Church of Winchester. Almost every day Paul called and talked with his best friend, Kira Franklin.
Mr. Bader is survived by his wife Miriam R. Johnson (Mim) of Winchester. He had three children: Paul P. Bader and Michael “Loy” Bader (mother is Geri Bader) of LA and Derek Bader Sr. of Alstead (mother is Sandy Mitchell.) Paul also had five other children in his life: Jason Sawyer (mother is Sandy) and partner Bridgette of Charlestown, Stanley Sawyer (mother is Sandy) and wife Amy of Rockingham, VT, Rhapsody Arlen (mother is Mim) and significant other Jeff Harbaugh of Somers, CT, Felicia Howard-Olmstead (mother is Mim) and husband David of Winchester and Annette Mullins (mother is Mim) and partner Matthew Croteau of Winchester. His two surviving siblings are Mary Lambert and husband Ronald of UT and Bob Bader and wife Dawn of AZ. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Paul is now rejoined with his parents and his brother Frank X. Bader who passed in August 2021.
The family invites you to attend an informal gathering to celebrate Paul’s life on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Keene American Legion. Because Paul was a very unique person, please come have something to eat and drink with his family and friends and share your memories. A committal service with military honors will be held at the NH Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The United Church of Winchester, 99 Main Street, Winchester, NH 03470.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Homes and Crematories, Swanzey, NH. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com
