100th Birthday Party In Works For World War II Vet, Former Andrews U Music Dean

andrewsuniversitygoodforuse-20
andrewsuniversitygoodforuse-20

By Doug Cunningham

Paul Hamel is a WWII vet and music lover from Berrien Springs. His twin sons are throwing him a 100th birthday party at Andrews University Wednesday evening. Hamel is a retired Dean of Music at the university. He says family and God are the center of a life he lives day by day with optimism.

“I just live day by day like I would ordinarily do. And I have a good wife Esther and my two sons here are local physicians and I have two other sons that are here,” Hamel tells WSJM News. “I just greet each day with a new challenge and trust the Lord. That’s about the best I can say.”

Hamel is a lifelong musician and music lover.

“That was my life, but when I retired from teaching I just enjoy life in general, although I certainly still enjoy good music.”

Melissa Bolle is organizing the grand celebration of Paul Hamel’s life.

“Paul Hamel is an avid member of the community. And what we are doing is I am putting together with the family a huge party to celebrate his hundredth birthday. He was a dean of the music department. He did a lot of different things here for the university and the community. So we’re just celebrating his life.”

Bolle says there will be a wonderful party followed by a lovely brass concert and a special surprise afterwards.