July 7, 2016
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The College has learned that an old friend, Paul S. Laubacher of Oxnard, California, died on June 15 at the age of 91. A World War II veteran, Mr. Laubacher was a benefactor of Thomas Aquinas College and also the grandfather Laura (’07), Monica (Gisla ’09), Charles (’17), and Clare Gisla (’19).

According to his published obituary, Mr. Laubacher entered  the Army Air Corps shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, where he served as a radio operator on a B-17 for the 390th Bombardment Group. He flew in 24 missions over Germany, including Operation Chowhound, in which his bomber dropped K-rations over German-occupied Holland to help relieve famine. He reached the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge and the Air Metal. By God’s grace, both he and two of his brothers safely returned home after the war, a blessing for which he credited his mother's daily recitation of the Rosary.

While a student at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California, Mr. Laubacher met his future wife, Adria M. Harris. The couple soon returned to his native Oxnard, where they raised their seven children. Mr. Laubacher worked for several decades as a salesman and sales manager in the retail men’s clothing business. He was the oldest Past Grand Knight of Oxnard’s Knights of Columbus Council 750. He was also a member of the Men of Promise at Santa Clara Church — which his uncle, Rev. John S. Laubacher, helped to establish in 1885; where Mr. Laubacher was baptized in 1924; and where his funeral Mass was offered on June 24.

“Combat neither made nor broke Paul Laubacher,” writes Ventura County Star columnist Colleen Cason.” His making may have been his God-given good nature, his love of people, his determination to be brave and sturdy even when he might have felt anything but that inside.”

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.