Michael Gray “Mick” Tolar of Hermiston, longtime principal of A.C. Houghton Elementary School in Irrigon, died on Jan. 1, 2021 in Kennewick, Wash. at the age of 82.
He was born on Sept. 8, 1938 in Echo to Empie Ray and Bennie Lee Middleton Tolar.
He was quite involved in athletics as a young man. He played on Echo’s undefeated 1953 state championship basketball team and the 1955 state championship baseball team. He was captain of the 1956 basketball team, which finished second in state.
Mick enjoyed stopping to interact with any babies he might see. His love of children directed him toward a career in education. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Eastern Oregon College (now University) before continuing graduate work at the University of Oregon, where he received his educational administrative credential.
Although jobs were plentiful throughout the state in 1960, Mick wanted to remain close to home because his father was ill. Thus began his long association with the Morrow County School District, where he served for 34 years, retiring in 1994. After retirement he spent some time supervising student teachers for Eastern Oregon and Portland State universities. He especially enjoyed some time in the classroom when called upon to be a substitute teacher.
In 1966, Mick married Carol Byerly; they had three children, Patrick Gray, Megan Lynn and Aaron Jon. In December 1983, he married Susan Lynn Lightbown.
Mick was active in numerous professional and civic organizations over the years, including charter membership in North Morrow Vector Control, Columbia View Community Church and the OESPA (state elementary principals’ organization). He enjoyed family, gardening and fishing. He especially enjoyed traveling and meeting new people, and was fortunate to have visited 54 countries with his wife, Susan, before Parkinson’s disease brought an end to traveling adventures.
Tolar is survived by his wife of 37 years; sons, Patrick Gray Tolar (Tera) and Aaron Jon Tolar; daughter, Megan Lynn Bryan; six grandchildren, Breena Renae Tolar Beck (Travis), Brooke Renee Tolar, Katelyn Marie Tolar, Zack Loyal Bryan, Cade Gray Bryan and Mya Lan Bryan; and brothers, Joseph Ray Tolar (Kathy) and Robert Lynn Tolar (Maria).
Mick was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Vera Louise Gurtler and Mary Ruth Colburn.
A celebration of life gathering will be held when restrictions are lifted.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the International Rescue Committee, 122 E. 42nd St., New York, N.Y., 10168-1289 (rescue.org) or a charity of your choice.
Please share memories of Mick with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
