Harold Erik Shaar

Minot

H. Erik Shaar passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023 at the age of 85. He was born on July 29, 1937 to Miriam R. and Harold W. Shaar in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Chester State College in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in education. In 1964 he received his Ph.D. in Musicology from The Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. He served in the United States Air Force Band and Symphony Orchestra from 1959 to 1963. His career as an educator and academic administrator started at Northern Michigan University, and went on to Chicago State University, then Shippensburg State University. He then served as Interim President of East Stroudsburg State University and President of Lake Superior State University and finally Minot State University.

He was an active member of the Rotary Club. After retirement he continued to teach music and music appreciation. He loved to garden and was a great cook. Most importantly, he was a kind, generous and loving person. He is survived by his wife Jane, his sister Christine Hogarth, his daughters Gretchen Shaar-Hagwood (R. Bruce Hagwood) and Rachel Roach (Sean Roach); his grandchildren Jarrett and Jeremy Hagwood; and Jordyn, Shane, Skylar and Kaleb Roach; and five great-grandchildren.

There will be a private family celebration of life at a later date. If desired, charitable donations can be made to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 23, 2023.