Paul McCarron dove into politics at age 8 when he campaigned for a classmate's father who was running for Minneapolis City Council.
McCarron went on to serve more than 40 years as a city, county and state public official, advocating hard for health, human services, veterans and the environment.
He also volunteered on many projects as a worker — rather than a leader — for local Lions, Rotary and disabled veterans organizations.
McCarron, of Spring Lake Park, died on Aug. 11 of congestive heart failure. He was 79, and known as a man who liked to go back to basics.
"He always carried in his pocket the Constitution of the United States of America — a pocket version," said his wife of 25 years, Lois McCarron.
"He always was for the underdog. … He was very much a behind-the-scenes person and very humble."
Serving in the state House of Representatives from 1972 through 1982, McCarron was architect of landmark legislation that developed the role of county government in human services.
While working for the collective good, he never lost sight of individuals.