Gray, ME- On April 26, 2025 Paul W. Watson passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife nearby.  Paul was born in Fryeburg, Maine in 1936 at the house of his great grandparents.  He was raised in Fryeburg and was educated in Fryeburg schools.  He graduated with honors from Fryeburg Academy in 1955, was vice-president of the National Honor Society, co-editor of the yearbook and a member of the Drama Club.

He attended Hanson's Barber School in Lewiston and barbered many years in Bangor, Kittery, Portland and Cumberland.  He worked over 20 years for the Maine Department of Agriculture as a federal and state produce inspector.   After retirement he became a floral designer for Dodge the Florist in Portland.  It was a happy and fulfilling time in his life.  His creativity and design talents brought a lot of joy to a lot of people.  He was also privileged to be part of Dodge's decorating team for the Christmas at Victoria Mansion.  Paul worked at Dodge the Florist for 17 years.  

He maintained a 50 year membership with The Maine State Grange, serving in numerous capacities.  The highlight of his grange journey was when he was elected Chaplain.  He carried out his duties with respect, dignity, and reverence.  He was a former member of Pride's Corner Congregational Church, served on the board of deacons, and as a youth advisor.  More recently he was a member of the Windham Hill Congregational Church, also serving on their board of deacons.  Later he attended the Congregational United Church of Christ in Cumberland, when one of his youth group members from Pride's Corner assumed the position of Senior Pastor. 

Paul treasured his church family associations, loved music, the ocean, camping, was an avid reader, and was very artistic.  Paul painted most of his life, and his works of art are hung in the homes of his loved ones.  He was an avid gardener, and along with the help of his wife, turned a yard filled with knotweed into an enviable landscape bursting with color. 

He was known for his beautiful centerpieces, wreaths, and floral designs for every holiday and major milestone in his family’s lives.  He believed if you would have a mind of peace, a heart that cannot harden, go find a door that opens wide a lovely garden.  You are nearer God’s heart in a garden than any place else on Earth. 

Paul loved his family.  He became a notary and performed the weddings of both his son and his granddaughter.  Paul was often quiet, never the center of attention, and was described as a true gentlemen by several of the many medical professionals who treated his failing heart in his last years.   A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.  Paul was that amazing gentleman. 

He is predeceased by his parents and sister.  He is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Patricia Van Vliet of Westbrook, his son Christopher and wife Marcy, his grandchildren, Joshua Watson, Ashly Jewell and husband Carl, and his great grandchildren Jacob Watson and Connor Jewell.  All of whom he adored.  He is also survived by his cousin Duane Watson and wife Linda of Rhinebeck, NY, with whom he shared a special bond, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

At Paul’s request, a private family interment will be held at Moss Side Cemetery, Cumberland, ME at a later date.

Crossing the Bar, by Alfred, Lord Tenneson

Sunset and evening star,

      And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

      When I put out to sea,

   But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

      Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

      Turns again home.

   Twilight and evening bell,

      And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

      When I embark;

   For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place

      The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

      When I have crost the bar.