Dateline - Cape Neddick, ME

On July 27, 2014 Paul Donald McGowan, aged 67, lost the battle with depression and took his own life. Paul left his sister, Sister Claire McGowan, his brother Robert McGowan and family: Robin, Jon and David, his daughter Erin Haye and family: Rick, Lexy and Casi, and his son Cory McGowan and family: Miho, Taiyo and Sky. Paul was married for 33 years to the love of his life, Shirley Ann Huckins McGowan, who died of cancer in 2003. Her passing broke his heart in a way that in the end could not be reconciled.

Paul grew up in North Attleboro, Massachusetts with his parents and his five brothers and sisters. He attended Providence College, and served as an officer in the Air Force. His career was based in his passion of working with people and trying to improve organizations. He also had a long history of serving his community, which culminated in his recent term as a Maine State Representative, where he focused most on improving Maine's health care system and the fight against cancer.

Paul loved adventure and the natural world: he scaled mountains as high as Mt. Baker, he sailed the coast of Maine, he rode his Harley across America, and he crafted wood into beautiful pieces of furniture that he shared with his loved ones. But first and foremost to Paul was his family. Paul and Shirley were lovers and best friends. His most cherished time was with her and their children, at regular gatherings with extended family, and with his grandchildren both in Maine and in Japan. Paul believed there was something to be learned in all of life's experiences. He often spoke of crisis and opportunity. Losing him is nothing less than a crisis to all that knew him, and now they are left to find what will be the opportunity.

Visiting hours will be on Friday, August 1, 2014 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Ogunquit Baptist Church, Shore Road, Ogunquit, ME. Private burial will be at a later date. Should friends choose, memorial donations in his name are encouraged to: The American Cancer Society, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086; or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, PO Box 910, Wells, ME 04090.
www.bibberfuneral.com