FALMOUTH - After a brief illness, Paul Butler passed peacefully, surrounded by his family on October 21.

Paul and his twin brother Willard (Bill) Richardson were born in New York City on March 18, 1933. The boys were raised in NYC, and then Portland, ME. They spent their summers at Camp Hinds in Raymond and at their family cottage on Highland Lake in Falmouth. Paul loved to tell stories of he and his brother delivering newspapers by boat to the residents of the lake and of their adventures with Blackie, their beloved black labrador.

He attended Deering High School where he was President of the Student Council. He was always “loyal to the purple” throughout his life and continued to be active in organizing class reunions. When he was not able to attend the annual Deering/Portland Thanksgiving Day football game, he was eager to hear the score. He earned his Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts, ran track and was active in school committees.

After high school, Paul attended the University of Maine at Orono where he met the love of his life, Jan Bishop. He was a member of the Honorary Society of Sophomore Owls and Sigma Chi fraternity where he met some of his lifelong friends.

Following graduation, he spent six months in officer training at Fort Benning in GA before returning to Maine to marry Jan in August 1956. They moved to Hartford, CT after the wedding and started his career at Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. Their first daughter, Brenda, was born in Hartford in 1959.

In 1960 the family returned to Maine and Paul went to work for his father-in-law M. Stanley Bishop. He went on to be President and owner of A. R. Bishop and Son until he retired in 1994. Paul grew the company from its original home on Commercial Street to a new facility and retail shop in South Portland. Throughout the years, Paul established and fostered relationships and friendships with the owners, chefs and buyers of the many restaurants, hotels, schools, children’s summer camps, and ski resorts that he faithfully serviced over the years.

Three more daughters, Julie, Jill and Gail joined the family while they resided in South Portland. In 1974 they built a home in Cape Elizabeth where they lived for the next forty-five years. The Butler dogs, Prince, Shep and Buffer were always an integral part of the family. Wherever their home was, neighborhood friends became an important part of their lives.

Paul joined the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club in 1974. He served as President in 1980-81, as club Secretary from 1996-2013 and was proud of thirty-seven years of perfect attendance. He became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986. Many of his fellow Rotarians became some of his closest friends. Some of his favorite fundraising activities included Christmas tree sales, Family Fun Day at Fort Williams and serving at the local food kitchens.

After retiring in 1994 Paul and Jan enjoyed traveling with family and friends, playing golf and bowling in local leagues. He continued to volunteer at the South Portland Food Pantry and served as Treasurer of the First Congregational Church in South Portland. They especially enjoyed spending their winters on Florida’s Gulf coast and family time in Bethel in the summer. Of all the new and exciting things they did in retirement, watching their grandchildren grow up was certainly the highlight. Paul and Jan were actively involved in their activities over the years and were an influential part of them growing into the remarkable young adults they have become.

2019 saw a move to Ocean View in Falmouth. Paul celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023 and on August 11, 2026 Jan and Paul celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Anyone who knew Paul wouldn’t be surprised that he fought to the end and did nothing but give his daughters and caregivers a hard time, in his loving and humorous way. When appropriate, he loved to kid around with family members, friends and anyone willing to join in. We will miss the stories we have heard over and over again but never get tired of hearing.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife Jan and their three daughters: Julie Butler of Standish, ME, Jill Butler Mack (David) of Framingham, MA and Gail Butler White (Alan) of Windham, ME, twin brother Willard Richardson Butler (Carol) of Richmond, VA, four grandchildren: Kelsey White, Grace Mack (Tom Tryon), Caroline Mack and Benjamin White, his niece Melissa Butler and nephew Mark Butler. Paul was predeceased by his daughter Brenda Ann, his parents Guy and Dorothy Bulter and his stepmother Nancy Butler.

Paul valued his friendships and was especially grateful for those who have stayed in touch over the years. The family would like to extend its deepest appreciation to medical staff at Northern Light Mercy Hospital and to Northern Light Hospice for their compassion and support.

A service will be held at the First Congregational Church in South Portland, ME on Saturday, October 31 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow in the Wright Pavilion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Portland / Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club Charitable Fund: PMB 239, 50 Market St., Ste 1A, South Portland, ME 04106.