PORTLAND – Paul Arthur Genova, M.D., 54, of Portland, died in his home early Saturday, Dec. 13. He had struggled with multiple myeloma since his diagnosis in 2003.

He was born Feb. 18, 1954. He practiced psychiatry in Portland and Lewiston for nearly 20 years. He worked with a balance of intellect and intuition and emphasized patient-doctor relationships in his own practice and as he mentored others.

A native of New Hampshire, he loved the mountains and enjoyed hiking, skiing and sailing. He also loved to write and shared his reflections on psychiatry and later on medical illness with a wide and engaged readership. Perhaps more than anything else, his artistic passion for music sustained him through difficult times. He leaves behind many original songs and an outstanding set of recordings.

He is survived by his wife, Noel and three children, Rosalie, Pete and Marie; his brother, Pete Genova; and parents, Grace and Peter Genova, all of Gilford, N.H. His devoted dog, TipTop, who followed him all the way from England, misses him just as much.

The Genova family would like to thank all of the angels who hovered over their heads throughout Paul’s illness. He would not have been able to live so long, or so well, were it not for the support of friends and relatives as he underwent the challenges of cancer treatment. Special thanks to those who came to care and to pray for Paul in the final days, including Liz Colburn, Bill Carlson and Linda Iselborn. The doctors and nurses at Mercy Oncology, Dana Farber and University of Arkansas worked skillfully and tirelessly to allow Paul the longest and highest quality survival possible.