AUGUSTA — Paul M. Furbush, 73, of Winthrop Street, Hallowell passed away peacefully with family by his side on Feb. 1, at MaineGeneral Medical Center after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Belgrade, Aug. 20, 1937, the son of Jacob M. and Eleanor (Booker) Furbush.

He served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962 and 1964 to 1968 as an Interior Communications Electrician, Second Class, on the USS Klondike, Dewey, Price and Manatee. His military travels took him throughout the world.

A respected member of the community, Paul most recently was employed with the Property Tax Assessor’s Office for the city of Hallowell and had been a longtime maintenance professional with Meadowpark Development of Augusta. Among his many other accomplishments, he served as a selectman for the town of Wayne.

An avid woodworker and carpenter, Paul gained widespread recognition by crafting the “Hallowell Chair,” his interpretation of the classic Adirondack-style wooden chair, which won him a blue ribbon at Old Hallowell Day 2007. Paul applied his extensive woodcrafting and design expertise to the complete renovation of the family’s circa 1800 Cape-style home in Hallowell, transforming it into a place of warmth and comfort. Since his retirement, he enjoyed his wood shop and his many home and yard improvements, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Paul’s gregarious and upbeat nature inspired all around him; he enjoyed a lively conversation over a good cup of coffee and collected upbeat adages — one of his favorites was “Better days ahead.”

Surviving is the love of his life, his wife of 29 years, Marlene (Henry) Furbush of Hallowell; two daughters, Elizabeth Parker of Livermore and Rebecca Allaire of Turner; four sons, Matthew Newton of Concord, N.H., Paul Furbush II of Titusville, Fla., William Furbush of Kittery and Christopher Newton of Auburn; one sister, Audrey Catassi of Boothbay; one brother, Darrell Furbush of Waterville; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father; his mother; and two sisters, Hazel Jacques and Joyce McKay.

Condolences may be expressed at www.plummerfh.com.