SOUTH PARIS — My father, Gordon H. Rawson, was a kind, gentle man who loved his wife, Ruth, and two daughters, Deanna and Linda, more than anything else in this world. He passed away peacefully, surrounded with love, on Feb. 13.

He served his country for 21 years before retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel to his beloved Paris Hill. Although he never spoke of it, he was most proud of serving his country and being awarded the Purple Heart for his courage and bravery. He touched many lives, was loved by family and friends and will always be remembered as the “quiet man on Paris Hill.” He loved sitting with Mom on their back porch overlooking the Paris Hill Golf Course, surrounded by their beautiful gardens. He had a passion for reading and also enjoyed collecting historical information pertinent to the founding of Paris Hill. He was a descendent of one of the first families that settled on Paris Hill. Although he enjoyed traveling around New England with my mother antiquing, his ultimate joy was just being home in his wing chair by the fireplace. He will forever be looking over my shoulder, making sure that I balance my checkbook.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Rawson; his daughter, Linda Richardson and son-in-law, Jeffrey Richardson.

God bless you, Dad, we will miss you.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.