1918 – 2013

WILTON —   Paul Newell Mosher, 94, of Wilton, passed away peacefully on May 16, at his home in Wilton.

Paul was born in Wilton, on June 7, 1918, the son of Clare and Maude (Newell) Mosher. His early years were spent living on a farm, learning the value of hard work and the importance of interdependence with family and neighbors. He attended primary school at “The White Schoolhouse” in Wilton through grade eight. Paul graduated in 1936 from Wilton Academy. In 1941, he received a bachelor’s degree in dairy husbandry from the University of Maine, Orono. In 1961, Paul earned a master’s degree in agronomy from the same university.

Since 1962, Paul’s career was devoted almost exclusively to Maine’s Potato Industry. He worked for 32 years with the Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Maine and devoted himself to working with Maine Potato growers.

Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was generous with his time and his possessions. Paul was a master of husbandry as it related to gardening, hunting, boating, fishing and enjoying the outdoors in all of its moods. He valued self sufficiency and lived in that manner throughout his life. Paul was a wonderful storyteller. He entertained family and friends with stories; some true, some questionable. He played harmonica and recited poetry by memory, particularly enjoying the Cremation of Sam McGee.

Paul is survived by a sister, Thelma (Mosher) Frost of Wilton; three sons, Peter and his wife, Karen, of Manchester, Dale and his wife, Diana, of Bowdoinham, and Wayne and his wife, Loretta, of Coarsfield, Calif.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and a number of dear friends.

Paul married Bertha Emery in 1941. He was preceded in death by her; his parents; his brother, Philip Mosher; sister-in-law, Veronica Mosher; and brother-in-law, Cecil Frost.

Tributes and condolences may be shared with his family at www.wilesrc.com.