TURNER — Paul G. Maheux, 55, of Turner passed away at his home Friday, June 29.

Born in Lewiston, Paul was the second child of Raymond and Carmel Maheux. He graduated from Edward Little High School in 1981 and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from USM, a master’s degree in social work from UNE and a master’s degree in public policy from the Muskie School.

Paul enjoyed photography, reading, traveling, immersing himself in technology, volunteering his time with tech support and tax preparation, eating sushi and finding new things to be curious about.

Paul’s natural curiosity resulted in a broad range of interests. This was developed early in life when he spent hours taking electronics apart and putting them back together, teaching himself basic wiring, carpentry and plumbing along the way. He helped family adapt to new technology from VCRs to iPhones.

Much of his childhood was spent at Sacred Heart Church in Auburn. Like the title character in his favorite book, “The Little Prince,” Paul took these lessons with him and continued applying them to other parts of his life. His resilience and spirituality were challenged after being diagnosed with cancer at age 18. While Paul survived Ewing’s sarcoma, he lived with health complications related to the cancer and the treatment for the remainder of his life. He noted that an oncology social worker and the staff of Ronald McDonald House were instrumental in teaching him lessons in kindness.

Thus began his journey of exploring Buddhist philosophy and giving back by becoming a social worker.

After brief stints in local factories and retail to put himself through school, Paul began his social work career as a caseworker for the state of Maine, as well as local agencies. His early career focused on foster care and adoption services. He enjoyed direct service but his skills were needed at management level. Paul eventually decided that while he enjoyed helping individuals and families directly; he wanted to make a broader contribution to bettering people’s lives. This led him to public policy and the state of Maine DHHS, where he advocated for and developed policies supporting evidenced-based treatment.

Paul’s life was marked by acts of generosity and kindness, and he was intuitive about what people needed before they asked or knew they needed it. He honed these skills with the Lewiston-Auburn Jaycees as a young adult.

Paul’s generosity of spirit and kindness was spread to family, friends and co-workers. He was always happy to share a laugh or find someone to make him laugh. He had a sense of humor that was witty, cerebral and irreverent. When not sharing a belly laugh, Paul almost always had a smile.

Survivors include partner, Sean Douglas, of Turner; sister, Lucille Maheux, of Lewiston; brother, David Maheux, of Auburn; niece, Mackenzie Maheux; nephew, Carter Douglas; and dear friend, David Desrochers.

He is survived by extended family of choice, including Claire Grenier, Marie Roy, Suzanne and Dave Albright. Paul also leaves many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

Paul G. Maheux

Copy the Story Link