Obituary of Paul Trott LaPierre

Holden - Paul Trott LaPierre passed away peacefully October 21, 2018 at a local hospital with his family by his side. Affectionately known as PoPo, he was born October 15, 1937 at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary in Portland, Maine the first child of Alfred William LaPierre and Catherine Grindel Davis LaPierre. He was educated in Portland schools, Kindergarten thru 2nd grade in public schools, grades 3 thru 8 in St. Joseph's Parochial School, then Cheverus High School where he captained the baseball team and graduated from in 1955. In 1958 he entered the Bath Iron Works apprentice program and graduated as a ships carpenter and joiner in 1965. He was a U.S. Army veteran and used his G.I. educational benefits to earn a Bachelor's of Science degree in 1971 and a Master's of Science degree in Geology in 1977 from the University of Maine at Orono. Throughout his career as an exploration geologist he worked the coal mines of Eastern Pennsylvania, the glacial deposits of New England and the deserts off the Horn of Africa drilling for water in Somalia. He ran the office and drilling crews of Superior Mining Company in Portage, Maine supervising all the delineation and economic drilling on the Bald Mountain Zinc-Copper deposit northwest of Ashland. From May through November in 1986 Paul worked in Northwest Somalia with an all native drill crew, test drilling at preselected locations believed to contain large amounts of ground water. Paul had an English fluent Somalis as his interpreter, cook, driver and all around errand man. He often regaled his family with stories of his immersion into the Somali culture. Being a master outdoorsman, experienced gained "pounding rocks" throughout the Northeastern United States; he valued and appreciated the desert skills of his Somali Companions. Following his career as a geologist he entered the business world with his beloved brother Tommy, building and operating Tommy's Northshore Tavern and Tommy's Variety in Naples, Maine for a number of years. The "job" he loved the most however, was helping to raise his grandson Evan for the past 18 years. No two kindred spirits could have been more perfectly matched. It was a gift for both of them. Paul was a prognosticator and loved expounding on current events, baseball, especially his beloved Yankees, the wonders of the physical world and the exciting research and discoveries concerning the outer limits of the universe. Many friends and family members over the years were beneficiaries of his keen mind and intellect as he mentored and assisted whenever asked, with advanced math and science courses enabling these fortunate ones to earn Bachelors of Science and advanced degrees. Paul loved his friends and family unconditionally, having special nicknames for all he held dear. He was truly a gift to all who knew him. Paul was also a fine writer, penning many missives to his family through the years and also authoring two fictional novels, "The Woofaboomus- A Tale of the Woods" and "Cinderville". At the time of his death he had just completed a work of personal limericks to be published at a later date. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Alfred William LaPierre and Catherine Grindel Davis LaPierre. He is survived by his Brother Thomas M. LaPierre of Raymond, Maine. Children Lisa A. LaPierre-Lee and spouse Jon E. Lee of Holden, Maine, Robyn L. Hodges of Portland Maine, Jay K. Burt and spouse Vanessa A. Burt of Brownfield, Maine and the mother of his children and love of his life, Sharon L. Parker of Westbrook, Maine. Words cannot express the love Paul had for his grandchildren and great grandchild; Abbey L. Mattuchio, spouse Adam and son Greyson of North Reading Ma., Lauren M. Hodges of Brooklyn, N.Y. , Grace E. Hodges of Salem, Ma., Evan P. Lee of Holden, Me. , Martha M. Burt of Brownfield, Me., As well as many brother and sister in-laws, nieces and nephews. Anyone who was a friend of Paul's knew it was for life, and he had many. We would like to express our deepest appreciation and love to Tommy and Sue Lynch of Bangor, Me., and Pat and Anita Findlen of Clifton, ME for their faithfulness to our father over the years and memories we all share. A special thank you to Marilyn Michaud dad's Family Nurse Practitioner for the wonderful care she provided throughout his illness and her many visits during his last few weeks. Paul had many charitable interests, the American Legion being his favorite. Any contributions can be made in Paul's memory to a charity of your choice or to the American Legion #155 26 Casco Road Naples, ME 04055. In keeping with Paul's wishes, there will be no services. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held in the spring at a time and place will be announced at a later date. Arrangements trusted to Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer and messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.