Paul Elwin MacVane Jr. PORTLAND -- Paul Elwin MacVane Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2009, at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough. Paul was the son of Paul Sr. and Phyllis Boyce MacVane of Cliff Island.
He was 78 years in age, but until four years ago he was a robust individual attending all the landings of the Casco Bay boats at Cliff Island clad in all kinds of weather in his shorts. His bare legs and unwavering attendance to the boat-docking caused him to be featured in the Yankee magazine and various newspapers. All passengers embarking at Cliff Island were counted and logged in his notebooks. Before meeting the first early boat, Paul faithfully raised the flag at the Island Center and later lowered the flag at night. During his life he made many life long friends which can be attested to by the many dinner invitations extended to him by so many folks on Cliff Island and to the number of 'Get Well' cards adorning his room at the Veteran's Home. Paul was hired to mow over 50 lawns and he cared for many homes on the island for many years. His honesty was never questioned. He graduated from Portland High School before serving three years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was an avid stamp collector and photographer. He enjoyed taking pictures of water scenes and of any boat that sailed. After his first trip in later life aboard the Queen Elizabeth II, he was hooked and took several sails along the East Coast making more friends once again. He served many years as the Treasurer of the Cliff Island Assoc. and of the Cliff Island Advent Church.
He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Phyllis Boyce MacVane of Cliff Island; and a brother, James MacVane of Lincoln, Calif. Surviving are three sisters, Jeanette Hamilton and husband, Kenneth of Chebeague Island, Judith Thibodeau and husband Paul of Enfield, Conn., and Paula MacVane of Portland. He leaves two brothers, Gary and friend Cindy of Cliff Island and Gordon and friend Dixie of Portland; a sister-in-law, Lorraine of Lincoln, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews as well as relatives on Orrs Island.
Paul's family wishes to extend their great appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of The Maine Veteran's Home who cared for Paul so kindly and diligently. The care givers there have been wonderful. A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Cliff Island at a later date.
Arrangements will be under the direction of Independent Death Care of Portland. Memories may be shared, a guest book signed and condolences offered to the family at the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Cliff Island Advent Church or to the Cliff Island Association. Paul Elwin MacVane Jr.