OWLS HEAD — Roswell Paul Staples, 82, died Friday, June 24, 2016, at the Knox Center for Long Term Care in Rockland.
Born at Deer Isle, March 11, 1934, he was the son of Chester B. and Dora Staples. After moving to Rockland with his family at a young age, Paul attended local schools.

In 1950 he began fishing aboard the FV St. George out of Rockland, working aboard that vessel until he entered the U.S. Navy. A Korean War veteran, Paul served with the Navy from 1951 to 1955.

Returning to Rockland, he resumed his career as a commercial fisherman, aboard National Sea Products vessels until the closing of that plant. Beginning in November of 1969, he spent nine months aboard a research ship, sailing between Antarctica and Punta Arenas, Chile.

On Sept. 22, 1970, he married Mildred E. Harvey Dodge in Rockland.

In 1971, Paul earned his first mate license and in 1974, his master captains license. He later worked aboard vessels out of Boston and Alaska, retiring from the sea in 1993.

In October of that year, he began Schooner Bay Taxi and operated that business until selling that business in 1999. He later worked at the Navigator and Trade Winds Motels. Occasionally, he drove transferring automobiles for Shephard Motors. He also knit and cut potheads, and worked bingo games at Rockland Elks Club.

Paul was a life member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, where he was a member of the Inner Guard and Tyler Serving.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Mildred of Owls Head; two step-sons, Bradley Dodge and his wife, Shelia, of Camden, and Terry Lawry and his wife, Patti, of St. George; one half-sister, Phyllis Johnson of Thomaston; four grandchildren, Wendy Dodge, Suzzy Dodge Stowell and her husband, Adam, Kelsey Lawry and Trevor Lawry; one great-grandson, Parker; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit on Thursday, June 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 1 at 10 a.m at Ocean View Cemetery in South Thomaston. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate.

While flowers are welcome, memorial donations may be made to the Rockland Lodge of Elks, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 983, Rockland, 04841.