CAMDEN — Paul Leonard Gibbons, 78, died peacefully at Sussman House Hospice Center on Monday, September 28, after discontinuing dialysis. He was surrounded by family and friends and was at peace. 

He was born on January 30, 1948 (along with a twin sister, Suzanne Jane) in Bangor, Maine, the son of Lucille and Francis Gibbons. He grew up living at 229 Forest Avenue, with his mother, his grandparents Josephine and James McDonough, his siblings Bonnie Liz and Sue, and his Uncle Buddie, who was a beloved uncle as well as a father figure for Paul and the family.

Paul attended St. Johns Grammar School, and John Bapst High School. He then earned a degree in philosophy at St. Francis College in Biddeford, Maine, followed by his law degree at New England School of Law in Boston. He was admitted to the Bar in 1974.

The coast of Maine called him to Camden where he found an opportunity to work with Attorneys Clifford O’Rourke and Mark Ingraham at their law office at 9 Washington Street. He was the new young lawyer in town. And he learned under their tutelage. They helped hone his skills at the law as well as story telling. He had found his place and his passion. He loved Camden and the law. And this is where he remained for the next 51 years serving the community and clients that he treasured and who appreciated him. He and Terry Calderwood became partners when Mark and Cliff retired, and after Terry’s retirement, Paul became the sole practitioner of the law firm that he so loved and valued. His secretary, Donna Lewis, was there with him almost from the beginning and definitely until the doors closed in 2025, when he finally sold the building at 9 Washington Street ending the history one of the oldest and most valued law firms in Knox County.

Paul’s passion for the law was especially reflected in his service as Town Attorney to the towns of Rockport, Camden, Hope, Lincolnville, Thomaston and Warren. He also represented North Haven and Matinicus when his expertise in municipal law was required. He was respected for his knowledge of municipal law as well as his ability to find common ground. He could inject wit and wisdom in sometimes long and arduous meetings which he rarely missed.

Many of Paul’s clients considered him a good friend as well as their personal lawyer, whom they valued for his advice as well as his friendship over the years. His clients were loyal and he was proud that he represented several families through three generations. For Paul, every interaction was personal and every client was valued. Before getting down to business, there was always the sharing of personal information as well as a good story or two. He was respected for his sound judgement, his generosity and especially his wit.

Throughout his career Paul served on the Boards of Camden National Bank, Camden YMCA, Transfiguration Hermitage, Belfast Soup Kitchen and Maine Pro Musica. And he gave generously of his time to pro bono clients. He was also a respected Mediator and valued for his ability at dispute resolution.

All his life, Paul was an avid reader. Books were everywhere in any space he occupied and then spilling over to any available chair. He underlined passages, and would store them away in his memory to be later used in story telling or discussions. And good books were always his gift to family and friends.

A gifted raconteur, he enjoyed the art of storytelling. Very often there was a twist in the story that would leave the listener laughing or smiling. And that was his goal to bring a smile to your face. He valued good conversation (especially political) and a well-reasoned opinion.

Photography was another of his passions. He had every kind of camera, lens, filter etc. - sometimes multiples when it was too difficult to find the already possessed accessory. Always seen with a camera bag and equipment - he was ready to capture the beauty that surrounded him when he was out kayaking or hiking, at a family gathering or just enjoying a beautiful day.

In his youth Paul enjoyed wind surfing - making the run from Camden to Islesboro and back and Camden to North Haven and back. Everywhere he went he had a surf board on top of the car - just in case the wind was right! And in the winter the surf board was replaced by skis. He played tennis well and to the end loved following the Tennis Opens. He loved classical guitar. Self-taught, he was a natural and could pick up the banjo or the guitar.

Paul is survived by his ex-wife, Ann Posey, and her daughter Lauren; his sisters, Elizabeth Donald, Bonnie Gibbons and her partner David Barry, Sue Roberts and her husband Tom; as well as his cousins, Mark McGovern and Julie McGovern.

His family and the McGoverns spent sun filled youthful summers together in a family-owned cottage at Sandy Point.

His was a life well lived and he was a good man, a good lawyer, a good brother, and a good friend.

A service will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 11 a.m., at the Church of Our Lady of Good Hope in Camden, Maine with a reception immediately following at the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Transfiguration Hermitage, 197 Windsor Neck Rd., Windsor ME 04363, or the Belfast Soup Kitchen, 31 Belmont Ave., Belfast, ME 04915.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.