Richard Paul Burns 1933 – 2022 BRUNSWICK – We are sad to announce that Richard Paul Burns, 89, passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, with family by his side. He will forever be remembered as a beloved principal, supportive boss, and proud father. Paul, as he liked to be called, was born Feb. 28, 1933 in Bath, to Theodore F. and Nellie I. (Green) Burns. He grew up in Bath and attended Bath schools, graduating from Morse High School in 1951. He entered the United States Air Force in September of that year and served in Germany for over three years. During his time in the Air Force he played softball and hockey for base teams and was able to travel through much of Europe. He especially enjoyed frequenting dance halls in different countries because he loved to dance. He was honorably discharged in August of 1954 in order to attend the University of Maine, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1958 he married Deborah Bragg and they were blessed with three children, Kelly, Kevin, and Kyle. After graduating, Paul was employed by Phippsburg Elementary School from 1960 – 1965 and served two years as a principal. During that time, he was divorced and then met Donna Dorr, whom he married in 1964. In 1965, he left his position at Phippsburg Elementary in order to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Connecticut. Problems with scheduling prevented Paul from acquiring his degree, so he took a job at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. He was offered a salaried position after one year, but declined and returned to his home state of Maine. After returning to Maine, Paul accepted a position at Bowdoinham School and bought a home with Donna in Topsham, where they raised their children, Teri, Jeff, and Sheri. After two years at Bowdoinham as a teacher, Paul became the principal and remained principal for 27 years until his retirement in June of 1993. During his time as a principal, Paul was incredibly supportive of his staff and touched the lives of many, children and adults alike. Paul loved working with kids. He not only spent his days with kids, but spent many extra hours coaching baseball, soccer, and his favorite sport of hockey. He also loved hunting, especially ducks, and spent many mornings in the woods or on the water. His biggest love was his family who made him so proud. He is survived by his children, Kevin Burns and his wife, Melody, Teri Huntington, Jeffrey Burns, and Sheri Bryant, and her husband, Dan. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sam Burns and his wife, Katie, Duncan Burns and his wife, Erin, Meridith Huntington, Nathaniel Huntington, Aubrey Huntington, Sienna Bryant, Carmen Bryant, Camden Bryant, and Matilda Burns; and one great-grandchild, Noah Burns. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in the gymnasium at Bowdoinham Community School on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9:30 to 12 p.m.

Copy the Story Link