Paul Henry Graichen

BRUNSWICK – Paul Henry Graichen passed away peacefully at home on the afternoon of February 13, with his husband and beloved cat by his side.

Paul was born on Dec. 6, 1952, in Lawrence, Mass., the eldest son of George and Phyllis (Henderson) Graichen. He attended both public and private schools there and graduated from Brunswick High School in Maine in 1971. He later studied Anthropology at the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

Paul spent most of his professional career working in the Information Technology Department at L.L.Bean. One of his favorite jobs, however, was his part-time work in the projection booth at The Movies, an independent theater on Exchange Street in Portland. In his later years, he worked part-time as a cashier at Hannaford, where his outgoing nature and gift for conversation made him a favorite among customers.

After spending many years living in Portland and Florida, Paul returned to Brunswick. In 1997, he purchased what would become his second historic home. Over the years, he devoted countless hours to restoring and repairing it between work commitments.

Paul loved spending time outdoors. Some of his greatest pleasures included visiting Reid State Park, hiking Tumbledown Mountain, and rowing a boat on Moose Pond while listening to the calls of loons across the water.

On November 13, 2016, he married Atsushi Murata, whom he had met in New York City and with whom he had shared four years before their marriage. Paul often said that Atsushi not only embraced his many eccentricities but also became an extraordinarily loving and devoted partner throughout his long illness, providing steadfast care and support until the very end.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, George and Phyllis Graichen of Brunswick; his sister, Priscilla Youmans; and his sister, Brenda DeHaan of New Mexico.

He is survived by his husband, Atsushi Murata of Brunswick, Maine; his brother, Robert Graichen of Haverhill, Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews. Among them, Stephen Youmans of Brunswick provided steadfast support over many years. After Paul was no longer able to drive, Stephen regularly took him grocery shopping each week and helped him with many practical needs.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to Flo Renault, a friend from Paul’s final workplace who offered support during his illness; to Alison Moore and Sarah Suyama, who remained his friends through his final years; to Lisa, Jeff, and Boryana Tacconi, who shared Thanksgiving with Paul for more than a decade; and to the many other friends and neighbors who cared for him along the way. The family is also deeply grateful to the staff of CHANS Home Health & Hospice for the compassionate care they provided.

This obituary was written using notes that Paul prepared himself before his passing.