AUGUSTA – Paul Marcel Gilbert, 89, passed away June 2, 2023, at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn.

Paul was born in Augusta, one of seven children to Philias and Marie (Pepin) Gilbert. He grew up and was educated in Augusta schools. He married EmmaJane (Cloutier) in 1957 and raised three devoted children together.

Paul was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. After being honorably discharged, he spent the next 33 years serving in the Army National Guard at Camp Keyes, Augusta, retiring as sergeant major. In addition, he was a Fourth Degree Knight with Abenaki Assembly #346 and a Third Degree Knight of Abenaki Council #334.

He and EmmaJane enjoyed many years of camping with his brothers and friends. Paul also enjoyed many hours of hunting and fishing. He was an avid gardener, sharing his produce with family, friends, and the Augusta Food Pantry. It seems Paul was always drawing an annual moose hunting permit and bagged a trophy Moose proudly displayed in his home for many years. He had many beagles over the years: Lady, Peanut, Mandy, and Penny. He was also a great fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics.

After retiring from the National Guard at 55, he and EmmaJane enjoyed many retirement winters in Fort Myers, Fla. Many days were filled with fishing, golfing, bowling, and making new special friends.

Paul was predeceased by his wife, EmmaJane; and his bother, Gilles.

Paul leaves behind his three children, Laura Gilbert-Caret (Joseph) of Oakland, Rhonda Cousens (Richard) of Bowdoinham, and Gary Gilbert (Lisa) of Manchester; two grandchildren, Noah Caret (Lindsey) of Benton, and Elijah Caret of Fitchburg, Wis., four step-grandchildren, Eric Cousens (Dawn) of Turner, Andrea Fancher (Rusty) of Lignum, Va., Ryan Gorneau (Alyssa) of Jersey City, N.J., Breanna Gorneau of Manchester; and six step-great-grandchildren, Melina, Dylan, Eason, and Charley Fancher, and Emma and June Cousens.

In addition, Paul is survived by his brothers Royal and Joseph, and his sisters Pauline Fortin, Violet Richards, and Madeleine Pomerleau; and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Paul would like to thank MaineGeneral Hospice: River, Jake, Sue, and many others for their untiring care and commitment to Paul and his family, as well as Androscoggin Hospice House: Casey and Erin for their thoughtful consideration during Paul’s last days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on June 28, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 41 Western Ave., Augusta. A committal service will follow at 2 p.m. at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories, or photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

“Mother Goose” and “Oh Boy,” you lived a wonderful life! We love you, Dad!

Donations in memory of Paul may be made to:

Augusta Food Pantry,

161 Mt. Vernon Ave.,

Augusta, ME 04330

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