Obituary of Paul M. Birdsall

PENOBSCOT - With parents Helen Grew and Paul M. Birdsall he grew up in Williamstown, Mass. In the Berkshires skiing was just catching on, so he paired two mismatched skis to use. A rope tow gave access to nearby sheep hill where he excelled. Ice hockey was very important also. Served with the army as a medic in the South Korean occupation then graduated Harvard and Wesleyan Universities with a masters degree. In 1952 Paul married the love of his life Mollie Owen Weare Birdsall. He first worked for Patent Button Co. then taught high school at Easthampton and Westport, Conn. In 1973 they moved to Penobscot, Maine, and started Horsepower farm. He then dedicated himself to his workhorses, Belgians, then Suffolk Punches. Keeping them busy with field and woods work kept him fit and young at heart also. Hosting 150 apprentices over the years he happily shared knowledge of horsefarming skills and life. He served 38 years on the Hancock county soil and water district. Paul was instrumental helping start and grow Blue Hill heritage trust serving there 25 years. He was predeceased by Mollie in 2000; son, Andrew and his wife, Donna, who were already working the farm now took on mom's jobs too.Paul kept active with his horses caring for and working them into this March. He loved his family and is missed by all. In 2016 Paul's sister, Bridget passed. He is survived by another son Nathaniel with Jeanne and many grand and great-grands. See you around the universe!