Paul F. McLaughlin, 87, of Readfield, died Wednesday April 17 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta.

He was born in Augusta, November 16, 1925 the son of Philip and Lillian (White) McLaughlin. Paul attended Augusta schools and at the age of 16, began his career with the state of Maine at the Augusta State Hospital. He worked in the part of the hospital that was called the “Root Cellar.”

Vegetables were planted and raised in the many gardens and used by the hospital. Paul was known as a very hard worker and continued in his role for over 30 years until the program ended in 1972 when he retired. In 1973 he went to work at the Kennebec Valley Medical Center where he continued until his retirement in 1984.

Paul was a very caring and humble person, always giving and never taking, always putting others first. He was a true outdoorsman, enjoying his gardening as well as hunting, fishing, and watching the deer and birds.

Mr. McLaughlin was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Roger; two sisters, Rita Barter and Barbara Bunnell; three grandsons, John, Troy and Shawn and his best friend, Bernard “Bud” Wilson who he had been friends with since grade school.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carolyn (Barry) McLaughlin and their son, Daniel, with whom they have resided with for the last two years; two daughters, Charlene Cohen of Florida and Lillian Hanscome of Waterville and granddaughters Syn and Stephanie and their families; his two very special granddaughters, Katelynn and Brooke; great-granddaughter, Lillyahna; special nieces, Carol St. Amand and her husband, Richard, and Martha Haggett and her husband, Chip, of Boothbay Harbor; and nephew, Philip Bunnell and his wife, Linda and his daughter-in-law, Becky, who he remained close to.

According to Paul’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop. Memories, condolences, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com/.