PAUL DOWNING BREWER

PRESQUE ISLE – Paul Downing Brewer, 75, son of Burtt and Mabel (Downing) Brewer died quietly Sept. 11, 2004, at a hospice facility in Mars Hill, after a courageous four year battle with colon and pancreatic cancer. He was born in Presque Isle Dec. 31, 1928. His grandfather Brewer was a prominent land owner and farmer in Presque Isle and Ashland. His maternal grandfather was the owner of N.W. Downing and Son, lumber dealer and building contractor, State Street, Presque Isle. Paul graduated from Presque Isle High School, Class of 1947, and attended the University of Maine at Orono. In his younger years he enjoyed camping, canoeing, fishing, and the fall hunting season. He was interested in community service enterprises such as the Lions Club, the Soapbox Derby, and the Northern Maine Fair. He was a devoted fan of Nascar and had done some amateur racing himself in the 1960’s. Paul and his father had the Chevrolet franchise and were car dealers for several years; their place of business was on the corner of Main and Park Streets. Later they owned and operated a general store in Easton. For many years Paul sold heavy equipment for a John Deere dealer primarily servicing the timber industry in north western Maine but also heavy equipment needed in road construction, snow removal, and farming throughout the County. Paul is survived by his wife, Helyn (Manzer) Brewer of Presque Isle; two daughters, Jayne Brewer of Crawford and her three children, Stefanie Duplessis of Las Vegas, Nev., Burtt Duplessis of Denver, Colo., and Kate Clapham, a student at Castine. Paul leaves one great-granddaughter, Sierra Duplessis. Paul’s younger daughter, Debra Brewer resides in Portage, as does her daughter, Aimee Seeley. Debra’s son, Jamie Seeley lives in Torrington, Conn. Paul will be greatly missed by his step-children of 21 years, Letitia and Joel McMullin of New Gloucester, Mary Elizabeth Knox, also of New Gloucester and Bernard C. Knox of Portland. Paul regarded Amy Smith of Windham as a honorary stepdaughter. He leaves one stepgranddaughter, Jennifer Clayton of North Yarmouth. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Fairmount Cemetery, with the Rev. Robert Smith officiating. The family asks that flowers be omitted. Those who wish may make donations in Paul’s memory to St. John’s Memorial Fund, 52 Second St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Arrangements in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home.