PAUL CLEMENT RZASA

BAR HARBOR – Paul Clement Rzasa, 70, went home to be with the Lord April 12, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Aug. 30, 1939, in Manchester, N.H., son of Lewis and Marie Rzasa, now deceased, and stepson of Dr. Charles and Marie Wells. After graduating high school Paul joined the U.S. Army serving in Germany as a medic and radiology technician. Paul was employed at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital as manager of the radiology department. He later became, after passing a rigorous course of study, an ultrasonographer. Paul had national boards in both x-ray and ultrasound. Paul had a very successful 40-year career at MCMH where he was especially known, not only for his technological skill, but for his caring personality and quick wit. Paul had been a very active member of the hospital family, always volunteering for community projects. In the ’70s and early ’80s, Paul was the athletic director for MCMH’s softball team. Under his coaching, his team was the proud winner 10 years in a row for the coveted “bedpan trophy” award. Paul was a winner of the George B. Holmes Award for the best scientific paper in the state of Maine – two years in a row – the only technologist in Maine to accomplish this. Community involvement was very important to Paul. He was a member of Bar Harbor Lodge No. 185 and former member of Scottish Rite Bodies, Anah Shrine and Arab Anah Patrol. Paul was a representative from the town of Bar Harbor to the Downeast Resource Conservation and Development Commission for many years, serving as president for three terms. He was also past president of the Union Salmon Association where he not only led the organization for four years, but spearheaded a salmon restoration project. Paul was involved in the Mount Desert Rod and Gun Club, Narraguagus Salmon Association and Two Rivers Salmon Club, Machias. Paul’s interest in fishing concerns always played a big part in his life. This was best exemplified by a book he authored “Atlantic Salmon Fishing in Maine.” Its foreword was written by Red Sox great Ted Williams, along with Bud Leavitt and Hale Joy, to name a few. Because of Ted Williams’ passion for fishing and Paul’s book they became personal friends. Paul had the pleasure of visiting Ted several times at his home in Florida. Paul is survived by his beloved wife and “the catch of his life,” Doris Bunker Rzasa; his stepparents, Dr. Charles and Marie Wells; his children: daughter, Debbie Nieves and children, Brian, Brandy and Christopher; son, Paul “PT” Bernard and wife, Tammy and their children, Matthew and Connor; son, Charles “Chuck” Bernard and wife, Jean and their children, Lauren, Timmy, Kayleigh and Brandon; daughter, Elizabeth Windholz and husband, Thomas; daughter, Eden Rzasa and Marcus and their son, James; daughter, Christina Levesque and children, Chandler, Ethan and Zachery; stepchildren, Greg Bunker and wife, Deborah, Kelley Bunker-Taylor and husband, Gary and their children, Jake and Lauren, and Teresa Spencer and Stephen and her children, Denise and Amy; special former son-in-law, Brian Spencer; brother, Charles “Buddy” Wells and wife, Dolly and his children, Chuck, Jolene and Marie; brother, Craig Wells; sister, Christine Woolfrey; several great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his beloved grandparents, Clement “Deke” and Mary Hubert; and wife, Susan (Joyce) Rzasa. The family expresses their deep appreciation for the professional and compassionate care provided by the intensive care unit staff of Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, April 24, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, with refreshments after the service. Contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to The F. Eugene Dixon Jr. Emergency Center Capital Campaign, MCMH, 50 Union St., Ellsworth, ME 04605 or Island Connections, 15 Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.