Dr. Paul M. Benson

SOUTH PARIS, Maine — Paul M. Benson, 43, of Auburn, Maine, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008.

He was born in Revere on Aug. 6, 1964, a son of Charles and Margaret (Ferry) Benson. He grew up in Peabody and in 1982 he entered the United States Air Force Academy, graduating as 2nd Lt with a degree in Chemistry. Following graduation he entered Pilot Training in Vance AFB OK. He continued with Navigators training, becoming an electric warfare officer for B-52's.

In 1988 he married Kathleen Schaeflern and together they were stationed at Paul's first duty at Barksdale AFB in LA, 1st Lt Benson was involved with the first mission in the Persian Gulf War, for the duration of the war he was stationed in Spain.

Upon his return he worked towards entering medical school and was accepted into the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. In 1996, he graduated with high honors and chose family practice for his residency. He joined the CMMC family practice residency in June of the same year. For several years he worked at the Gray Family Health Center with Dr. Fred vanMourick, a job he loved and was very proud of. His gentle, sensitive, knowledgeable manner was a comfort to many of his patients.

In October of 1996 one of the joys in his life entered the world, a beautiful son, followed by a beautiful younger brother in 1998. His most prized possessions were his family, particularly his two boys. They were the sunshine of his life; he was so proud that they were developing into such wonderful young men.

Paul participated in their athletic endeavors as a t-ball, little league and soccer coach for many years. Other family favorites were chess and basement hockey.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. We are comforted to know that he is with Jesus in heaven now. He leaves behind his wife Kathleen of 20 years of marriage this Jan. 2, and their two sons, Colin Patrick and Liam Michael of Auburn; his mother, Margaret Benson of Massachusetts; two sisters, Kathleen McQuade and her husband Timothy of Virginia and Josephine Flaherty and her husband John of Massachusetts; two brothers, John Benson and his wife Gail of Massachusetts and Charles Benson and his wife Susan of Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Charles O. Benson.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral was held on Monday at Sacred Heart Church. Committal will be held in the spring. Family and friends are invited to visit www.mem.com to pay tribute and send condolences to Paul's family. Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to Lewiston Area Youth Hockey, P.O. Box 7243, Lewiston, ME 04243 or Auburn Youth Hockey, P.O. Box 1505, Auburn, ME 04211-1505. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, ME 04210 207 783-8545. www.thefortingroup.com.