PAUL JOHN ORLOFF

WATERVILLE -- Paul John Orloff passed away peacefully at 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at his home in Topsham. He was 81 years old.

Paul was born on June 30, 1931, to parents of Russian and Polish heritage, and raised in Waterville along with his sister, Alice Ann. After completing early elementary school in New York City, he attended Waterville public schools, and graduated cum laude from Waterville High School with the class of 1949. As a running back on the high school football team, he earned the nickname "the mad Russian." Aspiring to a career in veterinary medicine, Paul travelled westward to Michigan State University, receiving his undergraduate degree in microbiology in 1953, and doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) in 1956.

Paul returned to Waterville after graduating from veterinary school, where he married his high school sweetheart, Germaine Alice Michaud, in 1956. He was employed by Kennebec Veterinary Service, practicing in both large and small animal work. He became a partner in the business in 1968, and principal owner in the early 1970s.

Paul was a devoted husband and father of five children, all born and raised in Waterville. Throughout his life, he served his community in many ways. He provided veterinary support to the Colby biology department, and served as a Pop Warner football coach. He was elected into the YMCA Boys & Girls Club Class of 1995 Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Waterville Board of Education for several years, including a stretch as chairman. He belonged to Rotary Club International, serving a period as its president, and hosting a number of exchange students from various countries around the world over many years. He was a founding member of the Kotlas Committee that facilitated cultural exchange between Russia and the United States, a member of the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, and a member of the Maine Forum.

Paul had many outside interests that he shared with family and friends. He enjoyed tennis, fly and bass fishing, snow and water skiing, hiking, clamming, boating, croquet, reading, and of course, good company, great food and fine wine. He and Germaine enjoyed the company of many great friends, and they travelled extensively abroad, including trips to Italy, France, Japan, Russia and Africa. Paul will be remembered as a generous, warm and compassionate man with a great sense of humor. He loved having the extended family, including all his grandchildren, visit the lake home in Belgrade to enjoy activities on the water, croquet games on the front lawn, and fine food among great company.

Paul's family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful care he received from the staff at Community Health and Nursing Services (CHANS) Home Health Care & Hospice Services.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Alice Orloff. He is survived by his wife, Germaine, of Topsham; his children and their spouses, John and Gwen Orloff, of Chester, N.J., Lauren and Roy Williams, of Belgrade, Karen and Brian Maddox, of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., Glenn and Lana Orloff, of Kensington, Md., and Ellen and Mark Gauthier, of Wheatridge, Colo.; his sister, Alice Ann, and her husband, Orman Smith, of Sacramento, Calif.; and his 13 grandchildren, Jaclyn, Kirsten and Mark Orloff, Anaise and Chloe Williams, Phoebe, Ian and Marly Maddox, Max Peselev and Evan and Cole Orloff, and Brynn and Nathan Gauthier.

A funeral service and reception will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant St., Brunswick, (time subject to change; please confirm with the church at 725-5342). In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Alfond Youth Center, Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901;, or CHANS Home Health Care & Hospice Services, 60 Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011.