Paul Briggs

Paul was born at Goodall Hospital on July 20, 1946 and placed in the caring hands of James and Arline Briggs. Paul was joyfully received by 3 girls at the Briggs homestead in Alfred. Jackie and Joyce were teenagers and Connie was a lively 8 year old. All were happy to help with Paul's care and quickly bonded with him. As the months went by, Paul was a focal point of the family particularly for Connie, who loved dressing him up and playing with him. His adoption was simply a formality to secure his place as little brother.
Living on the farm, there were horses, cows and chickens which were entertaining for Paul to watch and learned in time how to help with. Paul who struggled with developmental milestones, was taught many skills in the home environment. Paul did attend Alfred School for a few years but his fascination with the fire alarm causing many evacuations eventually led to home learning. Paul was often seen tagging along with Dad, who often did handyman tasks for friends and family. James taught Paul the names of tools and Paul became his helper, a position Paul thoroughly enjoyed and greatly missed when James passed in 1976. To say Paul was a bit spoiled was understating it. Arline cared for Paul with the patience of an angel. Paul moved to complete tasks at his own pace and hurrying him only frustrated him and slowed him down. Arline taught him self care but never allowed him to prepare his own meals as she was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing his meals. Paul was expected to pick up after himself and make his bed daily. Paul loved books and would spend hours looking through books and magazines. He did eventually learn to read, which he was proud to have accomplished with the help of George Verville.
Paul spent most of his life on the Briggs Homestead on the Gore Road in Alfred as did his sister, Constance (Connie) and Conky to Paul and close family members. What spoiling Arline didn't do, Connie did. Connie would take Paul to the movies, out bowling, out to restaurants for dinners, for rides where he would always ride in the front seat unless Arline was going too, then Mom got the front passenger seat.
After Connie's death in 2015, Paul remained on the farm with the help of George Verville. An auto accident in 2018 landed them both in the hospital then Kennebunk Nursing and Rehab Center, which is where Paul lived out the rest of his life. We wish to thank the staff and fellow residents at Kennebunk Nursing and Rehab Center for their care and understanding. Paul was predeceased by his father, James in 1976, his mother, Arline in 1995, his sister, Connie in 2015, his sister, Jackie in 2022 and his sister, Joyce in March of this year.
Paul is survived by his nephew, James Gerrish and wife, Julie of Alfred; his niece, Mary Winn and husband, Arnold of West Newfield; his guardian, Pat Nason and wife, Rachel of Alfred; and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a burial service for Paul and his sister, Joyce at Evergreen Cemetery on May 26 at 1:00 followed by a celebration of their lives at the Oak St. Bistro in Alfred.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
To leave a message of condolence click on Paul's Remember Page.