Paul L. Chandler

PEACHAM - Paul L. Chandler, 57, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, following a very sudden illness, in Utica, NY, while traveling.
Paul was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, Nov. 17, 1959, the son of Maurice Franklin and Ruth (Bartlett) Chandler. He graduated as valedictorian of his Class of 1977 of Blue Mountain Union School. He attended the University of Vermont, graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science. He was a member of the AGR Fraternity while at UVM.
Paul was the pastor of the First Congregational Church of East Hardwick since 2006. He had been a self-employed farmer, sugarmaker and for the past 11 years, he worked for St. Johnsbury Auto Companies as their warranty underwriter. He was the co-owner of Chandler Heirlooms along with his wife, Susan.
Paul was a graduate of the Vermont Academy of Spiritual Training and was ordained by the NACCC through his mentor, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Potter, on April 7, 1913. His ministry was most important to him. Paul was committed to assisting young folks with their lives through ministering, nurturing, caring and kindness. He became a father figure to several young people: Lindsay Baden, Nick Potter, Amber Lowell and Kristen Alexander who died July 30, 2016.
Paul was active in his community as a member of the Peacham Congregational Church where he had been a member of the choir and a deacon. As a history buff, he was particularly fond of Peacham and other local history. He enjoyed farming, sugaring, haying and watching Star Trek and the New England sports teams. Most important to Paul, was caring for his family.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth Chandler, on July 28, 2003, and Maurice Chandler, on Oct. 18, 2011; and a brother-in-law, Robert Blake, on Dec. 9, 2012.
Paul is survived by his wife, Susan (Scholtz) Chandler, of Peacham, VT, to whom he was married on Nov. 1, 2008; two children, Marc Mica Chandler and husband Jonathan Forrest and Lindsay Chandler and wife Tamicka and their children, Madison, Dakota and Muguette; two sisters, Gloria J. Chandler and husband Francis L. Keith III, of Pittsford, VT, and Patricia N. Blake, of West Rutland, VT; and a brother, Alan M. Chandler and wife Donna, of Georgia, VT; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins, including Tom Galinat and family. He is also survived by his best friend of 40 years, and AGR brother, George "Sack" Spaulding; childhood friend Frank Goss and his sister, Ann Goss; and his First Congregational Church family in East Hardwick.
Calling hours will be on Friday, Aug. 25, from 6-8 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, NH.
A memorial service will be on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. at the Peacham Congregational Church, 56 Church St., Peacham, with Rev. Dr. Robert A. Potter officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the First Congregational Church of East Hardwick, P.O. Box 142, East Hardwick, VT 05836; or to the Peacham Congregational Church, P.O. Box 205, Peacham, VT 05862. For more information, please visit www.rickerfh.com.
Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is in charge of arrangements.