Paul Bird

Paul’s childhood included living in Kenya, as his stepfather was involved in the oil industry overseas.

On October 26, 1956, Paul was traveling alone on Pan Am Flight 6 from Honolulu to San Francisco, when the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser lost power and had to crash land in the Pacific. The accident was later the basis for the 1958 Film “Crash Landing.” Paul tumbled into the ocean, as he attempted to exit onto the wing, but he and all passengers and crew survived, due to a nearby freighter that rescued them from the sea.

Due to Paul’s injuries from the crash and his need to recover in a safe environment, Paul was enrolled in the Maine Central Institute, in Pittsfield, Maine. Paul was always grateful for the care and compassion that the MCI and the Pittsfield community shared with him as he convalesced and completed high school.

After graduating from MCI, Paul served in the Air Force, stationed in Europe.

He then attended and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono.

After working in finance with Chemical Bank in New Jersey, Paul returned to Maine and began a long and productive career as a town manager. He started out in Cherryfield, and managed towns such as Monmouth, Gray, Millinocket, Mount Desert, and Harpswell. Paul excelled at improving the financial standing of his towns.

Paul had a keen sense of humor and a great intellect, which served him well with each town that he served.

During his last years of employment, Paul lived in North Yarmouth, Maine with his two poodles, Colbert and Anjou. He greatly enjoyed the Toddy Brook Golf Course, where he had a sandwich named after him (a chicken sandwich, of course!).

Upon retirement, Paul pursued his passion for golf, first in Ocala, Florida, and then in Ormond Beach, Florida.

In 2024, Paul returned to Maine and lived at Bay Square in Yarmouth, Maine where he received superb care and enjoyed a wonderful community.

Donations to Maine Central Institute in Paul’s memory can be arranged by calling MCI at (207) 487-5915.