Fort Kent---Dr. Robert Paul Johnson, 92, died in his home on June 6, 2020 with his family by his side. He was born Sept 9, 1927 in Fort Fairfield, Maine. Paul was the son of Ora Clinton and Beulah Burnett Johnson and was raised in Perth-Andover, New Brunswick with his brother Verdell and sister Ruth. After high school there, he set his sights on a career in medicine. For the next 14 years, he diligently followed that pursuit and received his BS degree in Chemistry from Mount Allison University in Moncton, NB.  While there, Paul met the love of his life, Yvonne Helen Bent, a nursing student from Bridgetown, Nova Scotia. They met on the dance floor and began life's big dance together which continued on for 64 years. They were married in 1950 and Paul continued on to get his MD at Dalhousie Medical School for 5 years in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  From there, Paul and Yvonne moved to Boston, MA where Paul did 5 years of surgical training at Tufts Medical School.  While in Boston, Paul heard of a temporary assignment in Fort Kent in November of 1958 to assist for another surgeon on medical leave.  He and Yvonne so loved the people, the town and Peoples' Benevolent Hospital's mission that they turned the 3 month assignment into their permanent home in Fort Kent for 61 years.

Paul retired in 1994 and it marked an end to his many medical contributions of nearly 4 decades. In 1995, the Northern Maine Medical Center rededicated their Ambulatory Care Unit in his name. He also served in many leadership positions at NMMC, including President for several years. Paul and Yvonne were also ardent supporters of numerous cultural and fundraising events including local organizations like the Lions and Rotary Club. Paul and Yvonne were also among the citizen group who were instrumental in establishing the Lonesome Pine Fort Kent Ski area in the 60's. In addition, he was extremely humbled when he was named Fort Kent's Citizen of the Year in 1991. They were dedicated to the University of Maine at Fort Kent and its mission and importance to the community, the hospital and the entire Aroostook County.  Paul helped spearhead the nursing program at UMFK and both he and Yvonne were appreciated for both of their lifelong advocacy for the Foundation he served on there.  In 1988, they set up a UMFK scholarship fund to benefit its students in need, in the name of their son, Dr. Richard Paul Johnson.  Beyond his love for work, Paul always had a positive outlook and wonderful sense of humor. He had an avid passion for the great outdoors especially fishing and hunting or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery in Northern Maine. His love for the Allagash ran through his veins.

Above all else, Paul and Yvonne were dedicated to family and raised 4 children. Yvonne predeceased Paul in November 2014 after spending 64 beautiful years filled with love, music, dancing and laughter together. These are among the traits that were passed on to their family.  Surviving members of the family include Dr. R. Stephen Johnson (Bernice) and their four children: R. Matthew Johnson and wife Jennifer, Christopher Johnson and wife Tia, Curtis Johnson and wife Christina, Laura Johnson Riopel and husband Jonathon Riopel, Linda Johnson Norris (Allan) and daughters Ashley and Kimberly Norris. Dr. Peter B. Johnson (Heather) and daughters Grace and Samantha Johnson and Lauren Bragan. They also enjoyed 8 great grandchildren: Natalie, Anna, Elle, R. Owen, Ryan and Maxwell Johnson, James and Isabella Riopel. Their son, Dr. Richard P. Johnson predeceased them both in 1988.

Due to the current pandemic environment, a memorial service will be held at a later time. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to his angel caregivers: Ruth and Legs Labbe, Patty Michaud, Nicki Lamore and Phyllis Charette for all of their love, care and support of "Doc" during the last 5 1/2 years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support NMMC,The Lonesome Pine Ski Area, UMFK or to a charity of your choice.