Obituary for Paul F. Haertel
Southwest Harbor
Paul F. Haertel, 81, of Southwest Harbor, Maine passed away on June 5th, 2022. He leaves behind a legacy of land stewardship, environmental conservation, and heritage preservation. Paul received his bachelor’s degree in forestry from Michigan Tech in Houghton. He began his career with the National Park Service as a seasonal ranger at Isle Royale National Park. These seasonal positions lead to a career that spanned 40 years and varied from trail crew to climbing ranger to superintendent. He enjoyed collaborating with communities and tribes in the development of new parks as much as he enjoyed patrolling trails, climbing, diving, and skiing. In retirement Paul continued his love of the outdoors by camping, canoeing, hiking, birding, and carving decoys. He also continued advocating for the preservation of public lands and sat on many boards, including the Wendell Gilley Museum.
He was a kind soul and considerate mentor.
Paul is survived by his wife, Margot, three children and their families. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wendell Gilley Museum, the Maine Woods Forever, or the Frenchman Bay Conservancy.
Private services will be held by the family. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held from 1-3pm, Sunday, July 17, 2022, at the Wendell Gilley Museum, 4 Herrick Road, Southwest Harbor.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Paul F. Haertel, 81, of Southwest Harbor, Maine passed away on June 5th, 2022. He leaves behind a legacy of land stewardship, environmental conservation, and heritage preservation. Paul received his bachelor’s degree in forestry from Michigan Tech in Houghton. He began his career with the National Park Service as a seasonal ranger at Isle Royale National Park. These seasonal positions lead to a career that spanned 40 years and varied from trail crew to climbing ranger to superintendent. He enjoyed collaborating with communities and tribes in the development of new parks as much as he enjoyed patrolling trails, climbing, diving, and skiing. In retirement Paul continued his love of the outdoors by camping, canoeing, hiking, birding, and carving decoys. He also continued advocating for the preservation of public lands and sat on many boards, including the Wendell Gilley Museum.
He was a kind soul and considerate mentor.
Paul is survived by his wife, Margot, three children and their families. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wendell Gilley Museum, the Maine Woods Forever, or the Frenchman Bay Conservancy.
Private services will be held by the family. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held from 1-3pm, Sunday, July 17, 2022, at the Wendell Gilley Museum, 4 Herrick Road, Southwest Harbor.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com