The Life of Edwin Mattson Paxson
DR. EDWIN MATTSON PAXSON ORWELL - Dr. Edwin Mattson Paxson, 83, of Orwell, died peacefully on Nov. 11, 2009, with his loving wife Elizabeth at his side at the Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury. Dr. Paxson, "Ted," was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 19, 1926, the first of two identical twin sons of Chauncey G. and Dorothy S. Paxson, and was raised by them in the Quaker tradition. He graduated from George School, Bucks County, Pa. in 1944, and immediately enlisted in the Navy, where he served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II as a radar man first class on the U.S.S. Queens. Following the surrender of Japan, Ted served as part of the occupation force until his discharge from the Navy. After the war Ted attended Swarthmore College, graduating in 1950, with a degree in zoology, and went on to earn his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in 1954. He completed his internship at the Mary Fletcher Hospital and was one of the first pediatric residents in Vermont under the direction of Dr. James McKay. Dr. Paxson entered private practice as a pediatrician in 1956, making house calls and providing services to families and children in the Chittenden County area for twentyfive years. In 1978, Dr. Paxson moved his pediatric practice to Morehead, Kentucky, and he completed his medical career in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He retired from active medical practice in 1997, beloved and respected by his patients and colleagues as a devoted professional, and a passionate advocate for children. Ted was the proverbial "renaissance man," and dedicated himself to many diverse talents and interests throughout his life. He was a gifted artist whose marble and wood sculptures grace the homes of his family and friends. Ted also created paintings, drawings, and sketches for his children and grandchildren. His gift with his hands extended to carpentry, furniture making, and cabinetry. He designed, built, and finished the interior of a major addition to their home in Charlotte using lumber that he recovered from an old barn from which he handcrafted all of the cabinetry. Ted loved literature and poetry, particularly the poetry of Robert Frost, whose verses he was able to recite from memory up to the time of his death. He was an avid supporter of the fine arts. Classical music in particular was a cornerstone throughout his life, and he loved listening to the music of Schubert, Chopin, Sibelius and Liszt, including performances by his godfather, pianist Jorge Bolet. The outdoors and nature were a major part of Ted's life, beginning with his experiences as a camper and counselor at Camp Pocono, his parent's camp for boys. It was there that he developed his passion and respect for nature and the outdoors, and he was an avid camper, canoeist, hiker, skier, and woodsman. At the age of thirteen Ted and his brother rode their bicycles on a pilgrimage from Philadelphia to the Adirondacks to stay with the famous hermit Noah John Rondeau. Ted shared his loved of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren taking them on camping trips, and hiking the Long Trail. He loved Lake Champlain and enjoyed canoeing, sailing, and ice skating on Shelburne Bay. Ted was a devoted family man. He married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Brey, in 1948. Soon thereafter they started their family, and he and Elizabeth shared their passions and love of life with their six children and twelve grandchildren. A dedicated father, teacher, mentor, and advisor to his children, he taught that passion quietly and by example. He loved reading and telling stories to his children and grandchildren, often animating the stories with puppets. Ted embraced each of his children and grandchildren as individuals, nurturing independence and creativity in both their lives and careers. Ted is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth Brey Paxson and his children: Jennifer and husband Christopher Leopold of Shelburne, and their children Megan, Christopher, Erin, and David; Gretchen and husband John Abberger of Toronto, On., Canada and their children Caroline and Mary Ellen; Fred and wife Diane Paxson of Trout Lake, Wash. and their children Spencer, Adam, Michael and Emily; Elizabeth Paxson and partner Steve Keller of Portland, Ore; Daniel and wife Susan Paxson of Parma Heights, Ohio and their children Katie and Derek; his brother, Dr. Chauncey G. Paxson and wife Meb. Dr. Paxson was predeceased by his daughter Karen Paxson. A celebration of Dr. Paxson's life will be held on April 19, 2010, in Vermont at a location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions may be sent to Helen Porter Healthcare an Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury, Alzheimer's Association of Vermont and the R.J. McKay Green & Gold Professorship Fund c/o University of Vermont Dept. of Pediatrics. Ted's family extends their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Elderly Services and Helen Porter for the outstanding care provided to Ted during his years with Alzheimer's.
Published in The Burlington Free Press from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, 2009
Published in The Burlington Free Press from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, 2009