Dr. Paul N. Chaffee

Dr. Paul N. Chaffee, 62, of Hingham, a loved and respected husband, father and counseling psychologist, passed away Saturday, June 30, at home surrounded by his family. Paul is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 34 years, Gail (Hawkins) Chaffee; loving father of Gregory and Melissa Crawford of Portland, OR; Mark and Carrie Chaffee of Newton; cherished grandfather of Andrew and Paige Crawford and Baby Chaffee; devoted son to Margaret (Nichols) Chaffee of Oregon and the late Walter Chaffee; loving brother to Douglas, William, and Richard of California and Janet McDonald of Oregon; caring uncle to many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service at Hingham Congregational Church, 378 Main St. (Rte. 228) in Hingham, Monday at 11 AM. Visiting hours Sunday 2-6 PM at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.) in Hingham. Burial in Hingham Cemetery at Old Ship. Paul was born in Long Beach, CA and raised in Orange County, CA where he attended Redlands University and he began his lifelong passion for helping others. His journey brought him East to Massachusetts where he received his Masters degree at the Boston University School of Theology and he was ordained by the Methodist Church in Southern California in 1969. Upon returning to Boston University, he obtained his PhD. in psychology in 1973. While studying for his degree, Paul met his future wife Gail and soon moved to Hingham. He began practicing in Foxboro and Hingham where he helped to create South Shore Counseling Associates, practicing there for 34 years. Paul was passionate with every aspect of his life: his family, his work, his hobbies and his friends. His commitment to the community was shown through his volunteer work and his time as a deacon at Hingham Congregational Church. He was also an appointment to Hingham’s Hannah Lincoln Whiting Fund, a fund established in 1915 “to lend a hand to those in need in the South District of the town.” Paul was a quiet, gentle man who possessed an infectious smile and an ear always willing to listen. He had a subtle yet clever sense of humor that made everyone at ease around him. Paul truly cared about all he met and was always ready to help them in their time of need. The stories of Paul’s kindness, strength and generosity are many and he touched innumerous peoples’ lives. Paul was an avid sailor and past member of the Hingham Yacht Club and an accomplished pilot, keeping and flying his plane out of Marshfield airport. He was well practiced golfer and he loved to ski in Maine. Many afternoons and weekends were spent with family and friends sailing by Boston Light, flying over the Cape, or replacing divots at local golf courses. He loved to vacation with his family and his travels took him all over the world. The manner in which Paul lived his life taught others to take time to appreciate life, reflect on all your blessings and to enjoy the moment. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Hingham Congregational Church, 366 Main St. Hingham, MA 02043 or Hospice of the South Shore, 100 Baystate Dr., Braintree, MA 02184.