Paul Warner McElhinney

Paul W. McElhinney, 61, longtime resident and attorney in Sanford, ME died Sunday, December 12, 2004 at Maine Medical Center in Portland.He was born April 2, 1943 in Alexander, VA a son of Benjamin H. and Constance S. (Warner) McElhinney. He grew up in Virginia and graduated from Virginia Tech College in Blacksburg, VA and the Law School at William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.Mr. McElhinney moved to Sanford, Maine in 1974 to practice general law. This move to Maine was made in part for his love of the great outdoors, kayaking, bird watching and for wildlife conservation. As an active member of the Sanford, Maine community, He was Chairmen of the Board of the Sanford Housing Authority, Member of the Maine, Virginia and York County Bar Association, the Sanford Town Club and the Elks Club.Paul had a great zeal for life and for helping others. As a generous member of the community, he gave his time and talent to the Volunteer Lawyer's Project and numerous other civic-minded projects. Family members include his daughter, Kristina "Nikki" McElhinney of Keene, NH; his sisters, Susan Tinsley McElhinney -Godfrey of Arlington, VA and Mary Elliot Krash of Maui, Hawaii. Also, his partner Judy Morin and nephew, Harrison Taylor Godfrey. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 11:00 am at the Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. There will be no calling hours.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Great Works Regional Land Trust, P.O. Box 151, So. Berwick, ME 03908 or Maine Children's Cancer Program, 100 Campus Dr. Scarborough, ME 04074 or to the American Cancer Society, 1 Main Street, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.