Alan R. Paton

LUNENBURG - Alan R. Paton, 78, of Lunenburg, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, January 2, 2023 in the Fitchburg Healthcare facility. Alan was born in Fitchburg on February 2, 1944, a son of the late Irving B. and Jennie E. (Wilcox) Paton, and was a lifelong resident of Lunenburg. He graduated from Lunenburg High School in 1962 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. Alan served in Vietnam with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his participation in Operation Abilene in the brutal Battle of Xa Cam My 42 miles east of Saigon. The two day Battle took place over Easter Weekend starting on April 11, 1966. Of the 134 members of Charlie Company, 36 soldiers were killed in action and 74 others wounded, including Alan, who was shot three times. He would carry one bullet lodged next to his lung the rest of his life. Alan returned to active duty at Fort Ord in California with a status of “No Physical Limitations”, a mere 70 days after being critically wounded and having had invasive abdominal surgery. He was Honorably Discharged from the Military and returned to Lunenburg in 1967. Upon his return to Lunenburg, Alan founded the Paton’s Lumber Mill and Survey Stake Company that he operated for over forty years. The company grew to having approximately 200 customers throughout New England consisting of Municipal DPW’s, Construction Companies and Engineering Firms. Alan offered delivery service to his customers loading up his truck and delivering as far away as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. He was known for quality product and dependable service. Alan also served on the Lunenburg Fire Department for a period of six years, prior to and following his Military Service. He enjoyed his family, the outdoors, hiking and hard work. Alan’s favorite hikes were Mt. Monadnock, Mt. Wachusett and Mt. Watatic. He knew of wildlife reservations all over New England and would often set out on a hike following a survey stake delivery. Alan also had a passion as an herbalist with an intense interest in natural foods. He was always looking for the next magical cure for what ailed him and on occasion would find one. A collection of thick medical books is a testimony to his passion. He leaves his two sons; Michael J. Paton and his wife Lisa of Shirley and Robert A. Paton and his wife Tara of Pepperell; a brother, Kenneth Paton of Lunenburg; three grandchildren, Justin, Robert and Abigail; two step-grandchildren, Brett Forest, and Zachary Forest and his wife Jackie White-Forest, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his siblings, Joseph Paton, Joan Conroy, Bernard Paton, Lawrence Paton and Irving Paton, Jr. A graveside service with full military honors will be held in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon on Friday June 2, 2023 at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America at vva.org. The Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main St., Townsend is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com.

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Alan R. Paton

February 2, 1944 - January 2, 2023