Rodney Edward Paulson

Rodney Edward Paulson (March 6, 1949- March 2, 2023); Swimmer, Photographer

Rodney was born in Farmington, Maine to Constance (Connors) Paulson and Harold A. Paulson.   Rod spent long hours at the Portland Boys Club where his father was the Swimming Director.  Rod started competing in Age Group Swimming at an early age.  He was Nationally rated when he swam in the 11-12 yr old division and was undefeated in his events until his sophmore year in high school.  Although he didn’t swim for Portland High School his junior year, he continued to compete in Boy’s Club and Amature Athletic Union sponsored meets.  In his career, Rod swam for the Portland Boys Club, Portland High School, Portland Seals (later becoming the Westbrook Seals) and Kent State University.  He was a Tri-Captain on the 1968 PHS team that won the State Meet - setting records in both of his events.  The team went on to win the New England Championship in 1968. Rod won both of his events.  Rod was Boys’ Club Boy of the Year in 1968.

After he left Kent State University, he began his true calling with the encouragement of fellow photographers.  He workshopped with the well-known photographer Ansel Adams in 1970 and 1974.  Ansel Adams guided his progress in Black & White while Ernst Haas encouraged his progression into Dye Transfer Color.  As the years passed, he received support and direction from noted photographers. Brett Weston, Lotte Jacobi, Bernice Abbott, and Ernst Hass.  Although his work took him many places across the country, the majority of his work was in his beloved state of Maine.  Rod spent his adult life dedicated to his photography.   He once told me “"I am not a "photographer" my medium is photography - I'm an image maker!  I paint with Light”.  Rod made many sacrifices to pursue his calling.

Rod is predeceased by his father, Harold A. Paulson, his mother, Constance (Connors) Paulson Robbins; his uncle Russell W Paulson; his Grandmother Anna (Qvist) Paulson Hauck, Grandparents Thelma (McLeary) and Edward H. Connors.

He is survived by his sister Carol Paulson Gile, brother Barry E. Paulson, nephews Kraig A McKenney, Kirk A McKenney, nieces Kim Paulson, Kelly Paulson Gifford, Grand-nieces Morgan Q. McKenney (Alejandro Caicedo), K. Paige McKenney, Grand-nephews Jack McKenney, Aidan K. McKenney, Evan C. McKenney, Indiana A. McKenney. and two Great-grandnephews Luka A Caicedo and Niko Alejandro Caicedo.  Also, his Aunt Nancy (Connors) Flick and several cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 30th from 11am to 1pm at the Portland Boys and Girls Club, 277 Cumberland Ave, Portland, Maine.  All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Rod’s name to the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine Memorial Fund would be welcome.