It is with tears in our eyes and love in our hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Edward Wamsganz (“Whamy”) on August 31, 2026, at his home in Fremont, N.H. Paul’s wish to remain in his home through his final days was realized by the help of amazing family members, lifelong friends and his hospice nurses.
Born on September 16, 1947, to Vernon and Gertrude Wamsganz of Saranac Lake, N.Y., Paul often spoke of an idyllic childhood in Saranac Lake, when kids could hike up Baker Mountain with an iron frying pan and bacon, cook breakfast, and then spend the rest of the day fishing at a local lake or pond. The only rule: “Be back home before the street lights come on!”
With the death of his mother when he was just 12 years old, those easy childhood days were fewer. When Paul was 15, his father remarried, and the family relocated to South Burlington, Vt. Moving, residing in a new community and starting a new school as a high school freshman presented many challenges. Paul’s resilience and outgoing personality, coupled with his love of sports, soon ingrained him as part of the South Burlington High School community, and he embraced those years. He continued to participate in reunions and gatherings of friends from high school throughout his lifetime.
Following graduation, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy instead of waiting to be drafted, as it was the era of the war in Vietnam. Paul credited the Navy for teaching him lifelong skills that set the framework for his future career in drafting and creative design. While traveling the world on the USS Orion, Paul was able to pursue his love for photography and took hundreds of stunning photographs, of which he was extremely proud. In 1970, Paul was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class (PH3). He went on to attend Paul Smith’s College, graduating in 1973 with a degree in forestry management.
While still in the Navy, Paul married Catherine Wood in Burlington, Vt., and they began a 39-year adventure together. She predeceased him in 2007, following a long battle with breast cancer.
With his college degree in hand, Paul and Cathy packed up their VW station wagon and headed to Alaska with their young daughter, Marlo. In Alaska, Paul was hired as a draftsman for the oil pipeline system. And in 1974, Paul and Cathy welcomed their son, Jared. As a family of four, they explored and experienced Alaska. Paul frequently spoke of salmon fishing and catching so many that he had to give them away. As an outdoorsman, Paul loved living in Alaska. But in 1975, the Wamsganz family returned to Vermont, settling in Essex Junction, to be closer to family.
Paul mastered his skills in drafting and construction while working for a small construction company before opening his own business in 1981, Graphic Construction Management Services. In 1992, Paul transitioned to working for Champlain Oil Co. in South Burlington, Vt. There, he was the development, planning and construction manager for the ever-growing business until his retirement in 2011. During those years, Paul spent his leisure time boating Lake Champlain on the family pontoon boat and then a cabin cruiser, fondly named Whamy. For over 35 years, Paul was affectionately known as “the General” of his hunting camp, “Trails End,” on Owl Pond in Saranac Lake, N.Y. He treasured time there with friends and family, hunting, swimming, fishing and hiking through the lands he dubbed “forever wild.” As “the General,” Paul would stage all necessary supplies in his garage so that after work on Fridays he could swiftly depart for his beloved cabin. There he could often be found in the cabin, after quitting hunting early, preparing the best food of any hunting camp in the Adirondacks. Dave, Bill, Jimmy, Matt and Jared will always remember the laughter, card games (7-27), meals and Paul’s “never-ending soup.”
In 2012, Paul married Cindy Taylor at a property they had purchased in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Together they shared the love of family, a strong work ethic and a love of the outdoors. In 2014, they built a year-round home on the Barton property, a Craftsman-style home that Paul designed himself. Paul, personally, oversaw construction and would be the first to drive to the supplier for any missed, forgotten or newly added item that was needed. The home was built in the center of 50 acres, and over the next seven years Paul and Cindy turned it into their dream hobby farm. In the early morning hours, Paul would have breakfast, “the best meal of the day” (although each meal was the best to Paul), and then head out to the barn with his beloved dog, Higgins, where he would make a list of what needed to be accomplished that day. There were always trails to clear, stone walls to repair and bridges to build. Their home was always open for friends and family to enjoy walking the trails, four-wheeling, target shooting at “Whamy’s Range,” digging out forts in the snowbanks in which to have hot chocolate and snacks with Lulu (Cindy), and, of course, great food and watching sunsets from the porch or around the bonfire. Paul even took up a role helping to care for the goats (Calvin and Hobbs) and the guinea hens, going so far as to send Cindy photos, many often set on the front porch with the goats seated comfortably in the Adirondack chairs.
Having learned the art of maple syrup production from his father and his younger brother, Matt, Paul tapped many sugar maples on the Barton property. As his production (and knowledge) grew, he enjoyed giving syrup away to family, friends and neighbors. All of his accomplishments with the “farm” that seemed like hard work to others were always fun to Paul and were a source of great pride.
In 2020, Paul and Cindy purchased two acres on Little Averill Lake in Averill, Vt., where they started clearing the land and making plans for a small summer camp. In January 2021, as the result of routine lab work, Paul was diagnosed with liver cancer. Having never been sick, Paul was positive they had the wrong patient! Just over a year and many doctor’s visits later, on March 8, 2022, at 9 p.m., Paul walked into the operating room at Lahey Hospital and received the gift of a liver transplant.
After the transplant, Paul and Cindy sold their dream home/farm in Barton and moved to Fremont, N.H., to be closer to medical care for Paul. Paul utilized each “good day” post-transplant to design and initiate the construction of a cabin at Little Averill. From summer 2023 to July 2026, Paul and Cindy spent the summer and fall months at their camp. Paul was able to realize this last dream despite his deteriorating health. The lake was his place of true happiness.
To know Paul was to love and respect him. Paul was continually inspired by the beauty of his surroundings and all the people in his life along the way. He was easily recognized by the yellow-lined 8-by-10 pad he carried and the lists he made. There was always “just one more thing” to finish on his list, and this was true to his very last days. Paul lived a wonderful life and was, in every sense, one of the “good ones.” He leaves us all with the gift of the wonderful memories we will forever hold in our hearts.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Wamsganz; daughter, Marlo Wamsganz; son, Jared Wamsganz, and wife Nicole; Megan Taylor and husband Matt Andrus; Eli Taylor and wife Aimee; grandchildren, Hudson Wamsganz, Jacob Taylor, Dylan Taylor, Elouise Taylor, Gwen Andrus, Phoebe Andrus and Claira Andrus; sister, Jean Foley; brother, Matthew Wamsganz, and wife Karen; sisters-in-law Diane Wamsganz and Claudia Wamsganz; stepsister, Margaret Galloway, and husband Tom; Mary Beth Kreuzinger and husband Scott; stepbrother, Stephen Perry, and 19 nieces and nephews.
A private family gathering will be held in Paul’s honor at a later date. In memory of Paul, spend time outdoors with those you love, then make a list and get things done!