Saturday, April 12, 2025 5:02 am

ROCHESTER - Paul W. Gowen, born on May 13, 1937, in Rochester, died on April 9, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 88.

Paul was the son of George and Rachel (Houle) Gowen.

At the age of 17, Paul began his lifelong commitment to public service by joining the Army, where he served as a Military Police officer for nine years. He later continued his military involvement as a Sergeant First Class in the Army Reserves.

Paul dedicated much of his life to law enforcement. He started his career with the Rochester Police Department as a Patrolman, later becoming a Sergeant during his 11 years there. He then joined the Durham Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from Lieutenant to Chief of Police, serving the department faithfully for 21 years. Throughout his career, Paul was an active member of the law enforcement community. He served as president of the Rochester Police Association and the Strafford County Police Association in the 1960s. In the late 1970s, he joined the Executive Board of the NH Police Association. He was also the coordinator for the NH Chief of Police Torch Run for the Special Olympics during the 1980s.

Paul was a graduate of St. Anselm College (1976) and the FBI National Academy (1982). He held various leadership roles within the NH Chiefs of Police Association, including Sergeant of Arms, First Vice President, and President during the 1990s. He was also honored as a member of the New England Associations of Chiefs of Police.

After retiring in 1995, Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and took up golfing. He became an avid golfer and was a member of the Nippo Lake Golf Club in Barrington.

Paul is survived by his son Thomas Gowen and his wife Sheila of Marathon, FL; daughters Cynthia Laplume and her husband Dana, and Christine Wilkins and her husband Dennis, all of Rochester, NH; his son-in-law William Guilmette of Somersworth, NH; his sister Betty Wood of Rochester, NH; and his brother James Gowen of Dover, NH. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren--Matt, Andrea, Crystal, Josh, Doug, Justin, Jake, Whitley, Shayla, and Corey--and 10 great-grandchildren--Maddyn, Madilyn, Beckett, Maxton, Mason, Daniel, Maddox, Beau, Brynnley, and Macie. He is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, and his devoted companion Jeannine Ruel of Gonic, NH.

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sara (Record) Gowen; his daughter Catherine Guilmette; and his siblings Jean, Joyce, and Gerald, along with several in-laws.