Blanchard - Paul W. Vainio, 83, passed away November 7, 2022, at his home in Blanchard with his family by his side. He was born February 15, 1939, in Sangerville, the son of Laurie H. and Madeline Pearl (Sinclair) Vainio of Abbot. He has been a hard worker since his youth; helping his father on the farm and in the woods in Abbot. This work ethic stayed with him though his life. He worked for Maine Central Railroad for many years, where he served as a foreman, retiring in 1992. He completely restored his home in Blanchard with barns and built other camps on the Piscataquis River. He married the love of his life, Louise, August 31, 1996. They enjoyed 26 years together. They enjoyed working on the gardens and many other projects. They loved doing things together such as going to the Finn dances and working on the bean hole dinner. He loved going to Bingham to watch the Cavaliers when they were on their winning streak of 6 gold balls. Paul loved baseball and basketball. He was proud of the Monson Slaters and had many yearbooks of their history. He had a love of horses from using his horse, Prince, in the woods when he was young. He had his own Belgian horses for many years and loved watching horse pulling whenever he could. He loved the history of the Civil War and was thrilled when he was invited to go to Pennsylvania by his friend Dave and visited Gettysburg. He loved the Town of Blanchard and all of its beauty and history. He was active in the Blanchard Preservation Society where he helped work to restore the Town Hall. He worked on many benefits which helped to finance the improvements. He was an active member of the Finnish Farmers Club and enjoyed the music and dances. After retiring he had a little business of restoring antique stoves. He became well known for his work. In his “spare time” he would restore John Deere tractors back to their original state. He is survived by his wife, Louise Vainio; his son, Steven Vainio and his wife, Shirleen; daughter, Jennifer Vainio; granddaughters, Chastity Vainio and her partner, Kyle Nightingale, Hannah Vainio, and Rebecca Caron; step-daughters, Tracy Haynes and husband, Keith, and Shelly Chambers and partner, Mike Tuttle; step grandchildren, Summer, Tajia, Isaiah, Olivia, and Gaven; great-grandchildren, Colbie, Aria, and Lane; and special sister-in-law, Jeanine and husband, Robert LeBlanc. Paul came from a family of eleven and is survived by seven siblings: brothers, Laurie Lee Vainio and wife, Simone, Galen Vainio and wife, Donna, and Bobby Vainio and wife, Cindy; sisters, Lillian and husband, Arthur Fundeklian, Rita Reckards, Linda and husband, Donald Champion, and Joline Wilson; many nieces and nephews; and special cousin, Eric Vainio. He was predeceased by parents, Laurie and Madeline Vainio; daughters, Julie Vainio, and Tami Perry; brother, Carl Vainio; and sisters, Cathy Storer and Trudy Vainio. The family offers special thanks to Beacon Hospice and Living Faith Baptist Church of New Vineyard. Paul was loved by many people and will be greatly missed by his friends and family. There will be a service 11AM Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the Abbot Evangelical Free Church, with a celebration of life to follow. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.