Paul Lewis ‘Moose’ Kerns

Paul Lewis “Moose” Kerns, 79, of Rutland, VT., journeyed peacefully to heaven on August 17, 2012, surrounded by his wife of 51 years, Audrey, daughter Elizabeth Mugrage of Mount Vernon, OH, and sons Stephen Kerns of Newburyport, MA and Brian Kerns of Mendon, VT.

Paul was raised in Troy, Ohio and was an undergraduate of Bowling Green State University and earned his Master’s Degree from Columbia University as foundations for his career in education. Paul taught in Troy, OH and Radburn, NJ and was the Director of Guidance in the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union. Eventually he would culminate his career as principal in several Rutland City Schools. Prior to college, Paul served in the U.S. Armed Forces for three years including Korea.

With a warm and welcoming demeanor, Paul lived a selfless life usually giving and doing more for others than for himself. His life was full of self-sacrificing acts of kindness and often to others. Beyond his professional career Paul was driven to return to his community as a volunteer. Organizations for which Paul served include The United Way, Rutland Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice, The Dismas House, Rutland Recreation and Parks Department, and his church.

Paul embraced numerous sporting activities allowing him to enjoy Vermont’s beauty and splendor. In particular, Paul led his family to a life of enjoying downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, tennis, snowshoeing, fishing, hunting and camping, however the pinnacle of his outdoor loves was that of cycling. Anyone frequenting Creek Road would have a good chance of seeing Paul cycling along his favorite 14-mile stretch of road. Paul truly lived another life when on his bike.

Aside from being a loving husband and devoted caring father, Paul enjoyed his seven grandchildren, Tim Mugrage, Sarah Mugrage, Sam Mugrage, Ben Mugrage, Lindsay Kerns, Ellie Kerns, and Heidi Kerns, and provided his nurturing love to this extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Leota Kerns, and his half-sister Claudia Renner.

Service will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2012, at 1:30 p.m., Grace Congregational United Church of Christ, 8 Court St., Rutland, VT, with the Rev. John C. Weatherhogg, senior minister, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Grace Congregational United Church of Christ, 8 Court St., Rutland, VT 05701; or The Dismas House, 103 Park Avenue, Rutland, VT 05701.

Tossing Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.