Dr. Paul C. Dalrymple (1923 – 2020) – Institute friend and long-time Antarctic expert.
PORT CLYDE — Dr. Paul Clement Dalrymple, 96, died peacefully, Friday, April 24, 2020 at the Knox Center for Long Term Care in Rockland.
Born in Rockland, November 21, 1923, he was the son of Charles and Marion Skinner Dalrymple. Paul attended and graduated from Worcester Classical High School in 1941. Following graduation, he attended Worcester Academy for one year and then Clark University in Worcester before enlisting in the U.S. Army.
Serving during World War II, Paul saw action in several battles in the European Theater and was taken prisoner at the Battle of The Bulge. He spent nearly a year in a German POW Camp before being liberated by Allied
forces. He was honorably discharged in January 1946 and received The Silver Star for his service.
Returning to the States, Paul resumed his studies at Clark University, graduating with an AB in 1947. He went on to get a Masters Degree from Syracuse University in 1952 and finally his PhD in Geography from Boston
University in 1964. For many years he served as a Geographer and Meteorologist with the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps and Corp of Engineers, retiring in 1986.
During his long career, Paul was involved in research projects in many countries around the world. In 1957, Paul jumped at the opportunity to work in Antarctica for the International Geophysical Year in Little America, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He returned again in 1958 to continue his research and he was honored for his efforts by having a mountain named after him, Mount Dalrymple, in the Sentinel Range in West Antarctica.
Upon retirement, Paul returned to his home on Marshall’s Point in Port Clyde. He maintained his lifelong interest in Antarctica serving as a guest lecturer on more than 25 Antarctic cruises in the 1990’s, he served as editor for the Antarctica Society for over 35 years, publishing their regular newsletters as well as hosting summer get-togethers at his Port Clyde home. He loved all sports, especially baseball, and continued to follow every move of his beloved Detroit Tigers.
Predeceased by his companion, Grace Machemer, in October of last year; Paul is survived by his daughters, Ann Ackerson of Hamilton, New York, Nancy Keith and her husband Donald of Providence, Rhode Island; his nephews and their families, Bruce Dalrymple of Redondo Beach, California, Jeffrey Dalrymple of Surry, Maine and Scott Dalrymple of Brunswick, Maine; five grandchildren, Sarah Ackerson, Lynn Ackerson, Elizabeth Keith, Richard Keith, and Maggie Keith; and his brother, Dr. Eugene Dalrymple of Port Clyde and Florida.
At Dr. Dalrymple’s request he will be laid to rest privately in his beloved Port Clyde.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Paul’s memory be made to The Antarctican Society, ℅ Thomas Henderson, 35 Cherry Street #701, Burlington, VT 05401.
To share a memory or condolence with Dr. Dalrymple’s family, visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.