Paul F. Kempe

Paul F. Kempe, Jr., formerly of Jamestown, RI, a devoted father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to family and community.

Born to Paul and Cecelia (Ducharme) Kempe on February 13, 1942, Paul grew up in Rhode Island and carried with him a deep appreciation for hard work and the simple joys of life. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bonnie Ann (Pitts) Kempe, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they built a home in Jamestown that was not just a place, but a sanctuary—where family, friends, and even strangers found warmth and welcome.

Paul leaves behind his three cherished daughters: Gwynne (Wendy) and her husband Dana Millar, Julie and her husband Barry Westall, and Amy Kempe. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Cameron Millar, Jack Westall, and Casey Westall, whose lives were forever enriched by his love, wisdom, and humor. He is also survived by countless friends and extended family who were touched by his generosity and kindness. He was predeceased by his brother, Elliott Kempe.

A man of many talents and passions, Paul was an early riser, a hard worker, and an eternal optimist. His professional life included years as a milkman—a fact that amused his children, who often joked about being “the milkman’s kids”—before finding his true calling at Blue Seal Feeds, where he became a mentor to many. His love for animals, especially goats, led to the unexpected creation of one of the most successful dairy goat farms in the country, all because of a simple plan to clear the backyard.

His expertise and passion for dairy goats took him across the country, where he served as a judge at county and state dairy goat competitions. Whether assessing the finest breeds or offering gentle encouragement, he was always the man with a kind word for a nervous child showing their goat for the first time.

Paul believed in doing things the right way, or not at all. He instilled this philosophy in his daughters, teaching them how to fish, slide into second base, play card games, and work hard—all while making them laugh. He had affectionate nicknames for each of them: Amy was Peach Pits, Julie was Pumpkin, and Wendy—lovingly called Scarecrow—was always at the receiving end of his teasing.

Paul was a man who welcomed others as family, especially Jen Weeden, who arrived at the farm drawn by a love of goats but soon became like a daughter to Bonnie and Paul. Their bond was so strong that Paul proudly walked her down the aisle at her wedding to marry her beloved Jason Black; a second dad and grandfather to their children Hayden and Seamus, in every way that mattered.

Later in life, after he and Bonnie moved to West Virginia, they found a new passion for thoroughbred horse racing. While they never quite made it to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs, they became a formidable team at the Charles Town Races, proving once again that when Paul set his mind to something, he pursued it with dedication, skill, and heart; a testament to his lifelong belief that if you're going to do something, give it your all and do it to the very best of your ability.

An avid sports fan, Paul’s office walls boasted a Wayne Cashman poster, and he had an enduring admiration for Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice and John Elway (the Patriots weren’t much to root for back then). His music tastes were mostly country, but for an entire year, every morning as he got ready for the day, Blondie’s The Tide Is High echoed through the house.

Paul had a mischievous side, especially when it came to his daughters' boyfriends, who had to endure a living-room interrogation conducted by Paul and his best friend, Fred. He had a big heart, too, one that led him and Bonnie to open their home as foster parents to hundreds of children in need, providing them with a safe place in their most vulnerable moments.

Above all else, Paul was a family man. He loved his wife, his daughters, and his grandchildren fiercely. His life was built on love, laughter, and an endless supply of five-gallon buckets of tomatoes left on unsuspecting neighbors' doorsteps. He taught those around him the value of hard work, the importance of kindness, and how to appreciate the little things in life.

Paul’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the lessons he imparted, and the deep love he shared. He will be dearly missed, but his spirit will forever be felt in the laughter of his family, the warmth of his home, and the memories of those who were lucky enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 N Main St, Providence, RI 02904.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 10 AM in St. Mark Church, 60 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI. Burial will be private.