Edward Paul Morissette, 83, of El Dorado Hills, California, died June 29, 2015, at Mercy Folsom Hospital after an extended bout with Alzheimer’s disease. Although he was slowed down over the last 10 years, Paul never lost his positive attitude and kind nature.

He was born on Jan. 29, 1932, in Keene, New Hampshire, the son of Edward and Mary Morissette. Paul's loving spirit, generosity, and infectious laugh will be greatly missed by family members and friends. Paul is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ellen; his sister, Ann Williams; his daughters, Roxanne Morissette (Bill), Wendy Chadwick (Phil), Mikell Morissette, and Tara Morissette (Brian). He also served as an incredible role model, mentor and father figure to stepsons, Mike Winn (Karen), Tom Winn, John Winn (Vicki), and Pete Winn (Susie), as well as his other relatives, including his 12 adoring grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

After graduation from Keene High, Paul joined the U.S. Army Special Forces in 1952. Once his military service as a paratrooper was completed, Paul worked for the New Haven Railroad. His passion for cooking was fulfilled when he graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. In 1957 he opened The Country Kitchen, which became one of Vermont’s most cherished restaurants, popular with locals and tourists alike. Living in Brattleboro with his first wife, Elsa, Paul raised four wonderful daughters while managing the growing business.

Paul first met Ellen at Keene High, and the two were reintroduced in 1978. They looked around New England and decided to settle in Boothbay. First opening the Kenniston Hill Inn in 1983, they expanded their modest bed and breakfast empire to include the carefully renovated Five Gables Inn in East Boothbay by 1987.

Paul’s time as an innkeeper in coastal Maine was a beautiful period, entertaining family and friends while busy with the cooking and home repairs for dozens of guests every day. Winters were spent in Sacramento, with the innkeeping couple returning to Maine each spring to reopen the business. Paul’s breakfast cuisine was renowned throughout New England; a cookbook of their B&B recipes still graces many kitchen libraries. Paul and Ellen eventually settled year-round in Folsom, California, but continued to travel throughout the world.

In retirement, Paul was a loving and devoted grandfather, attending countless baseball, soccer, wrestling, and lacrosse games. He was the family’s top chef, teaching those fine arts to anyone who dared enter his kitchen domain. He gently taught his grandchildren how to ride bikes, bake, give a proper handshake, play cribbage, and so much more. Paul enjoyed the company of a large and extended group: friends from the St. John’s Church Mister & Misses Club, his Four Seasons neighbors, his Special Forces buddies, and all of the acquaintances that he met throughout his active life in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and California.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Folsom, California.