Karl D. Kraul

SCARBOROUGH — Karl David Kraul (Chip) passed away peacefully on Feb. 13, 2012, with his sister Brenda by his side.

Chip, as he preferred to be called, was born in Portland on Dec. 2, 1963, the son of Karl H. and Sandra Bouthiet. At the age of 14 he was injured in a swimming pool accident that left him a quadriplegic and he spent the rest of his life in a wheel chair. This never stopped Chip and despite his challenges, with a positive attitude and infectious smile he returned to Jack Junior High where they dedicated the 1979 yearbook to him. He then went on to graduate from Falmouth High School and Andover College.

After graduation Chip worked for Unum Insurance for 10 years and lived independently in his own apartment. Chip was frequently asked to assist or mentor people that were newly disabled. This was something that he always accepted with a positive attitude and helped numerous people to positive and productive lives.

Chip liked to party with his friends and in his younger years his van, Vantasia, could be seen at concerts and Old Orchard Beach.

Chip enjoyed many hobbies including playing cards with his special friend Barb Luther, watching the Blue Angels, sports, reading and listening to music. One of Chip’s favorite places was Pine Tree Camp in Rome, Maine. It was here that he made lifelong friendships and remarkable memories. Whether it was playing cribbage, singing (well done) Karaoke, a midnight trek to the athletic field, hanging out with friends, enjoying his favorite beverage or soaking up the sun, causing a little mischief or swimming and boating in North Pond.

Chip’s time at camp was special and well-spent. Chip touched everyone at camp with his humor, his genuineness and kindness. He made everyone feel at ease and always brought a smile to the people he interacted with, earning him the nickname Karl David Kraul (Chip) the Prince of Pine Tree Camp.

His other family of friends was at Seaside Nursing facility where he resided most recently. A lifelong resident of Portland, he would drive his motorized chair all over the city and would stop for barbecues at his sister’s house or cruise the boulevard with friends in tow. He appreciated everyone for who they were and it was evident by the number of friends and visitors that he had.

Karl David Kraul is the last of the Kraul legacy that started with his great-grandfather coming from Curland, Russia. All were named Karl with a different middle initial.

He was predeceased by his father, Karl H.; and his grandparents on both sides. He is survived by his mom and dad, Sandra and Donald Bouthiet of Hollis; sisters, Donna Poole of Naples and Brenda Makela of Portland; six nieces; two nephews; along with many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Chip was fully in charge of his destiny and per his request he enrolled in the Anatomical Donor Program at UNE, were he will continue to help others learn and grow. There will be a celebration of life at a later date when his friends from Pine Tree Camp and Seaside Nursing Facility can be there.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: The Chip Kraul Scholarship Fund, Care of Brenda Makela, 23 Olympia St., Portland, Maine 04103.