J. Paul "Tippy" Curtis Obituary (1937 - 2012)

GUILFORD - J. Paul "Tippy" Curtis, age 75, died peacefully at home on July 29, 2012. He was born in Guilford on April 18, 1937, the son of Henry and Stella (Pinette) Curtis and continued to be a proud, active, and committed lifelong resident of this town and it's people, who he loved dearly. As a child, he enjoyed playing with cousins, neighborhood kids and aunts and uncles on the Pinette farm in Parkman. He excitedly participated in adolescent mischief: shooting rats at the dump, inflating and splatting frogs against the barn, and masterminding pranks in the neighborhood. Since childhood, he has had a knack for off-handed and dry-witted comments quickly followed by his innocent, playful smirk. He graduated from PCHS in 1955 and from Husson College in 1960. Paul served in the US Army in the early 60's in the Panama Canal Zone, and then returned to make his home in Guilford, working for French and Curtis Oil Company. Following that position, he worked for Guilford Industries for several years as a weave room night supervisor and quality controller. Paul began his career in banking in 1968 as a teller at Guilford Trust Company, then was promoted to the position of Vice President of Key Bank for over 25 years. In1999, he retired from Bangor Savings Bank in Dover-Foxcroft as Regional Commercial Lender. This position allowed him to extend his relationships and support people in their new business endeavors. Paul was very involved in community affairs: his affiliations included Boy Scout Master for Troop #117, Director/Treasurer of the Little Red School House, Director /Treasurer of Piscataquis Country Club, and Past President of Guilford Development Corp. He was a member of the Guilford Budget Committee, the Guilford Fire Department, and the Guilford Kiwanis Club. As a Kiwanian, he enjoyed helping with the Christmas program and the auctions. Additionally, he was recognized for his 60 year membership in the Valley Grange #144. He filled his retirement days with friends and family. In the fall, he spent time splitting wood, and hunting birds and deer with his buddies. In the winter, he participated in Tuesday night poker; ongoing, afternoon cribbage tournaments at Piper Pond; ice fishing on Moosehead Lake; and jigging for smelts at Onawa. In the summer time, he enjoyed weekly golf outings "on the lung card". Paul and Dodie traveled on adventures with close friends. He is survived by his wife, of 47 years, Dolores "Dodie" (Littlefield) Curtis of Guilford; three children, Marc Curtis and his wife, Susan of Bridgewater, MA, Eric Curtis and his significant other, Evelyn Shufelt of Guilford, and Sarah Curtis of Lebanon, NH. He was "Papa" to his grandchildren, Matthew, Zachary, and Gabrielle all of Bridgewater, MA, Kyle Curtis, Briana and Corbin Shufelt all of Guilford; and sister-in-law, Colleen Jones of Skowhegan. Tippy's cremation box was crafted by Dick Hall using cherry wood harvested by Richard Thomas. The cremains will be scattered at his favorite places at a later date. A service to celebrate Tippy's life will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 1:00 PM, at the home of Eric Curtis and Evelyn Shufelt, 14 Golda Court, Guilford. Family and friends are invited to come share food and fellowship in Tippy's memory. Those who wish to remember Tippy in a special way may make a donation to the Valley Grange # 144, c/o Mary Annis, Secretary, 28 Orchard Road, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Guilford.