1930 – 2015

NORWAY — William “Babe” B. Curtis Sr., 84, of Norway died Wednesday, Sept. 30, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Salisbury, Conn., on Oct. 23, 1930, the son of William and Lottie Goodwin Curtis. He moved to Maine with his mother and brother and attended school in Auburn. He worked road construction in his late teens before joining the U.S. Navy in 1950. He served on the aircraft carrier, USS Tarawa. Bill worked in Fairfield for AC Electric Corp. for five years and then he started his own business, Curtis Electric Motor Sales and Service in Poland, moved it to Norway and ended in Oxford. He added snowmobiles and minibikes over the 40 years of business before he retired and Bill Jr. took over.

Bill was a hard worker, even after retirement. He drove for Community Concepts and later for Lee Auto dealership. His favorite job after retiring was working at the Fairview camping area at Fryeburg Fair.

In the early 1960s, Bill was part of the pit crew for Calvin Hunter at Oxford Plains Speedway and coached Little League baseball. He belonged to several candlepin bowling leagues over the years, including the Maine Pro Tour and the World Tour, and appeared on the candlepin TV show several times. He still holds the record for a single string at Saco Valley Lanes.

Bill was a member of the Paris Hill Country Club for over 40 years, where he served as president for two years and director. He was the men’s club champion five times. He was a member of Tyrian Lodge No. 73 AF & AM in Mechanic Falls and was past president of the Oxford County Shrine. Bill and his wife spent 11 winters in Florida.

Bill had a large network of close friends, near and far. He had a beautiful smile that he showed often. Everybody loved his laugh and jokes. His brother, Bill, said, “He accomplished more in his lifetime than anyone I know.”

He is survived by his wife, Jan of Norway; children, Billy and wife, Dori, and Cathy and husband, Lance Lashin, all of Otisfield, and John of Norway; grandchildren, Jason Lashin and wife, Jennifer, Ryan Lashin and companion, Becky Riding, Zachery Curtis and wife, Jessica, Kersten Curtis, Brittnie Nelson and Tyler Curtis; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill of Pleasant Valley, N.Y., and Walter and wife, Donna, of Longmont, Colo.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Myrtle Pulsifer; and brother, Walter.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.

Copy the Story Link