RUMFORD – Eddie Ray Shurtleff, 78, of Rumford passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 19, 2023 while headed to do what he enjoyed most, play poker.

Eddie was born in Livermore to Edmund T. Jr. and Alma (Corey) Shurtleff on Feb. 7, 1945. He attended local schools. He married Gayle (Lloyd) and together they raised their family of two boys.

Eddie was a busy person always wanting to have something to do so he volunteered to teach mathematics in the Rumford School System and also worked at the Rumford Paper Mill. Ed loved his community, state and country serving as a town of Rumford selectman for many years, running for the United States Senate, and was the leader of many years of fireworks in the town of Rumford.

He was a family man, exceptional husband, honest man, and a great friend, although he did have a streak of grumpiness within him that sometimes peeked out. He would attend his grandkids events whenever he could.

Eddie had a few pastimes himself playing men’s softball, bowling, pool but nothing could be playing poker which he was very good at, took pride in, and knew how to win. He began his poker career at the age of 17 before he got out of high school and it was known that he loved taking your money.

When he could get outside he loved to fish and hunt until his ice fishing incident which squashed his fishing aspirations. He was a collector of baseball paraphernalia and could often be found sleeping in his recliner taking his cat naps that ended up keeping him awake at night.

He is survived by his wife Gayle; his sons Shawn Shurtleff of Lewiston and Aaron Shurtleff and his wife Jennifer Wolny of Maryland; a brother, Willard Shurtleff of Rumford and sister, Brenda Shurtleff of California; two grandchildren, Kerianne Shurtleff and Cameron and his wife Alanna Fellows-Shurtleff; as well as many nieces, nephews; cousins; and many friends.

The family invites you to a time of visitation on Friday Oct. 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Thibault Remembrance Center, 250 Penobscot St. Rumford.

You may offer your condolences of share your memories of Eddie at http://www.thibaultremebrancecenter.com