OTISFIELD – Tom Nurmi, 55, of Otisfield, passed away peacefully late Saturday, Aug. 23, after a brief but brave battle with primary liver cancer. He spent his last moments with his wife, daughters and their boyfriends, comforted by the loving thoughts of his friends and family.

He was born in Lewiston, on Oct. 19, 1952, the son of Oiva and Ina (Hirst) Nurmi. He resided in South Paris in his youth and spent his adult life in Otisfield on the family land. Educated in the local area, he graduated from Oxford Hills High School in 1974, and from the University of Maine at Orono in 1975. He was a big fan of the Maine Black Bears football, basketball and hockey teams. Go Blue! He was also proud that his daughters attended Orono and enjoyed visiting them at his alma mater.

He spent most of his professional life as a contractor sales coordinator and manager in the area retail lumber and building supply companies. His many customers appreciated his excellent customer service skills and his accurate estimates of lumber and building supplies, ranging from simple projects to huge elaborate homes and condominiums. Many of his customers became his friends, even after the projects were completed. He was respected and well liked by both his peers and competitors.

A firm believer in stewardship to his community, he was a planning board member and a selectman for the town of Otisfield for many years, until his health prevented him from running for another term. He always tried to put the best interest of the town and community ahead of his personal thoughts and opinions and was instrumental in bringing about many good and progressive changes to the town.

He also believed in mentoring area youth and while his children were growing up, he coached their softball teams, refereed their basketball teams and umpired for little league. He always supported youth athletics and would volunteer to drive and host for many AAU teams.

An avid sportsman, he loved the outdoors, camping with his family, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling were favorite pastimes. He also looked forward to the annual “ice fishing” trips up north with long-time friends and always had a funny story to tell about their adventures. He also loved music – he was a Parrot Head and loved to go to the annual Blues Festival. He was happiest when he was with his friends and family and for many years hosted an annual summer party at his home, which also made for many fond, funny and sometimes irreverent memories.

He is survived by his mom and dad, Ina and Oiva Nurmi of Otisfield, whom he always loved and admired; his loving wife and best friend, Marilee; adoring twin daughters, Heather and Hillary of Otisfield; a special sister-in-law, Jolene; a sister, Linda; a great many nieces and nephews; as well as the “sons,” Andrew and Bryan, who were there for him and his daughters.

He was predeceased by his big brother, Jim. His many pets will miss him, including Sam and Jasper, Bonkers, Peanut, Sadie and young Roxy. They made his little family complete. All his friends (you know who you are!) made his life happy and he laughed a lot. Many thanks to everyone.

The family would like to thank all the providers and staff that took such great care of him.