Harris L. Curtis

Mr. Curtis was born in Portland on May 19, 1934, the son of Dr. Harry L. and Alice E. (Hansen)

Curtis. He attended Portland schools, and graduated from Portland High School with the class of 1952. He graduated from Bowdoin College with the class of 1956, where he was a member of Chi Psi Fraternity. He then served in the U.S. Army.

Upon discharge from the Army in 1958, he began a distinguished career as a research chemist at the Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is credited with patents relating to the development of the company's color film. After residing in Needham, Massachusetts for many years, and 27 years at Polaroid, he and his wife returned to Maine. For a number of years, he was employed at the Federal Court House and U.S. Custom House.

He had fond memories of summers spent on his grandparents' farm in Aroostook County. As a boy, he rode his bike as he delivered the Portland paper accompanied by Red, his cocker spaniel. He was an active member of Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine (SWOAM); and took great pride in maintaining his woodlot. When his children were old enough, the family went on many camping vacations. He loved animals, especially cats and wild birds. He was devoted to his widowed mother, and cared for her Until her death.

He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Dorothy Salim, of Webster, New York.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Madeleine (Lucas), a daughter, Betsy Gamrat and her husband, Mark, of Hudson, NH; a son Harry L. Curtis, and wife, Kimberly, of Reading, MA. Surviving grandchildren are Amber and Gretchen Gamrat, and Kathryn and Harris "Sam" Curtis. Also surviving are a sister, Ruth C. Joy of Needham, MA, brother-in-law Mitchell Salim of Webster, NY, and several nieces and nephews.

He was the special nephew of Mrs. Elizabeth C. White of Topsham.

The family extends thanks to the staff at St.Joseph's Rehabilitation and Residence for their outstanding care and compassion.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Sunday December 1, 2013 from 5 to 8 P.M. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 11:00 A.M. on Monday December 2, 2013 with Father Robert Regan as Celebrant. Interment will immediately follow at Forest City Cemetery. A Reception will follow and all information will be provided at the funeral service. Donations in Memory can be given to the Maine Parkinson Society Attn. Morgan Knox 359 Perry Road Bangor, ME 04401, MDA 39 Mechanic St. Westbrook, ME 04092, or the Salvation Army 297 Cumberland Ave. Portland, ME 04101. On-Line condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.