OWLS HEAD — Oliver Harrison Curtis, 91, passed away peacefully Friday, February 11, 2022, at the Knox Center for Long Term Care in Rockland.

Born in Owls Head, September 1, 1930, Oliver was the son of Elmer Dyer Curtis and Kate Heard Curtis. He was raised in Ash Point and attended the Ash Point school and then Rockland schools.

On September 21, 1952, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Knowlton…“Betty.” They shared 68 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised three children and welcomed six beautiful grandchildren and one great granddaughter into their Owls Head home that he built by his own hand.

Oliver proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was a Korean War Veteran.

He spent his working years first as a Mason then later as a Clerk of the Works. His attention to detail, broad knowledge of the construction industry and integrity made this position a great fit for him. He traveled throughout the state working on many projects such as the Bowdoin College field house, renovations to the Rockland Public Library, the construction of the middle school in Rockland, and many other schools and public safety buildings.

Oliver was active in the community, serving as a Knox County Deputy Sheriff and was a member of the Owls Head Volunteer Fire Dept. He was one of the hosts during the annual Cerebral Palsy Telethon that was broadcasted on Channel 7 for many years. He looked forward to seeing the children and was honored to support the cause.

Music was part of who he was, he enjoyed singing in barbershop quartets and directing a woman’s chorus, Harborside Harmony that performed locally. He was part of the Camden Civic Theater and played Blackbeard for many years in the Rockland Lobster Festival.
 
He gave daily weather updates to Steve McKay at WLBZ (Channel 2 & 6) and became known as “Ollie from Owls Head.” For many years in the Spring, you could read about him in the Courier-Gazette (“Black Cat” column) for being the first in the area to dig dandelion greens. Oliver had many hobbies as well including gardening, woodworking, making children’s toys, and creating stained glass pieces. He also took an interest in raising Monarch butterflies and created a documentary style video about their life cycle that he shared with elementary schools in the area.

Oliver was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by many. He is survived by his sons Stephen J. Curtis of Lisbon, Paul H. Curtis of Owls Head and his daughter, Cynthia E. Malavé and her husband Troy of Rockland; grandchildren Bea H. Curtis of Portland, Molly E. Curtis of Roanoke, Virginia, Emma L. Hogan of Portland, Chelsea R. Brewer of Orono, Allison R. Hawksley of Clifton, Cody M. Malavé of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Gracen B.L. Malavé of Greenbush, Bradey S. Malavé of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and one great granddaughter, Ryleigh R. Bretton of Portland. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Brenda and Greg Kaler; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Curtis, and his grandson Samuel E. Curtis. 

A graveside service for Oliver and Betty will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 11 a.m., at Village Cemetery, Dublin Road, South Thomaston. A reception will follow. 

To share a memory or story with Oliver’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assn., Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Rt. One, Suite C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.