Harlow Burns Currier

Harlow B. Currier, 87, well known resident and supporter of school athletics, died Saturday, October 16, 2004 at Goodall Hospital. He was born in Thornton, NH, May 3, 1917, a son of George B. and Gladys P. (Downing) Currier and attended local schools in Thornton before his family moved to Sanford. He was a varsity baseball and football player, one who started in each game played during the 9 years within the school system. Harlow was Class president and graduated from Sanford High School in 1935. He attended Hebron Academy for one year before attending American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts.Mr. Currier served during World War II in the U.S. Army Infantry, receiving the rank of First Sergeant upon his honorable discharge. He worked at the Goodall Sanford Mill until their closing and began working for the State of Maine as an employment counselor, retiring as Superviso of the Vocational/Rehabilitation program. Mr. Currier was devoted to his family and the community. He served on different civic committees in town and had an open door policy for teenagers at his home. As his daughter shared, " Dad had a heart as big as the house." A giver by nature, He cared about people. He was non-judgmental and would encourage each person to strive to be the best they could be. In doing so, he cultivated programs to help along their journey.He was an avid flower gardener, always eager to receive his seed catalogs. He was a member of the Southern Maine Retirees with the Maine State Employee Association. In his younger years, Harlow served as a Town meeting member when the transfer station was in its formative years. Survivors include his wife, Louise Currier whom he married February 19, 1990 of Springvale, ME; His daughter, Thea C. Beattie of Orrs Island, ME; one grandson, Craig B. Beattie of Chicago, Ill; and one granddaughter, Heather T. Dewitt and husband, Willard and great grandson, Colin all of Newington, CT. A stepson, Michael Gibbs and wife Donna of Portland and step granddaughter Sarah Gibbs of Mississippi; stepdaughter, Linda Gibbs of Scarborough, ME; Stepdaughter, Gail Jordan and husband, David and step grandson, Christopher Jordan of Hudson, Wisconsin; and step granddaughter, Bethany Hanley and husband James and step granddaughters, Evelyn and Claire Hanley all of Cumberland, ME.Mr. Currier was predeceased by his first wife, Althea (Hunnewell) Currier following 47 years of marriage in 1989.A Graveside Service will be held at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Thornton, NH on Wednesday, Oct. 20th. At 2:00 pm.There will be no calling hours.True to Mr. Currier's giving nature, memorial donations may be made to the Sanford High School, 52 Sanford High School Blvd., Sanford, ME 04073 for the athletic programs or to the Homeless Shelter, 132 Shaker Hill Road, Alfred, ME 04002.Special thanks from the family for the care and compassion showed during Mr. Currier's time at Goodall Hospital and Dr. William Chernin.