Nelson T. Offutt Jr.

Nelson Thomasson Offutt Jr. (Chip) passed away on August 5, at age 87. A native of Baltimore, Chip graduated from Gilman School (1957) and attended the University of Virginia before starting work at the Swope Offutt Kamptman and Pitts, Inc., an independent property and casualty insurance agency. He worked there for over 40 years, attaining his CPCU designation (considered equivalent to a master's degree) and eventually became the company's president and chairman. At the agency he was known as a role model, mentor and friend to his employees. He was an astute businessman and highly regarded within the professional group of the Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland.

Throughout his life, Chip was an avid outdoors man, his passions being both game hunting and fly fishing all over the world. He climbed some of the highest mountains, swam a great variety of waters and lounged on everything from grass to sand to sofas to put his feet up and read a good book. After a hunting trip to British Columbia, he donated a record setting moose head to the Maryland Club where it is displayed over the main fireplace. He was also a member of the Elkridge Club for over 47 years where he enjoyed playing golf. Chip was a man of integrity, honesty, intelligence, and a willingness to listen and learn from others.

Chip is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Karen Jerome, and his two favorite dogs Doolie and Dixie; his four sons David, Tommy, Jeb and Danny with former, deceased wife and artist Carol King; daughters-in-law Jean, Jennifer, Flavia and Kim; and his brother Charlie and two sisters Ann Biggs and Barty Carr. He also had seven grandchildren Anastasia, Carolina, Eamonn, Lauren, Matt and Stefan Offutt, Carey Marie Shor; two step-grandchildren Asher and Cate Weidler; and two great-grandchildren Mila Shor and Logan Offutt. He was preceded in death by his parents Nelson Thomasson Offutt Sr. and Agnes DeBarth Edelen.

A celebration for a life well lived will be held on Sunday, September 14th from 1-5pm, for family and friends at his Baltimore County home. Memorial gifts can be sent in his name to the Phoenix Wildlife Center, Inc., P.O. Box 424, Phoenix, MD 21131, 410-628-9736.