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Arthur Balcom Obituary

Arthur Balcom, 65
SCARBOROUGH -- Arthur Balcom, Maine Artist, 65, of Portland and Little Sebago Lake (Windham), passed away peacefully on July 21, 2014, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, in Scarborough, from kidney cancer. His wife Paula was by his side, while his friend, Bernie played guitar and sang beautiful songs to him. Artie survived throat cancer 20 years ago, and he always felt extremely grateful to his doctors for the 'gift' of another chance at life. In the face of this second cancer, he demonstrated much strength and courage, every step of his journey.
Arthur grew up in Portland, and graduated from both Deering High School and Westbrook College (now UNE), with an A. S. in Business. He had workshops with Alfred Chadbourne, studied Art History at University of Southern Maine, and was a self-taught artist.
He was a very talented award-winning artist, who worked in watercolor and oils. His paintings have been in numerous Art Shows and have been sold at the Fore Street Gallery in Portland, and throughout the country. He received an audience pick Best of Show (of 350 paintings), at a Portland Art gallery.
In addition to loving riding his Harley motorcycle, Artie had many other passions: music and guitar, golf, tennis, kayaking, fishing, cooking, gardening, archery, photography, reading, movies, volunteering at MMC in Pet Therapy, and working with his Deering H. S. Class of '67 reunion committee; as a younger man, he also loved surfing and running in marathons.
Artie is survived by his wife, Paula (O'Brien) Balcom, who was his childhood sweetheart, and by his beloved mini-dachshund, Tobi. His parents, Arthur and Julia (Frenzilli) Balcom, predecease him; his sister, Barbara Cappuccio, lives in Pompano Beach, Fla. Artie's faithful love for his dogs included fond memories of Scootie, Freddy, and Prince.
It was Artie's wishes to be cremated, and a private 'Celebration Of Life' (and his Artwork) will be held on his birthday, with his close friends.
'I learned to see beauty in light, values and color at the age of three, to offset things in my life that weren't beautiful. Learning to paint years later in adulthood, I incorporate that first sense of beauty that resonates somewhere in my subconscious. I feel that paintings completed can be a wonderful escape and I can see myself in my paintings. Rebounding from cancer has heightened my awareness of the different sides of beauty in life.'
Paula and Artie have been extremely grateful to friends, medical personnel, and the Gosnell House for their extraordinary caring and kindness, during Artie's illness.
In lieu of flowers, please consider
a donation to:
Animal Refuge League
449 Stroudwater St.
Westbrook, Maine 04092
Arthur Balcom

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Oct. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Carol Penta

October 21, 2014

My thoughts have been with you for weeks,Artie was such an awesome man,having known you both since childhood,and watching how you both have always been there to help,for example ,the DHS 67 reunions,he was a good man and you will be in my prayers for a very long time,the world needs more special men like Artie. God Bless You Carol O'Donnell Penta

Marion Crotty

October 12, 2014

Paula,
So sorry to hear of Artie's illness and passing. May your memories bring comfort to you. Love and prayers, Marion (Berg) Crotty

October 9, 2014

Tracy and I just heard today! You are in our prayers, Paula. Love in Christ. MJ and Tracy Curtis

Marjorie Stone

October 7, 2014

I have such fond memories of Arthur and Scootie -- I'm sure you will remember the two of them visited my mother Ruth Stone for years (?) when she was in the hospital and then almost every week when she was able to come home. She loved their visits. Arthur was such a kind and giving man. I am so sorry to read of his death.

Ruby Simkoff

October 7, 2014

Paula,
I remember Arthur and Scootie fondly from Pet Therapy at MMC. They were quite a pair.Arthur was a real prince. Thanks for hosting the Pet Therapy gatherings at your camp. I have a trophy from there. I am sorry for your loss.

Ronnie Boxstein Riceberg

October 6, 2014

Paula, I am so saddened by your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Karen Zaimes Atkinson

October 5, 2014

Paula,
We were so sorry to read of the passing of your husband, Arthur. Ellen and Zack both asked to extend their condolences also. You are in our thoughts.

Pattie Brooks

October 5, 2014

Paula, my sincere condolences on the loss of Artie. I remember seeing you both at the 67 DHS reunions. I didn't know him very well, but he certainly lived a wonderful and full life. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Pattie Rowe Brooks
Addison, Maine
Naples, Florida

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