Arthur Balcom

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