ARTHUR L. SHUR, ISLAND FALLS – Arthur L. Shur, 79, passed away July 10, 2017, at his home surrounded by family members. He was born July 24, 1937, in Island Falls, the son of the late Jacob and Violet (Rubin) Shur.
Arthur attended Island Falls schools and graduated high school from MCI, Class of 1955. Following graduation, he attended American University in Washington, D.C., graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Following college, Arthur served as a medic in the National Guard for a number of years. He had success in the retail industry managing and opening up new stores in and outside of the U.S. In 1965, Arthur returned home to Island Falls to work with his father in running the family business, S&R Corp., where he discovered his true passion for agriculture and potato growing. In 1980, with the passing of his father, he took over full operation of the business, and like his father, introduced innovative changes including the promotion of new varieties of high-quality potato seed that were sold nationally.
Arthur’s impact was larger than just his family business. He was on the board of directors for Katahdin Trust Company since 1980, serving as Vice-Chairman from 1995 until his passing. Arthur was also active on the board of directors of the Maine Potato Growers Association, and active locally, serving on the Island Falls school board, and as a selectman for the town. One of Arthur’s proudest moments was the donation of his potato seed research facility to the University of Maine, in memory and honor of his father, Jacob. Arthur was a business, agricultural, and personal mentor to many who knew him. His wit, wisdom, generosity, integrity, and common sense approach to life was admired and respected.
Surviving is his wife of 40 years, Brenda Shur; his son, Steven Shur and fiancée, Kelly Acheson; step-children, Wally Goodwin and wife Gerda, Wayne Goodwin, and Wendy Hayes and husband Bob; grandchildren, Crystal Porter and husband Jeremy, Erica Moulton and husband David, Ashley Hayes, and Skyler Hayes; great-grandchildren, Rian, Wade Arthur, and Sean; sisters, Harriet Swankin, and Rhoda Shur and significant other, Ollie Morin; special niece, Sheryl Swankin and husband Steven; and his beloved Sasha.
Funeral services were held 3 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the Jewish Funeral Chapel, 118 Center Street, Bangor. Interment was in Beth Israel Cemetery, Bangor. Relatives and friends were invited to share in conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor, immediately following the service. Those who wish to remember Arthur in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Lafayette Family Cancer Center, c/o EMHS Foundation, PO Box 931, Bangor, ME, 04402-0931. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com
