Obituaries: Richard L. ‘Rick’ Curtis

Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, January 26, 2010

MILTON-FREEWATER – Richard L. “Rick” Curtis, 73, died from cancer, Jan. 21, 2010, at home. A memorial service was held Jan. 26, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Milton-Freewater.

Mr. Curtis was born Aug. 3, 1936, in Prairie City, to Ernest M. and Elda (Stewart) Curtis. He grew up in Canyon City, and graduated from Grant Union High School in 1954.

He served four years in the U.S. Air Force. In 1960, he began a career with the U.S. Forest Service on the Burns Ranger District.

In 1963, he and his wife, Elizabeth (Liz) McEntire, were married in Astoria. He was transferred to the Prairie City Ranger District in 1965. In 1969, he transferred to Heppner as district engineer, where he remained until he retired in 1985.

The couple moved to North Bend in 1991, and then to Umatilla County in 2000.

After retiring, he earned his real estate broker’s license, and in 1997, a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Eastern Oregon University. In Heppner, he served on city council, volunteered as an emergency medical technician at Pioneer Memorial Hospital, and earned his private pilot’s license.

He enjoyed creating stained glass artwork and silver jewelry, restoring his 1937 Ford Coupe, and vegetable gardening.

He was an active runner most of his life and enjoyed hiking with his wife. They were also avid travelers, visiting 26 countries. He was a member and treasurer of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Walla Walla Historical Auto Club, and also belonged to the Walla Walla Community College Quest program.

Survivors include his wife, Liz, of Milton-Freewater; sons, Steve (Kim) of Athena and Ken of Tokyo; grandsons, Cody and Travis; and brother, Clayton (Bev) of Prairie City.

He was preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, Gene Curtis.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church or Walla Walla Community Hospice, through Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main, Milton-Freewater, OR, 97862.

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