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Curtis
Gary Howard Curtis, 71
Gary Howard Curtis, 71, went into the arms of Jesus on Aug. 21, 2017, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after a two-year fight with bladder cancer. He was born Aug. 23, 1945, to Wesley and Roxa Curtis in Edwards, N.Y. He met the love of his life, Janice Kirchner in Bartlesville, Okla., where they were married on June 7, 1969.
Gary always took care of his family. His desire to explore led to many weekend camping excursions, spontaneous road trips and the occasional demolition derby.
Gary’s diverse interests and abilities brought him many career opportunities from operating a printing press to bronzing baby shoes. He would talk proudly about his time debarking logs and operating a tugboat for Potlatch Forestry (Coeur d’Alene) before the Rutledge plant closed. But, he really enjoyed getting behind the wheel of a concrete delivery truck, which took him into many scenic areas and allowed him to meet many great people. He retired from Interstate Concrete and Asphalt on Aug. 26, 2013, spending 22 excellent years mixing it up.
Gary loved God and found ways to connect with others. He dedicated time to various children and music ministries in both the Wesleyan and Nazarene churches, even serving as a senior pastor in several states.
Gary is survived by his wife, Janice of 48 years; son Don (Tiffany) Curtis of Idaho; his brothers, Carl (Nancy) Curtis of Tennessee, Francis Curtis of New York and Roger (Jean) of Massachusetts; his half brother, Brian; his cousin, Carol (Don) Copenhaver; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Wesley, who died at a young age from complications of Multiple Sclerosis; his mother, Roxa and his aunt, Belle (Carl) Van Buren.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, Idaho. He will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery following the service.
A special thank you to our extended family at 2-South (Kootenai Health) and the caring staff at Hospice North Idaho Schneidmiller House (Coeur d’Alene).