Richard W Curtis

The son of Marylou and Orman Curtis, Richard was blessed in a family with sister Barbara, who predeceased him, and brother Jeffrey. Growing up in Easthampton, MA was idyllic with friends, winter and summer activities and sports, Boy Scouts, camping, initiation into work life (picking corn and veggies for a local farmer and delivering a daily paper after school) and travel with the family.

He attended Williston Academy, graduated from Dartmouth College, and completed graduate work at Georgetown before being drafted into the Army in 1969. Choosing to enlist for 3 years for language school, a most fortuitous choice as he continued to use some of the Portuguese in later years teaching English as a second language. Army service followed no straight path, but after stints in NJ, CA, TX, and MD, Richard spent a most enjoyable 13 months in Korea.

On return he moved to CO to accept a position with the Civil Service Commission giving him work access to the 6 mountain states, and later with the National Park Service in Denver- another fortunate move. The work involved travel to the national parks in 6 states to work, evaluate, and enjoy many of the natural and historical wonders of these national parks. Old man soccer became his passion spring and fall.

In Denver he met and in 1974 he married his loved Donna Greenfield, and together they rehabbed an old Denver Square home, explored the great neighborhoods of that vibrant city, visited her relatives and now mine in the Kansas City area, and began a delightful association with Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking every year from Grand Lake on the western side.

Vacation visits to Cape Cod (MA) to visit Barbara and spouse Ellis resulted in a move here in 2002, to a wonderful home in Brewster. We joined First Parish Brewster, a most welcoming UU church, toured Italy (especially) with friends, and loved the beaches and opportunities to get to know and appreciate better Barbara and Ellis.

Health problems forced a move to a senior center, and then to a more supportive facility. Later years dealt with additional health concerns, but these years with Donna have been some of the very best possible.

Quoting an unknow author: “The pain we feel from loss is the last reminder of the gift of a life deeply loved.” Richard’s loss of so many friends and family is deeply felt pain, and he thanks you all for being a part of him.