Smalling Curtis

Curtis R. Smalling, age 71 of Goodyear, AZ, passed away December 13, 2018, after a sudden illness. Curtis was born on January 24, 1947, in Turlock, CA, to Marion and Mary Jean Smalling. He was raised in the cities of Chino and Upland, CA. He worked as a cabinetmaker for Tessier Cabinets after graduating from Upland High School, and again after he served four years in the Air Force. While in the Air Force he was stationed in Guam as a jet engine mechanic. It was in 1973 that he found the career he would embrace and love for the next 30 years. He joined the Upland Police Department as a reserve officer and after completing the San Bernardino Sheriffs Academy became a sworn officer. He later went to work for Simi Valley, CA Police Department. He enjoyed his assignments in patrol, narcotics, background investigations, and Patrol Sergeant. In 1983 he moved to Issaquah, WA, and for the next 20 years worked for the Renton Police Department. Upon his retirement in 2003, he had attained the rank of Commander. He worked in many divisions and held many titles, but his passion was always for patrol in any capacity as an officer, Sergeant, or Commander.

Curtis is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 37 years, Carla; his daughters Heather Orsos, and Dana Kartchner (Don), son Andrew Smalling; sister Marian Masterson; brother Rob Smalling (Sheila); five grandchildren, Lindsay Colson (Casey), Alex Kartchner, Holly Lackey, Thomas Lackey, Julianna Orsos; niece Crystal Moore; uncle Jerry Smalling (Joan) and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth Smalling.

Curtis was a true patriot who fiercely loved this country and all that it stands for. After serving abroad in the military, he was only interested in discovering the beauty and grandeur of the United States when he traveled. He and Carla took many family vacations and romantic getaways around the country with Hawaii, Washington DC and the Upper Peninsula noted as his favorites.

He actively pursued his love of golf for many years by playing beautiful and challenging courses all over the country. He regularly played the Desert Rats Tournament in Laughlin, NV with his friends and brothers in blue, enjoyed his weekly play with the Rat Pack of PebbleCreek and loved teaching and playing with his grandsons. Other favorite pastimes included swimming in the ocean and camping the beaches of California, fishing, watching John Wayne movies and riding motorcycles. He rode through all 48 continental United States and was most proud of his “Four Corners” trip with his buddy Alan which is one continuous ride beginning at Key West, FL, to Madawaska, ME, to Blaine, WA, and finally to San Ysidro, CA, all in 18 days.

He was a hero to his family. His life experiences gave him the ability to give really good advice and teachable moments. Time spent with his grandchildren was precious to him, whether it was playing board games, video games, going to Disneyland, or just having an ice cream cone together.

Curtis was a man of great faith and loved serving our Lord with his brothers and sisters of Harvest Baptist Church. Everyone who knew him could attest that he really lived life on his own terms. He believed in truth, fairness and keeping your word. Curtis, God be with you ‘til we meet again.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019, at 10:30 AM at the Harvest Baptist Church, 535 N Sarival Avenue, Goodyear, AZ 85338.