Dean Curtis

Dr. Farrell Dean Curtis was born in Tekoa, Washington on June 14, 1923. At the age of 6, his father was transferred to Portland, Oregon to work as the chief store keeper for the Union Pacific railroad. Dean, along with his three siblings Gayle, Jerry and Maxine attended Peninsula Grade School, and Roosevelt High School in Portland. During his years at Roosevelt he lettered in football and track, and served as class president all four years.

After high school he attended the University of Portland from 1941-1943. World War 2 began, and he joined the United States Naval Reserve. Through their program he completed dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago in 1946 at the age of 23. After graduation he was sent to Point Loma in San Diego, where he was assigned to a sea plane tender The U.S.S. Currituck. This ship traveled to the Antarctic to study and photograph the continent. After this duty he was transferred to a light cruiser, the U.S.S. Fargo for another two years duty in the Mediterranean Sea as the ship’s dentist and assistant to the surgeon. After completing this he was sent back to the states for the remainder of his duty until he was discharged from the Navy.

He set up his dental practice in north Portland where he worked as a dentist for over 50 years, retiring at the age of 74. He also volunteered as a leader for the Kiwanis Boys Club at Roosevelt high for many years, and dedicated hundreds of hours doing free dental work at a dental clinic in Portland.

Soon after he was finished with his naval service, he married the love of his life, Wilma. They were married for 55 years, until Wilma preceded him in death in 2007. Their marriage produced three children Deana Campbell (Paul), Nancy Haning (Scott), and Dan Curtis (Leann), five grandchildren; Tricia, Lindsay, Matthew, Sarah and Parker; and six great grandchildren; Anthony, Olivia, Jackson, Evelyn, Nicolas, Naomi and his canine best friend Bentley.

Dean and Wilma were active members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church for over 40 years. Those who knew him well would tell you he was one of the most selfless people they knew…..always putting others ahead of himself. Though he was a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. He will be sorely missed.

A celebration of his life will be held Monday, May 4th at St. Matthew Lutheran Church at 12 p.m. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Providence Hospice East at 6410 NE Halsey, Portland, OR 97213.