Robert J. (Bob) Curtis
March 3, 1922-March 19, 2009
Bob was born to Hugh and Leota (Keegan) Curtis at Hay Creek, South Dakota. He is pre-deceased by his siblings Ted, Doris, Ollie (Honey) and Marvin. The family lived in a sod house dugout during the depression years. In the early 30’s they moved to the Sandpoint, ID/Newport, WA area where he worked at various jobs including logging.
Bob joined the Navy and proudly served as an “Aviation Machinists’ Mate” in the Pacific during WWII until his discharge after the war. He married Joyce Milham in June 1945 while stationed at the Sandpoint Naval Air Station in Seattle.
In 1946 Bob and Joyce moved to Bellingham and operated Curtis Trucking and “Y” Welding & Repair, where all of the equipment and the equipment of many other local businesses was maintained and repaired. The shop was located at the “Y” of the Y Road and Mt. Baker Highway. He later started Shuksan Hauling with his business partner of many years, John Pettigrew. Bob was also active in the Washington Trucking Association and served one term as president.
In 1975 the family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where Bob worked as a mechanic for various companies involved with the construction of the Alaska Pipeline. He was also employed by the State of Alaska as a supervisor of road maintenance on the Dalton Highway from the Yukon River to Prudhoe Bay. He loved Alaska and often related stories of his experiences there.
Bob and Joyce moved back to the family farm in the Squalicum Valley in 1985 where they were both active in the Squalicum Valley Water Association and the Rome Grange. He tinkered in his shop with equipment all of his life; a true mechanical autodidact. He continuously encouraged his sons and grandchildren to embrace lifelong learning.
He is survived by his wife Joyce of 63 years; brother Dale Curtis of Elk, WA; sons Doug (Marilyn) Curtis of Tok, AK; Jeff (Becky) Curtis of Bellingham; 6 grandchildren: Stephanie (Nick) Dazer of Portland, OR; Laura Curtis and Dan Khan of Las Cruces, NM; Michelle (Cletus) Pippin of Dallas, TX; Robyn Curtis of Seattle; Jon and Anna Curtis of Bellingham. He also was blessed with 6 cute great grandchildren. He loved his family and was passionately protective of all children.
The family wishes to thank all of the thoughtful, professional caregivers at the Highgate Cottage and Whatcom County Hospice. Donations, if desired may be made to Whatcom County Hospice.
At Bob’s request there will be no service. Please see photos and share stories with us all at: http://robertjcurtis.blogspot.com/
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