In Memory of

Kenneth

Rodney

Curtis

Obituary for Kenneth Rodney Curtis

CURTIS: It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Kenneth "Ken" Rodney Curtis on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre with his family at his side. Left to mourn is his beloved wife Diane, daughters Dana and Alissa. The Ceremony to Celebrate Ken's Life will be held at Central United Church, 327 8th Street, on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood and Rev. Shannon McCarthy will officiate. Interment will follow in the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Ken may be made to Westman Dreams for Kids Unit 202 - 37 11th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4J2 or to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, Suite 301 - 620 Colborne Street, London, Ontario, N6B 3R9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.


CURTIS: On Tuesday, June 19, 2007, Kenneth "Ken" Rodney Curtis, at the age of 55, with his family by his side, passed away after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane and his loving daughters Dana (Shane) Smith and Alissa (Steve) Reid; mother Winelda; brother Dave (Shirley), nephews Doug (Bernie) Bruce, niece Linda (Kevin), nephew Patrick and niece Tracey; brother Harry (Donna) and niece Heather (Jim) and Kathryn (Bruce); brother Ron (Lynne); nephew Cory and niece Jody; sister Ellen (Jim); nephews Michael (Monique) and Danny; mother and father-in-law Scottie & Shirley Leader; sister-in-law Heather (Neville) Beck, nieces Karen (Antony) and Adrienne; brother-in-law Clay Sholdice, nephews Richard and Shane (Kim), as well as special cousins, aunts, and uncles, great nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by his father Ernest; brother Charles, and sister-in-law Cheryl Sholdice. Ken was born in Brandon on April 24, 1952 to Ernie and Winelda Curtis. He graduated from Vincent Massey and then from ACC with a drafting diploma. Ken spent many years in the Militia and was then in the Regular Forces with First Canadian Sig. Regiment in Kingston, Ontario. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Brandon where he and Diane were married in 1974. He worked at Co-op Implements, Behlen Wickes, followed by ten years at Crane Steel Structures. He then owned National Battery/Blue Star Battery for ten years. In 2000, he very proudly opened Ken's Liquidation Station/Furniture Plus for five years. Most recently he worked at Brandon Support Services and Brandon Regional Health Centre. Ken loved playing the accordion, camping, playing cards and golfing. Ken loved to laugh and was happiest when surrounded by his many dear family and friends. As head usher at Central United Church, he loved to greet everyone every Sunday, especially making the children feel welcome. Ken and Diane started country western dancing in 1990 and joined the North 40 Dancers. For seven years they taught dancing at Houston's and made many lasting friendships. When Ken was diagnosed with a brain tumour on March 29 and was subsequently paralyzed following surgery, he never asked "why me" and never gave up. His bravery amazed us all. The Ceremony to Celebrate Ken's Life was held at Central United Church on June 23, 2007 and was officiated by Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood and Rev. Shannon McCarthy. Soloist was Bruce Curtis. Pallbearers were Grant Allen, Hal Crowston, Paul Crane, Glen Earl, Doug Kreller, and Keith Oberhammer. Honorary pallbearers were Barry Chinner, Wayne Clisby, George Curtis, Gerald Ehnes, Bob Jenkins, Bob Jewsbury, Wayne Kreller, Sherman Leader, Gordon, Speers, Dan Speers, Ralph Speers and Terry Tratch. Interment followed in the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in Ken's memory may be made to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, Suite 301 - 620 Colborne Street, London, Ontario, N6B 3R9 or to Westman Dreams for Kids, Unit 202-37 11th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4J2. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.