CURTIS JAMES WOZNEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CURTIS JAMES WOZNEY It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Curtis James Wozney on September 3, 2009 at the age of 32 years. He will forever watch over his precious little girls Grace and Gabby from the sky and Tracey will rely on his enduring spirit and confidence to fulfill family dreams and ensure their girls grow up to be happy, considerate, strong women. Curtis was a role model for many as a husband, dad, son, brother, friend and coach. His easy going nature, humour and sincerity enabled him to make close friends easily. Curtis grew up in Brandon and from day one was a very strong, sensitive, intuitive little boy. He attended Betty Gibson, River Heights and Crocus Plains School. Inspired by his older brothers, he was so happy to play football with the Crocus Plainsmen. Football was much more than a game to Curtis. It was an avenue to grow as a man, cope with challenges in life, share his wisdom, and of course a great reason to host a party! Curtis could make anything from eating ice cream cones to drinking coffee seem like an adventure. This love for life and the little things had a lot to do with his biggest inspiration in life, his mom. After high school Curtis juggled several part time jobs for a year and decided to obtain his criminal justice diploma at Lethbridge Community College. In 1999, right before core training for Corrections Services at Bowden Inst., AB, Curtis took a trip to see his old Brandon buddies. There he met his future wife Tracey. A beautiful love began. After two years of long distance letters, poems, visits and travelling adventures, Curtis moved back home to Manitoba, transferring to Stony Mountain Institute where he was a correctional officer for eight years. Curtis was respected and well liked at work and always said the best part of his job were the people he worked with. He was also a UCCO shop steward. Curtis and Tracey were married in 2004 and he became the proud, loving father of Grace (two and one-half), and Gabby (11 months). As a father, Curt's slow, easy, intuitive, calming nature will surely be missed. His girls would melt in his strong arms. He was fortunate to use much parental leave and form very close bonds with his girls. He loved to play balance with Grace and encourage Gabby to take her first steps. He was so proud to take his whole family to a Bombers game and had great dreams of showing his girls the world. He has instilled in us a need to live life to its fullest and cherish what you have. Our five year marriage was getting better and better. Curtis was so proud to coach football for The Crescentwood Grizzlies and the Kelvin Clippers. He instilled in his boys much more than just football fundamentals, also philosophy in life, solidarity and work ethic. He coached with such enthusiasm. Curtis leaves behind his beloved wife Tracey, daughters: Grace and Gabby, mother Jean McKay, brothers: Ron (Paula, Grae, Emma) and Terry Wozney (Shelly, Tanner, Dillon) and father Bill Wozney. He was predeceased by his stepdad Don McKay. Also many uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws and friends. Curtis' funeral service to be held on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (NFL opening day), in the Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive, a reception will follow in the church Hall. If I could stay, for this entire day, I would make it, the greatest day, like any other day, and I could contain those monsterly thoughts of missing you, long enough, to hold you true. Forget about existence and enjoy the sunshine, Curtis Wozney. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a trust fund in Curtis' Wozney name for his little girls, at the Royal Bank.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2009