DUDLEY WILLIAM CURTIS 1904-07-09 2003-11-02

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DUDLEY WILLIAM CURTIS 1904-07-09 2003-11-02 Dudley (Dud) Curtis passed away peacefully early Sunday, November 2, 2003 at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 89 with his children at his side. He was predeceased by Mae, his devoted wife of 64 years, in May of this year. He is survived by his son David (Margaret), and their two sons, John and Dan, and great-granddaughter Sheryl; his daughter Linda Blais (Barry), and their son David; and his brothers, Stafford and Sid; and his sister Joyce (Sales). Dad was born at home in Winnipeg and spent many of his early years living in Great Falls and Seven Sisters, MB, eventually returning to Winnipeg with his family. In 1939, he demonstrated good judgement by courting and marrying Mom, who was a pillar of strength for him, particularly in recent years when his health deteriorated. Mom and Dad wasted no time in starting their family and in 1948 Dad, with the help of his good friends, Bill Halderson and Bill Shanwaldt, built a new home on Greene Avenue in East Kildonan where Dad and Mom remained until 1994 when they opted for condominium life at Henderson on the Red in North Kildonan. Dad, like most people who lived through the Great Depression, was a hard worker and very self-sufficient. In his early 1920s he began his lifes work in the oil refining industry by going to work for Marmac Oil in Elmwood. That experience and some serious correspondence efforts to learn Chemistry led to joining Imperial Oil in 1951 when they opened a new refinery in East St. Paul. It was also in 1951 that Dad met another new hire, Brian Tully, who has remained a good friend all these years. Along with the two Bills, Dad and Brian enjoyed many hunting and fishing expeditions over the years. To be included in those "male bonding" outings was always a special treat. Dad remained with Imperial until 1976 when he retired after playing a significant role in the dismantling of the processing units at the refinery. Following his retirement, Dad and Mom spent 14 winters in McAllen, TX, and they had many fond memories of their snowbird years spent with friends and family. Dad was a very determined man, usually expecting a lot of himself and others. Personal failure was not something that he readily accepted. He and Mom always encouraged us in our educational efforts and took pride in our accomplishments. The old expression, "Actions speak louder than words", was almost his personal motto. He was a person who didnt wear his emotions on his sleeve, but he demonstrated his concern and caring for family and friends by helping when he was needed and usually before he was asked. The family would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital; our parents family physician, Dr. R. Davey; the staff of the provincial Home Care Service and the coordinator, Pat Hutton; Lynne Fineman whose advice and concern was much appreciated; and last, but certainly not least, Lottie Joyce, whose compassionate care enabled Dad to remain at home for the past six months. Cremation has taken place and a private interment with family members will follow at a later date. Friends, family, and neighbours are cordially invited to an informal reception in the Common Room at 1840 Henderson Hwy., on Wednesday, November 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Contributions to the St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation, D1003-409 Tache, Winnipeg, MB R2H 9Z9, or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated. Dad, we wish you eternal rest. Your work is done. KLASSEN Funeral Chapel 1897 Henderson - North of McIvor - 338-0331

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2003