William R. Curtis

It is with profound sadness that the family of William Raymond Curtis announces his passing on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the age of 94 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Colleen (Phinney) Curtis, daughters Rene’ Curtis and Kelly (David) Kik, grandchildren Melissa Kik and Allan Kik, his sister Helen Young, and numerous extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Zada Mae (Hammond) Curtis and sister Dorothy Benedict. Bill was born in Evart, Michigan on July 2, 1928. He graduated from Belding High School in 1947, and in 1950 he was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army. Ten days after returning from Korea, Bill and Colleen were married on July 20, 1952 at West Cannon Baptist Church. Over the years they lived in Belding, Grand Rapids, Standale, Ada, and Cascade. Bill worked for 32 years at the Michigan Veteran’s Facility, but life was not devoted strictly to work. He volunteered with Mercy Ambulance for 2 years, sang in the Serenaders for 2 years, and sang in the Lowell Showboat for 13 years. Bill was a marathon runner and traveled to many states as well as numerous countries around the world. He went tandem skydiving, white water rafting, floating in a hot air balloon, cave spelunking, as well as elephant riding and camping in the jungle. He loved to read and collected library cards from all over the world. He had a great sense of humor and there was always a twinkle in his eye. The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Sentinel Pointe Retirement Community and Emmanuel Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, May 7, 2023 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1025 Three Mile Road, N.E., Grand Rapids, MI. The family will receive visitors for one hour prior to the service. As he wished, Bill’s ashes will be interred in the church’s flower garden following the service.

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