At the ripe young age of 91, Ernest William “Ernie” Curtis passed away from natural causes on Monday, February 2, 2004, and entered the eternal playground. Ernie was an icon to anyone who grew up in Richland in the 1950’s, 60’s or 70’s and who played, swam, picnicked, partied or otherwise enjoyed themselves at the parks, pools, ball fields, Wellsian Pond, Kramer Center, and the Community House. He served as Recreation Director for Richland for 29 years, a job truly fit for him and one he enjoyed with all his heart. Children and dogs were his particular joys. A kid with a puppy could entertain him for hours.

Ernie, the son of Gay E. Curtis, a Wisconsin native and Sylvia Rose Garnier Curtis a French immigrant, was born on October 20, 1912 in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, and raised in Spokane, attending Grant School, Gonzaga Prep and then Gonzaga University, graduating in 1936 with a degree in Philosophy. He was a gifted athlete and enjoyed swimming, diving, and most of all football in his young years. His fondest college memories were of his days as a quarterback for the Gonzaga University Bulldogs. He would proudly recall their victorious game against Washington State College later to become WSU, the week after WSC’s stunning upset of USC. Ernie and Gonzaga went into Pullman and shocked the Cougs with an upset of their own. During his Gonzaga football days, the team went almost two years without even being scored upon. He loved taunting his WSU Coug fan sons with stories of Gonzaga’s football prowess, especially during WAZZU’s team “re-building” decades.

Ernie worked many years in the parks, playgrounds, and swimming pools around Spokane under the mentoring of Spokane Parks and Recreation Director, Stan Witter, organizing youth activities, swim competitions, and inner-city sports programs.

After serving as a sergeant in the Army during World War II, a twist of fate in the form of a traffic ticket while in the Tri-Cities visiting friends Archie and Nellie Weir, resulted in a life-long career, a wife and family. The ticket was issued over the weekend, requiring Ernie to stay in town until the next Monday. On that day, he learned of a parks and recreation job opening with GE a.k.a. “Generous Electric” and applied for the position. Shortly thereafter found himself moving to Richland where, in 1949 he met his future bride Marjorie Conley, a former Marine who had recently moved to Richland from Washington DC via Denver. They were married on November 26, 1949. Together they raised three sons in their government ranch house homestead on Tinkle Street.

As the City of Richland’s first Director of Parks and Recreation when it incorporated in 1958, Ernie was instrumental in development of summer youth activity and athletic programs at the city parks and “the big pool” later named for George Prout. He originated the concept of neighborhood parks throughout the city, most of which remain today. His personality, wit, sense of humor, and propensity for a little comical orneriness made him popular among Richland youth and adults alike. He also was heavily involved in the community as a member of the Richland Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs.

After retiring from the City in 1976, he and Marge enjoyed traveling to Europe, the Pacific Rim, and throughout the United States. He never lost his love of football, especially the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, his adopted team after Gonzaga University dropped their football program in 1942. His best times however were spent with his grandkids and their dogs who looked upon this wonderful man with amazement and joy as he wiggled his ears like Dumbo and acted more like a kid than even they.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marge, of Richland, his three sons/spouses, Wm. Jeffrey/Laurie Curtis of Seattle, MichaelCurtis/Eric Thom of Seattle and Gregory/Joan Curtis of Richland, daughter-in-law Alice Curtis of Olympia, grand children Michelle, Paul, Erin, Adam, Carrie and Christopher; and great grandchildren Mikayla and Isabella. Also given its Ernie here that we’re talking about, he is survived by grand-dogs Rocky, Roxie and Ginger and grand-cats Mugsy and Beaux.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Harley and sister Marguerite. The family would like to thank the caring and wonderful staffs of Kadlec Medical Center, Alterra Assisted Living, and the Life Care Center of Richland; Dr. Staeheli, Dr. Wadhwa and particularly Dr. Freeman for his personal care and compassion of our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and husband. A very special thanks goes out to the Tinkle/Torbett neighbors who are part of our family in their never-ending kindness and expressions of thoughtfulness. Also, thank you to his many friends at the Richland Fred Meyer for providing dad with a warm and friendly place to visit during his senior years.

A Vigil service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2004, at Einan’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Christ the King Church in Richland on Saturday, February 7, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service in Sunset Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow the services. Anyone who knew and remembers Ernie is welcome to attend. Bring your children and your dogs—Ernie would love them being there.

Visitation will be at Einan’s Funeral Home from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

Dad—we know you’ll keep the children and the dogs happy up there. Don’t forget to wiggle your ears or tell a good joke to the Big Guy. We already miss you dad. You are forever in our hearts.