DEAN H. ''Curly'' CURTIS

On February 2, 2007, Dean Curtis, 90, was peacefully accompanied by angels to his heavenly home. Born on November 8, 1916 in Big Timber, Montana, he was third of six children born to Friend and Nellie Curtis. After graduating from Sweet Grass High in Big Timber, he worked for the U.S. Dept of Agriculture and attended the Sparton Technology of Aeronautics School before enlisting in the Air Force in 1940. He served in WWII, achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and received an honorable discharge in 1945. While on leave in 1942, he met his beloved life-long partner, Eve, with whom he corresponded until his service was completed. In November of 1945, he accepted employment with duPont at the Hanford site. Together, they moved to Richland, and began 61 years of marriage on New Years Day 1946. Dean continued a 37-year career with duPont, General Electric, Isochem, Atlantic Richfield and Rockwell. In 1982, he retired from Rockwell management to pursue his true enjoyments: which were spending a day on the water boating and fishing with family and friends, or avidly hunting agates on river islands when the fish were not biting. He was indeed a ''savvy fisherman, with an impressive polished rock collection.'' Through the years, many memorable fishing trips to Pend Oreille Lake, and O'Sullivan were enjoyed, even though ''the girls'' usually caught more fish. A member of the Flying Tigers 14th Air Force Association, Dean and Eve enjoyed attending conventions and visiting with his Air Force comrades. He especially enjoyed a weekly cribbage game with his long-time buddies: Herb Dale, Waxy Morris, and the late Claire Underwood. Always ready and willing to help another, he looked forward to gleaning the orchards and fields to supply the local food banks, senior center, friends and neighbors. Dean is survived by his wife; Eve, daughters, Dee Ann Curtis and Lynn Coburn-Curtis, both of Richland; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Jene Lough of Springfield, Oregon; special pet companions Audrey, Connie, Ginger and Cliff. He was preceded in death by parents Friend and Nellie Curtis; brothers Ben, Don and Leo Curtis, and sister Maribel Manning.

Though our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; as God calls us one by one, our chain will link again. Until then, you will remain forever in our hearts. We will always love and miss you Daddy, remembering you as a true gentleman with sincere integrity, a loving father and devoted husband. There are three things that will endure - faith, hope and love - and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13.

A private family commemoration will be held in accordance to Dean's wishes.