David Allan Curtiss, of Boring, Oregon ,peacefully passed away in his home Sunday morning. He was 71. He courageously battled Para Neoplastic Syndrome, brought on by lung cancer.
A rosary will be held at St. Michael’s Church (18090 SE Langensand Rd., Sandy, OR, 97055) at 7pm, Sunday April 3rd. A mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 4th, at St. Michael’s at 10 am followed by a luncheon. The burial will follow at 1:30pm at Willamette National Cemetery.
He was born in Baker City, Oregon to Elden (Bo) and Mary Curtiss. He was the third of four vivacious sons and survived by his two older brothers, Most Rev. Elden and Don (Nancy) and his younger brother Tom (Vivian). He is also survived by many family members who will miss him greatly.
Dave grew up in Baker City and graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1957 and Eastern Oregon College in 1962. The day after his college graduation he and Eilene were married on June 9th. Within a week, he left for a three-year service in the Army (Chemical Corp). He and his family settled in Portland,
Oregon in 1965. He worked for the United States Geological Service from 1965 until he retired in 1994.
Dave and Eilene moved to Boring, Oregon in 1993 to pursue their active participation in the Portland Rose Society. He was a member for over 30 years. During this time he created multiple rose gardens throughout the Portland Metropolitan area, including the gardens at Mt. Hood Medical in
Gresham and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Sandy. Dave and Eilene received many awards for their passion of roses. Dave was honored to be a consulting Rosarian, to receive the Bronze Medal American Rose Society Honor and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dave was happiest outdoors, and in addition to working in his garden he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and a great game of golf. He was always up for a game of poker, but will be remembered most for his amazing smile and his love of laughter.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Eilene Marshal Curtiss, his sons, Allan, Tim (Stephenie) and daughter Robin Cummings(Chris); grandchildren Lauren, Elizabeth and Beau
Curtiss and Mary, Emitt, Grace and Luke Cummings.