On April 28, 2013 Philip Malcolm Curtiss, 81 year old, Master Sergeant retired US Air Force passed away at his home in Miles City after a two year battle with cancer.
He was born August 24, 1931 in Circle, Montana. He was the fourth child of six born to Ellen and Malcolm Curtiss. As a boy he loved riding horses, haying for his Uncle, roaming the hills, boxing with his brothers and sweeping up at the Chevy garage where his Father worked. He graduated from Circle High in 1949. After he turned 18 he enlisted in the US Air Force for what would be a 20 year career during which he developed a love for the fighter interceptors on which he repaired and maintained the radar and electronic systems. May 13, 1954 he married Mary Anna Lockhart who shared his military life and was the mother of their two children – Curt and Cindia. Following his Air Force career the family moved to Circle where he and his wife and children built their home. Phil drew the floor plans, was the builder – carpenter, plumber, electrician and teacher/director of the family building crew.
Collecting garbage for the town of Circle was next, then on to working for Idland Construction driving the boom truck, various diggers, and cement truck, hammer, saw whatever was needed he did it. After that business closed he went to work as a mechanic for Lund Implement which provided him employment and also the enjoyment of making on farm stops to repair swathers, balers and tractors and visit with area families. Retirement brought the opportunity to try the snowbird life. He and his wife spent many winters in the Brenda, Arizona area making many friends, taking RV trips into the desert, digging his toes into the sand, being awed by the Chocolate Mountains and saguaro cactus and enjoying the companionship of the “guys” playing desert golf. When his illness prevented their trips South in the winter the highlights of his days were visits from friends and family.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents Malcolm and Ellen Curtiss, sister Bendinie and husband Bert Lingle, brother Welcome and wife Ella Curtiss, brother Delmer Curtiss and grandson Travis Curtiss. Philip is survived by his wife of 58 years Mary, sister Bernice and Ford Welch, brother Russell and Maureen Curtiss; son Curt and wife Janna Curtiss and daughter Cindia (Curtiss) Miller; grandchildren Owen Curtiss and Kirsten (Curtiss) Weise and husband Anthony and beloved great grandchildren Zoei and Zander Weise.
Special thanks to all of his family and friends who have been the highlight of his days – providing teasing, story telling, love and the sharing of your lives. Thanks as well to the staffs of Holy Rosary Extended Care and Hospice for their care and services to help him return home to spend his remaining days.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Placing of his remains will follow in the Veterans Circle of the Riverview Cemetery in Circle with full military honors. Condolences and personal comments can be made on the website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations can be made to the Circle or Miles City Fire Departments or the charity of ones choice
Wayne and Nancy Denowh says
Mary, Cindia and family,
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband and dad. We always enjoyed visiting with him when he was out checking things out at Cindia’s when we lived next door. He was so fun to visit with. May God give you comfort and strength in the days ahead. Wayne & Nancy Denowh
Tom and Brenda Atkinson says
Mary, Curt, and Cindia,
I was so saddened to hear of Phil’s passing. I count it a privilege to have worked with him at Idland Construction. I often think of those days and remember the pride and joy he would show when talking of you three. Phil, was such a hard worker, gifted man, and a great teacher.
May the Lord comfort you at this time and give you peace.
J Johnson says
Dear Family and Friends of Philip Curtiss – Please be comforted by promises found in the Bible at this difficult time. Continue to dwell on the happy memories and fine qualities that you remember about Mr. Curtiss . The Bible book of Hebrews reminds us that God does not forget all of the love and fine works shown by his servants(Heb 6:10). Please look forward to the joy of again seeing Mr. Curtiss in perfect Paradise conditions such as were originally purposed for humans in the Garden of Eden. Faith in these Bible promises will hopefully ease the pain of loss. Meanwhile we have the opportunity to follow Jesus’ instruction to continue to take in Bible knowledge that leads to everlasting life and brings hope and comfort now (John 17:3).
Cheri (Fritz) Weidner says
Mary, Cindia & Curt,
I was very sad to learn of Phils passing. I have many fond memories of Phil growing up in Circle and am very glad that I was able to reconnect with him and your family while selling Girl Scout cookies with my daughter in Miles City. Please find comfort in your memories of him and knowing his is free of pain and at peace now.
Bless you all.
Cheri, Dave, Staci & Nathan Weidner
Denise Stambaugh says
Mary, Curt and Cindia,
God has taken another great man and has freed him of his pain. May you find comfort in knowing that your loss is shared by many. Hugs!!
Denise and family
Taryn Micheletto says
Phil we will miss our visits with you! There are many memories and stories I always remember you telling us! I am very glad I was able to call you my Great Uncle, that is just what you were to me!
T. Kelly says
My deepest condolences to the family. Losing a dear loved one can leave a very empty space in one’s life. Please find strength, hope, and comfort in the God of Comfort (2 Corinthians1:3, 4).