Ellwood Curtis

Ellwood “Woody” Curtis passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, in Windsor, Colorado, surrounded by his loved ones. He was a caring husband, father and grandfather whose passion for adventure and fun sense of humor touched the hearts of everyone who crossed his path.

 

Woody was born on April 7, 1940, in Woods Cross, Utah to Elwood Elyle and Edith Marie Curtis. After graduating from Bountiful High School in 1958, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. In 1964, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Weber State College. While in college, he served as vice president of his fraternity and the Associated Men’s Student Body. As a senior, he was elected vice president of his class.

 

Woody met his wife, Janice, in 1965 at Snow Basin in Ogden, Utah, and they married on January 22, 1966, at the Hill Air Force Base chapel. The couple welcomed their son, Casey, in 1966, and their daughter, Melissa, in 1968. They have four grandchildren.

 

In 1964, Woody was hired as an insurance investigator for the Retail Credit Company in Ogden, Utah. At age 27, he was promoted to Chief Investigator and manager of the Pocatello, Idaho office. After he and his family moved to Denver, Colorado in June 1968, he accepted a position as Assistant Divisional Claims Manager for Equitable Life Assurance, after which he joined Eller Outdoor Advertising. He continued his career in advertising until he retired in 2000. In retirement, Woody owned and operated Spectrum Optical in Lawrence, Kansas. In 2008, Woody and Janice moved back to Colorado where he started Woody’s Window Washing in Windsor.

 

During the 1970s, Woody was on the Board of Advisors for the Metro Denver March of Dimes and the committee for the 1976 Olympics. After years of dedicated service in the Jaycees, he received the “Distinguished Service” award in 1975 and was one of Colorado’s “Three Outstanding Young Men” in 1974-1975. Woody chaired the commission that created the City of Northglenn’s first charter in 1974, served as a board member on the Northglenn Ambulance Corps and subsequently served as a councilman for Ward 2 in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, he was vice president and president of the Northglenn Rotary Club.

 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice Curtis; son and daughter-in-law, Casey and Randi Curtis of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Scott Larimore of Warrensburg, Missouri; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Jonathan and Abbey Larimore; grandson Nathan Larimore; grandson Bryson Curtis, granddaughter Cassidy Curtis; sister and brother-in-law, Marsha and Vern Parker; sister Angela Wright; and beloved pets, Winnie and Fluffy.

 

He enjoyed spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors, whether he was hiking in the mountains, waterskiing, boating or taking his dog, Winnie, for swims in the lake. Woody participated in the Senior Olympics, where he won 19 medals in swimming and running.

 

Known as “grumpa” to his grandchildren, his quick-witted jokes were fun and unpredictable and always left his family rolling with laughter. His sense of humor, passion for adventure and deep love for his family will be celebrated forever.

 

A celebration of life is scheduled for September 23 at 2 p.m. at Marks Funeral Home: 9293 Eastman Park Drive, Windsor, Colorado 80550.

 

The family requests that those who wish to express sympathy consider donating to the Humane Society of Weld County or the Colorado Kitty Coalition.