John Curtis, 85, Orofino mechanic
OROFINO - Former heavy equipment mechanic John Henry Curtis, 85, died Thurshay causes related to age at his Orofino home.
He was born Jan. 8, 1914, to Charles and Annie Milne Curtis in Orofino. He began working with packers to Forest Service and Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protection Association camps and on lookouts at the age of 12.
He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1935 and later worked at the shipyards in Bremmerton, Wash. During World War II, he worked on the construction of the Alcan Highway.
Curtis married Myrtle Olney in March 1940 in Coeur d'Alene.
After the war, Curtis returned to the Orofino area and worked for the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protection Association, first as a warden of its Headquarters camp and later as shop foreman in charge of equipment at the Orofino shop. He retired in 1976.
His wife died April 1, 1971.
He married Ina Mala Wolverton Gleason July 1, 1971. She survives him at their Orofino home.
Curtis was a life member of the Lewiston Elks Lodge and a member of the Odd Fellows of Orofino for many years. He was an avid square dancer and enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, Curtis is survived by on son, John Curtis of Orofino; one daughter, Elda Kallman of Tacoma; one sister, Jean Foster of San Francisco, Calif.; one brother, Mortimer Curtis of Council, Idaho; nine grand-children; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter. Jackie, and three brothers.
Viewing is scheduled for Monday from 2 to 6 p.,. at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in Orofino.
A graveside service is planned for Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Weseman Cemetery in Orofino.
Bishop Douglas Gray of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Orofino will officiate.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 1294, Coeur d'Alene 83814.
Lewiston Morning Tribune , March 27, 1999
Transcribed by Jo Frederiksen, 2014