John Curtis
1960-09-09 2014-11-19
After 54 active and wonderful years, John Curtis passed away November 19, 2014 while abalone diving on the Sonoma coast. He shared his passion for life with his large family and legion of friends.
John was born and raised in Orinda, California to Dr. Thomas and Leota (Sis) Curtis. He attended Miramonte high where he received all league recognition in wrestling. During high school John became a competitive cyclist, and continued racing while attending college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. John earned his degree in manufacturing engineering and had numerous technology jobs in the Bay Area. He married Melanie Thompson in 1994. Daughter Mattea arrived in 1996, followed by son Wyatt in 1998. In 2005 he moved his family to Grass Valley, to better pursue his passion for the outdoors. He became a successful businessman, founding Grass Roots Property Management.
John had an enthusiasm for life that was infectious, a warm-hearted sense of generosity, and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes that endeared him to all that knew him. John lived life to its fullest, always pushing himself to the limit. John raced everything: cars, mountain bikes, road bikes, motorcycles. He was an accomplished skier and windsurfer. He shared his passions with a wide group of relatives and friends. In 1997, he and his two brothers placed second in the National Team Triathlon competition at Donner Lake.
John treasured every day and he tragically passed away doing something he loved. We will all miss him but are thankful for the joy, excitement and work/life perspective he added to our lives.
John is survived by his wife Melly; daughter Mattea; and son Wyatt of Grass Valley; his mother Leota (Sis) Curtis of Orinda; brother Don Curtis of Alameda; sister Lindy Curtis Silk of Pleasanton; and brother Jim Curtis of Lafayette, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was born and raised in Orinda, California to Dr. Thomas and Leota (Sis) Curtis. He attended Miramonte high where he received all league recognition in wrestling. During high school John became a competitive cyclist, and continued racing while attending college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. John earned his degree in manufacturing engineering and had numerous technology jobs in the Bay Area. He married Melanie Thompson in 1994. Daughter Mattea arrived in 1996, followed by son Wyatt in 1998. In 2005 he moved his family to Grass Valley, to better pursue his passion for the outdoors. He became a successful businessman, founding Grass Roots Property Management.
John had an enthusiasm for life that was infectious, a warm-hearted sense of generosity, and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes that endeared him to all that knew him. John lived life to its fullest, always pushing himself to the limit. John raced everything: cars, mountain bikes, road bikes, motorcycles. He was an accomplished skier and windsurfer. He shared his passions with a wide group of relatives and friends. In 1997, he and his two brothers placed second in the National Team Triathlon competition at Donner Lake.
John treasured every day and he tragically passed away doing something he loved. We will all miss him but are thankful for the joy, excitement and work/life perspective he added to our lives.
John is survived by his wife Melly; daughter Mattea; and son Wyatt of Grass Valley; his mother Leota (Sis) Curtis of Orinda; brother Don Curtis of Alameda; sister Lindy Curtis Silk of Pleasanton; and brother Jim Curtis of Lafayette, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins.