Fred W. Curtis

Frederick William Curtis, 81

Eugene, OR - Fred W. Curtis, 81, beloved husband of Margaret Slagle Curtis, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 30th at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon with family members at his side.

Fred was born in Troy, New York 4 April 1926 (Easter), son of the late Dr. Stephen H. and Frances M. Curtis. Along with his wife of 59 years (Peg) he is survived by his children; Tina Curtis-Clifford of Eugene, OR; Fred W. Curtis, Jr. (Kathy) of Bay Harbor Islands, FL and Frances Henderson of Hartford, CT. He is also survived by Grandchildren: F. William Curtis IV (Dawn) of Lehigh Acres, FL; Tracy Fleming (Jay) of Tamarac, FL; William Clifford of Portland, OR, Kerry Clifford, Portland, OR and Betsy Clifford of Salem, OR along with 3 great-grandsons, and several nieces and nephews.

Fred was predeceased by his brother Stephen H. Curtis, Jr., sister, Marion Curtis Lansing, and nephew Edward G. Lansing.

Fred was educated in Troy schools and graduated from Lansingburgh High School, class of 1944.

He served in World War II by joining the U.S. Coast Guard. After attending boot camp, he went to sonar school at the U.S.C.G. Academy. He was later assigned to the C.G. Cutter Northwind and then the U.S.S. Bangor. After 2-1/2 years of service, he returned to Troy to attend Russell Sage, Men's Division, where he met his future bride, Margaret Louise Slagle from Port Chester New York. They were married 24 July 1948. Fred left Russell Sage to join his father in the operation of the family businesses, Fred W. Curtis Co, Inc. and Curtis Pharmacy and Paints, Inc. Upon the death of his father in 1956, he was chosen President of both companies. During his career his proudest accomplishment was the addition of Curtis Pools in which he built and serviced swimming pools in the Capital District and Saratoga areas. He sold his interests in the companies to his employees in 1982.

Fred became a member of Lions Clubs International by joining the Troy Lions Club in 1951. He was a member of this club for 35 years and held positions in all offices. Fred was the first District Governor from the Troy Lions Club, serving in 1981-82. Lions International awarded Fred the Melvin Jones Fellowship award, which is given in recognition of a commitment to humanitarian work and one of the highest honors given in Lionism. Fred was also Past President and Chairman of the Lions Eye Bank in Albany, the oldest Lions Eye Bank in the world, and he was a board member for over 30 years and became a life member when the Saratoga Lions Club presented him with this honor. In conjunction with the Troy Lions Club while he was head of the Youth Exchange Committee, Fred and Peg offered their home for over 12 years to many exchange students from France and Austria.

While a resident of Troy, Fred was a member, Past President and Board member of the Troy Club. He was proud to have been a member of the group that was successful in promoting the Congressional acknowledgment that Sam Wilson was the progenitor of the national symbol of Uncle Sam. After he and his family moved to Eagle Mills he became involved with the American Red Cross and their Learn to Swim Program for which he turned over his swimming pool for two weeks each summer. Fred was Supervisor of the Town of Brunswick 1970-74, and was later appointed Chairman of the Town's Assessment Review Board. He was also one of the original promoters of the Grafton Lakes State Park and later served as Chairman of the Grafton Lakes State Park Commission. In 1984, he was named "Uncle Sam Citizen of the Year" by the Uncle Sam parade committee.

Upon their retirement to Ft. Myers, Florida in 1986 Fred kept busy with various organizations. He, of course, joined the Ft. Myers Lions Club and was named Lion of the Year three times. He became a 100% attendance member in 2006. He was a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants; Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the U.S.; General Society of Colonial Wars; and National Society Sons of the American Revolution where he served in this chapter as Treasurer for 18 years and President for two. He also served the Florida State Society as Vice President for two years and earned the Patriot Medal, which is the State's highest award.

Through his activities, political experiences, and particularly through his community Service, Fred touched the lives of many people and will be missed by all.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy with Rev. Dr. Harold Carrier, Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Troy, officiating.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Friday, June 22, 2007 from 4-8 PM.

Interment Oakwood Cemetery in Troy.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Sight Society of Northeastern New York, In., Lions Eye Bank at Albany, 6 Executive Park Drive, Albany, NY 12203.

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