Gary passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
He was born one minute after his twin brother, Cary, on December 10, 1970 in Kalamazoo, the son of Leonard and Mary (Mannon) Curtiss. Gary was a 1989 Otsego High School graduate and worked for Edustaff as a food truck driver for Plainwell Schools.
In his free time Gary enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting and spending time boating on the lakes. He liked working on small engines and telling a good story. Gary was an animal lover, especially dogs and had adopted many over the years.
Gary had one BIG personality, a big heart and has never met a stranger. He was the life of the party, loved to talk and be loud, was opinionated and so much fun to be around. His booming voice, his awesome smile and his laugh will be remembered by all of us.
On May 11, 2008 at their home in Otsego, he married Susie Welch who survives. Also surviving are his step-son, John Grasser; his father, Leonard Curtiss of Otsego; siblings, Randy (Carrie Ann) Curtiss of Otsego, Rick (Teressa) Curtiss of Allegan and twin brother, Cary (Nickie) Curtiss of Plainwell; several nieces and nephews and 3 great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Curtiss.
Cremation has taken place.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held from 1-4 PM, Sunday, July 24, 2022, at the Moose Lodge in Otsego.
Contributions in memory of Gary may be made to your local dog rescue.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Jeffrey Goodacre
I am sure he will be missed, thought very highly of his folks and their kids, I have fond memories of all of them. RIP Gary.
Jamie
You started out as a neighbor but then you became family, I will definitely miss the cookouts and drinks by the fire your gone but will never be forgotten
Jan Jameson
My love and sincere condolences to the family and friends of Gary. I am honored to have known Gary. Good people he was,and will most certainly be missed.
R.I.P Gary.
Kathy Margason-Berman
I am so sorry to hear about Gary. My prayers are with you.
Bob and Teresa Galloway
Sincere sympathy. May you all hold tight to all the great memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nate Dunklee
Gary was a great person and friend, he will be deeply missed. RIH Gary
Anya Langford
I’m so sorry for the families loss. He is greatly missed by many.
Dan and Sherry Keith
Cary you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at difficult time. Soo sorry for your loss.❤️
Rick and Sue Hopper
I’m so very Sorry for your Great Loss. God Bless You All
Lory Enos
He was a wonderful soul and will be missed by so many. We were blessed to have shared time with him.
Ricky Curtiss
Rest In Peace bro!!
John Shelton
Sorry for your loss, Rick. All of the Curtiss family brothers memories are great because you guys all liked to smile. Good people!
Sally Kugelard
So sorry for everyone’s loss.
Kathi Fuss
Words cannot express my feelings at this tragic time for you all. My thoughts and prayers have been and will continue for the Curtiss family . Love and God Bless
John, Renee and Marah
We will cherish the memories of Gary’s smile and wave every time we saw him, without fail! His kindness and love for people was truly amazing!
We are praying for you Susie and family!!
Bob & Janet Lamper
So sorry to hear about the loss of your son, Leonard.
Tony Christopher
RIP Gary I can’t believe it .you are way to young.I have know you and your whole family most of my life.I remember seeing you at the campground last year and In Walmart parking lot not to long ago.you will be missed
Melissa Mannon Shumaker
Cuz I really cannot believe I’m never going to hear that big hearty laugh again. The big bear hugs. No more dirty jokes on my phone. You, I think, were the only one that still called me Melissa Kay. No more text when I’m at work that you’re in my yard stealing my morrells. I love you and will hold all these memories close to my breaking heart. Until we meet again….,Uncle Lenard and family I am so sorry for your loss. He was truly a big hearted guy that we all will truly miss. Hugs, prayers and lots of love to you all.
Chris Turner
RIP Gary. You will be very missed!
Kathy Plotts
Prayers for the family in this difficult time.
Stephanie Babbitt
I’ve known since I can remember, you at first was my grandparents neighbor, than you were my first crush, I remember every weekend that last slow song at the roller rink you’d come find me. Your heart wasn’t just big it was enormous, and the roaring echo of your voice as it lingers, Going Fishin, Going Fishin, will be forever missed . Rest in Heaven my friend!!!
Carrieann
Rest in paradise with Mama Gary. I am so going to miss you.
Love,
Sis
Jamie and Rich
Finding the words to say is hard. This man was one of the most amazing fun loving men I knew he always had a smile on his face and something to say…the day before his accident we were talking at Nate and Jamie’s drinking by the pool laughing and chatting and those memories will always be cherished. Huge hugs for you Suzie we all love you to the moon❤️
Charles bishop
I am really sorry you had to leave us so early.but things happen that we just have no control of .so I will say farewell old buddy for now.
Dean and Laury Storey
Susie—we are so very sorry for your loss. Gary was a wonderful friend and he truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. dear friend. May Gary rest in peace.
Lori Steele
Susie and family,
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Gary when we delivered food. He was fun to work with. He will be missed by all of us at the bus garage.
Lori Steele
Melissa Clark Packard
So sorry to hear about Gary,he is going to be missed. Our prayers are with your family at this time.
Mike
My condolences to the family. I worked with Gary in the late 90’s. He was always joking around and messing with the guys. I can still remember his raspy voice even after 20 years.
Sherri Vassau
My thoughts and prayers to the Curtiss family. May God help and hold you through this tragedy.
Sally Sharp
I didn’t know Gary but I worked with his brother Randy and if they were anything alike he was a Great man ,my son Dean Vickery was very good friends with Gary and he spoke very highly of Gary.God be with the Curtis Family put your arms around them and give them the strength they need right now.FLY HIGH GARY LOVE SALLY SHARP
Harold J Steffey
I had the pleasure working with Gary and his brother Randy back in the 90’s, great person and family, we will never forget. God’s Peace to the family and RIP brother.
Paul vallier
Sending my sincere condolence to the family of Gray Curtis love ya brother we worked a long time together and one of the founding brothers of Wall quidawe always thought that was funny. His name was binbitchen love a miss ya brother give them he’ll my brother may you rest in peace
Brooke
You will always be my uncle Gary, RIP I love you always and forever ♡
Kacey Melnik
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
Marnie Junker-Shingledecker
Our deepest condolences to the entire Curtiss family. Gary was an amazing friend so much fun and yes a huge personality. Didn’t matter if you hadn’t seen him in years he greeted you as if he had just seen him the previous day! Our thoughts and prayers are with this amazing family.
Ric and Marnie (Junker) Shingledecker
Julie
My deepest condolences to the family
You were part of our family growing up
I baby sat the twins a few times!
May GOD give you peace endurance through this time & my Love!
Julie
Stacie and Rob Rees
Can’t believe you are gone. Your big booming laugh. Tell God to hide his lighters! So sorry for the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Zach and Judd Noyes
I was shocked to here about his accident. And now I’m heartbroken to here of his passing. My condolences to the entire Curtis family, especially to his twin brother Carey. I just can’t imagine what you all are going through. Again I’m so sorry. Class of ’89.
Chris M Harmon
I just came across a friend of mine who re-posted about Gary .. I then went further and found the news channel 3 information on the day of the accident .. prayer to get home to that point and scrolling for about an hour, I was getting more nervous and anxious … hoping and praying that I was not going to find what I discovered … I am sick to my stomach, my heart has sunk, I am in total disbelief and in denial … I am presently so distraught, I am struggling for words … I knew the folks Before any of the boys were born , Mary and Leonard were like a second set of parents to me, as a matter fact Mary used to babysit me. Of course years went by and after all four boys were born, I was contacted to see if I was willing to babysit Randy, Ricky, Gary and Cary , In the course I did just that … to me the Curtis family is my family ….. Gary was such an outspoken, humorous, kind, thoughtful, all around wonderful human being to spend time with ….. God knows my heart goes out to Leonard, Randy, Ricky and carry in the entire extended family ❤️ !!! I am sending prayers for support, love, light, courage, healing !!! With that being said, Gary, I know you already know that you are extremely missed by numerous individuals … rest in peace young man !