Curtis R. Bales

Curtis R Bales, the oldest of three siblings, was born and raised in Salem, Oregon. He was the son of Frank and Gwendola Bales. Growing up Curtis rode his bicycle everywhere stopping to explore old, abandoned houses and buildings sparking a lifelong interest in architecture. At South Salem High School (class of 1973) Curtis pursued debate, drama, and photography — skills that later served him as an architect. The summer before senior year of high school he met Stephanie who would become the love of his life.

Curtis attended the University of Oregon graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, a five-year professional degree, with an Honors College distinction. He and Stephanie were married shortly thereafter. They spent the summer in Eugene where Curtis worked for a local architect, all the while planning their move to the East Coast. In September, Curtis and Stephanie drove across the country to New York City so Curtis could pursue an offer from Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, an internationally recognized firm, where he was employed for nearly six years.

Returning to the Pacific Northwest, Curtis worked in Seattle for Ibsen Nelson Architects, Hobbs Fukui Davison, Hobbs Architecture Group, LMN Architects, EHS Design, and lastly as sole proprietor of Curtis Bales Architecture. Woven through it all was his beloved family with Kristen arriving in 1987 and Justin in 1992. Whatever Dad was doing, J&K were involved with many runs to the hardware store for various projects and always taking the scenic route on the way home. Curtis inherited his Father’s love of barbecue and created many grilled-to-perfection meals. There were frequent road trips to visit Grandparents in Oregon, giving Curtis plenty of time to share lively stories of his youth camping and fishing at Detroit, Cultus & Suttle Lakes, road trips to visit relatives in Indiana and Southern California, and vacations up into Canada. As the years rolled along, the interests of his children became his: music, paintball, aquariums, photography, art and design, skiing, travel. There are so many memorable and laughter-filled times together that we will cherish for years to come.

Curtis passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 70. He was husband to wife Stephanie, Father to daughter Kristen (David Desmarais), son Justin (Bailey) and Grandfather to Elliot, all of Seattle. He was Brother to David Bales (Sue) of Portland, Oregon and Sister Susan Driessen (Harrie) of Princeton, New Jersey. He was Nephew to Chuck Bales from Indiana and Son-in-law to Gerald & Henrietta Wimer of Salem Oregon. Many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins are scattered across the country.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Curtis can be made to Evergreen Hospice, KEXP, University of Oregon Honors College or Architecture Program, or Virginia Mason Foundation. A memorial for family and friends is being held in January.

Photos and memories can be shared at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/curtis-bales-12564299