Yesterday was one year ago Dr. Curtis passed away. I think of him quite often. He was the best boss I've ever had. He was so generous and kind. There will never be another like him. Thank you Dr. Curtis for giving me the opportunity to work for you.  You made everyday enjoyable to come to work. You will be forever missed! 
Mishelle

I was honored to give a eulogy at the Memorial.    Here's the written version.

Regards, Troy Otillio

We are all here today because we share a bond with Curtis; today we come together to both grieve his passing and celebrate his life.    I've been fortunate to know Curtis since he and I were in fourth grade; he and I, along with many of his childhood friends shared adventures, boredom and are grew together to become who we are today – Curtis is woven into who I am today, I'm sure Curtis is also woven into parts of who you are as well.    Curtis was a Prince of a friend, an honorable person; kind, wise, smart, patient, and subtlety humorous.   Curtis had a unique manner that drew you in.   The more time you spent with him the more you liked him – he had an infectious nature.   Tina Kane, a friend of Curtis's related this: “Curtis always had a smile – simply put everybody liked Curtis”.     
If we measure life in length Curtis's time here it was clearly too short; and for that I grieve with you.   One of Curtis' best friends, Bart, who could not be here today wrote: “It's so very upsetting, like a piece of the puzzle just fell out of my grasp forever...I don't know what to do...this wasn't supposed to happen, we had some very set plans together that we were still going to do just as soon as we get the chance...
 If we measure life in balance, wisdom and peacefulness then I know Curtis fulfilled his potential and was rich in personal fabric.    As another friend Ron wrote: 
I don't think most of our parents realized how fortunate we were to have a friend like Curtis.  As a parent I have a clear understanding of how your friends shape and mold your life.

I've had the chance to talk to most of the neighborhood Gang – those who he spent most of his hours with up until college: This includes his closest and most long standing friend Joe Baronessa and others such a Ron Bocciardi, Scott Rice and of course Bart Kimber.   We all know Curtis was a private person - I'd like to share some of his early memories so that you might relate or learn more about Curtis the person.
Imagine you are in fourth grade and the year is 1974 – the days are filled with the simpler pursuits of riding bikes, skateboards, swimming in the Iwanaga backyard pool, playing basketball until dusk, reading the Hobbit, or flying $3 kites in the fall winds.    I remember the excitement we would all have, three or four of us arriving at Curtis' front door on a Saturday around 9:30 or 10am to ring his doorbell – would Curtis be home, was he visiting his cousin's? Would Curtis be awake?    Curtis liked to sleep in.   Might he be visiting his cousins?  Often, Yuri would answer the door telling us “Curtis is still sleeping – come back later” – sometimes in those cases Curtis's voice would cascade down the stairs overruling his Mom “I'm awake, let them in”.   
The reasons we all loved Curtis were many: yes, the Iwanaga hangout was the neighborhood rec center: Basketball, swimming pool, Ping Pong table, large backyard – of any Nola destination Curtis's house was the preferred hang out.   But the more time you spent with Curt the more he grew on you – Curtis was the destination.    With Curtis there was no drama or conflict – it was simply focused on the mission of the day.
Curtis had a wonderful imagination especially when it came to Science Fiction where we played with Japanese Monsters, drew our own comics or later the endless hours of role playing with Dungeons and Dragons.   In fact, Curtis was the preferred creator of the Middle Earth games the five our six of us played day after day and night after night.    
Curtis was also wise and smart – yes, he mastered his profession and achieved high marks in his studies.    But as a friend he was more often the voice of reason and the architect of his own success.    How many times did Ron, Bart or myself devise foolish adolescent plans – sneaking into Movies, Cherry Orchard's or perhaps a skateboard jump that nearly guaranteed blood and stitches.  Curtis was often the voice of reason: “I'm not sure that's a good idea”, he would say without admonishing.    If you could convince Curt that it was a sound idea chances are it wasn't going to be a failure.
One of my hobbies was tennis – something he and I both dedicated many hours in playing.    He and I both attended a tennis camp over a summer – while I bragged about how I was the better player I remember that near the end of the 2 week camp he and I both found our way into the camp finals: Troy vs. Curtis with the rest of the campers to cheer us on.   I recall thinking that the trophy was surely mine – I often beat Curtis on the local courts – I was excited about the trophy that would soon be mine while Curtis was calm..    However, in true Curtis form he simply out thought me and out played me that day.    In the end, he held the trophy.   He did not brag, or gloat.   That was part of his balance – in most situations he simply carried out his best effort.  He never sought the spotlight, nor was shy away – he didn't always need to win at games nor did he back away from a challenge.   
Something most remarkable about Curtis was his even demeanor.   Think a moment to yourself – answer this question – how many times did you see Curtis get mad?   Was it zero, one or two?   My count stands at two.  If we could all be a bit more like Curtis the world would be a saner and more peaceful place to live.    Of the many virtues Curtis inspired his 
And when it came to conversation it was surprisingly easy – there was a flow to his style – a mix of questions, observation and discussion.    Perhaps, out of everything I will miss our talks over dinner, the 49er's or simply on the phone.    Curtis was so equally adept at listening and sharing.
Humor – Bart always loved Curtis's humorous side – I'm glad Bart did because at first I wouldn't have recognized it for it was dry, witty and often sutble.    You may remember it for yourself – a dead-pan delivery that was accented with a wink in his eyes and a slight curl in his lips. As Bart said 

“Curtis is responsible for a large portion of my side-splitting laughter I've had in my life” Curtis was a master of left minded observations, and pointing out the funny aspects of every day events. 
He was a joy to talk to, even tempered and very insightful, and very caring for those he counted as his friends.

So, it's today I say farewell to future memories with Curtis.    But as for the past the memories are rich and rewarding: 
• Catching Frogs, Lizards and Snakes, building a small zoon in his backyard – much to the displeasure of Ellen and his mom.
• Playing endless hours of Risk, Dungeons and Dragons – to this detriment of our own sleep
• Collecting Comics, Drawing Comics 
• Riding Bikes to Far off places, Marco Polo until dark
• Watching Sci-Fi and MTV
• Playing tennis, Riding bikes and Skateboards
• Lego's, Atari and Ping Pong
In all, an exciting a rewarding start to my life, his friends that would have been completely different without Curtis.

I'd like to close with something Ron wrote: 

To George, Ellen and Yuri, wherever you may be, I would say that I am terribly sorry for your loss, I'm sure no words can help ease your pain. My hope is that you will take a moment and hold your head up and recognize that through your influence, the young man that you raised had a tremendously positive influence on all of his friends. Curtis is no longer with us, but his influence lives on today because it is in our fabric and is being passed to the fabric of our children.  Thank you for raising such a beautiful person.

The Iwanaga Dental Practice has taken care of our Family from Grandpa to Granddaughter.  Curtis we will miss you!  Our hearts are weighing heavy this sunny Sunday afternoon.

We have just received notice of the passing of dear Curtis!  We are SO deeply saddened!  Curtis was such a kind and gentle soul!  Our hearts are broken!  Deepest sympathy and condolences to his family!  Rest in Peace Sweet Curtis!

We are so saddened to hear of Curtis' passing and send our sympathy to the Iwanaga family  His kindness and gentleness will always be remembered.  Ed and JoAnn Grossmith

I am truly sadden and broken hearted that I am losing my best friend from college and dental school!! He was the one got me into Dental School! He was just like my brother...

I still can't believe that he has left us!  I didn't get to spend much time with him on his last moment and months.  I really wish I could have spent more time with him on his last moment... I don't know why I am still waiting for his emails or his updates or golfing together, but it just never came...  
I have been thinking of him for all the good time!! Gonna keep him in our hearts and prayers!! Forever gonna missing him!!!!
 
RIP our best friend Curtis.... 

With much love, 
Po and his family

We are so sorry to hear that Curtis has passed away.  Our deepest condolences to the family.  Our hearts and prayers are with you.  With Sympathy, Sue and Erich Escobar

OBITUARIO

Curtis Craig Iwanaga

3 mayo, 1965 – 23 diciembre, 2012

Willow Glen Funeral Home

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