I was deeply saddened to hear about Curtis.  He was one of my closest friends throughout our high school and college years.  We spent a lot of time together, driving around, cutting classes, playing sports, talking and sharing ideas, and enjoying each other's company.  On many occasions, some crazy notion would transform into a great idea and off we'd go.  I'll always remember Curtis for his positive outlook and enthusiastic spirit.  

During spring break 1973, we "decided" to hike the Grand Canyon.  Arizona was supposed to be a desert.  Luckily, we didn't freeze to death sleeping in the car in a vacant GC parking lot in subzero weather alongside towering snow drifts!  We went down the Kaibab Trail, hiking in snow, then ice, then mud, then finally dry ground.  An ole-timer said we could even "dip our hands in the Colorado River" (picture).  On the way back, for traction, we had to push off and run the switchbacks in our tread-less tennis shoes.   What a great memory.  

In July 1976, Curtis spotted an ad for a pair of tickets to multiple Olympic events in Montreal.  Using Greyhound bus passes, we zigzagged to Montreal, stopping to visit relatives in Chicago and Toronto.  In Montreal, we purchased additional tickets and cheered Nadia's perfect 10 and attended most of the track and field finals.  Together, we screamed, jumped, and waved a giant Yugoslavian flag as they beat the Russian team in the basketball semifinals.  After Montreal, we traveled to NY, Boston, Rhode Island, and DC.   With Curtis by my side, it was one of the most memorable times of my life.    

After drifting apart, in 2014 we reconnected, did our best to summarize the past 40 years in e-mails, and planned to get together.  Now, an opportunity lost.

To the Higashi family, my deepest condolences for your loss.  Curtis will always remain one of my closest and dearest friends.  I'll never forget his wide smile, bouncy step, uncontrollable hair, and all of the memories we shared together.    




To the family of Curtis Higashi,   Hello my name is Don Royston I was a childhood friend of Curtis growing up in Monterey, Ca.  I just found out about Curtis' passing and I just wanted to tell you that your husband, your father was a genuine high caliber individual while attending Walter Colton Junior High, Monterey High, and Monterey Peninsula College. Curtis was a fierce competitor in all sports that he participated in and he was a school friend of compassion and integrity.  Whenever I think of my friends in Junior High and High School, Curtis is right there with the best of them. We played Basketball, Football, and ran Track together. I watched Curtis go from a above average sprinter to a high level sprinter in Junior college. I loved Curtis and everyone loved Curtis.  To the Higashi family I am so sorry for your loss and I am saddened  because the world has lost one truly remarkably nice guy. Thanks Curtis for making my childhood as memorable as I experienced it with you.
Don Royston

Memorial Service

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary

Curtis Higashi

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

Plan a Funeral or Cremation Default Desktop

Find Obituaries and Services

Send Flowers

sympathy and etiquette

grief library

celebrations of life

What to Say When Someone Dies

Show Your Support

Sympathy and Grief

obituary

services

memories

Obit Detail

In the care of

share to facebook

share by email

share link

Share Obituary

ideas and resources

Sympathy and Grief Mobile

OBITUARY

Curtis Yoshiyuki Higashi

April 2, 1954 – January 27, 2020

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services