Curtis Turner

Curtis was born in Fredonia, Kansas on March 22 1952 to Dale and Joyce Turner. He was the middle child between older sister, June and younger brother, Richard. Curtis spent his early years throwing mean curve balls on the baseball diamond with the neighborhood kids. His athletic prowess extended to football and track when he reached Fredonia High School. Curt lettered and held records for his athletic achievements. Curt also loved the guitar. He played with a band throughout his high school years.

Country and bluegrass were his go-to music selections throughout his life; bluegrass outweighing country. He journeyed to Winfield Kansas, beginning in the 1970's, once a year for many many years, camping in Winfield's pecan grove. He moved to Denver, Colorado in the late 70's looking to find his homestead. Colorado was the next love of his life. He blazed trails up and down Lookout Mountain in his prized Landcruiser. The Little Bear Saloon fostered the meeting of his one true love, wife for thirty years, Elaine. Elaine and Curtis tied the knot in January 1985.

Curtis worked in the meat industry, starting in the packing plant and ending in sales. He treated the company as his own and was highly regarded by his customers. Elaine and Curtis had their first child, Keith Dylan, in July of 1985. Their second and final child, Brian Richard, came in September of 1988. Curtis loved coaching the boys in their various sports endeavors. He supported youth sports because he believed it kept kids out of trouble and gave them life-long lessons to learn. He believed in equity of play for all the kids no matter the skill level. The experience was more than just winning to Coach Curt. He was a spectator at many Broncos home games as well as CU basketball games. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family at sporting events.

In 2010 Curtis was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and received a stem cell transplant by the end of the year. He recovered and lived it up for five good years. He enjoyed traveling, hiking and snowshoeing, and playing in his country western band Canyon Station. He loved spending time with family and friends. Family was everything to Curt. His family stood by his side January 6, 2015 when he passed into the afterlife. Curtis wanted to be remembered for always being a loving husband, father and always giving everyone a chance. He was the definition of a great man. He will be in our hearts forever.