David George Curdy

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of David George Curdy, who left this world peacefully on June 10, 2026, at the age of 73, after a courageous battle with complications from a brain injury. David was born on February 22, 1953, in Vancouver, Washington, to his loving parents, David and Mary Catherine Curdy.

David's life was a testament to dedication, service, and love. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Sharon. Their union, begun on April 29, 1989, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was a partnership filled with unwavering love, friendship, and shared purpose. Together, they raised their cherished son, Bryant Alexander Curdy, who, along with his wife Madison, blessed David with a granddaughter, Meredith, the light of his later years. David is also survived by his brother, James Curdy, and his sister, Kathleen Schwab, who will forever hold his memory close. David has extended family including sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and many cousins whom he loved dearly. He is predeceased by his brother, William Curdy, two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

David's academic journey began at Camas High School in Camas, Washington, where he graduated in 1971. He valued the athletic teams and coaches who had a lasting impact on his life. He was a member of the State Football Championship Team in 1969, allowing his induction into the Camas High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. He pursued higher education at Washington State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in public administration in 1975. It was during his time at WSU that he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program. His thirst for knowledge and passion for aviation led him to complete a Master's of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

David devoted nearly three decades to the United States Air Force, serving from 1976 to 2005, and achieving the esteemed rank of Colonel. His exemplary service took him across the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He completed undergraduate pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in 1977. He was a command pilot with more than 2200 flying hours. He earned the distinguished "Pilot of the Year" and "Wing Top Gun of the Year" in 1983 in the F4G Phantom. He was a graduate of the USAF Fighter Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. David continued his flying career upon selection on the cadre team to introduce the F15E Strike Eagle in Europe at RAF Lakenheath, England. He was the Operational Support Squadron Commander while at RAF Lakenheath. He continued his career in later years as the Support Group Commander at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, the Vice Wing Commander at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia and was the Inspector General for Armed Forces Europe. David was awarded the Legion of Merit with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with four Bronze OLC, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal with two OLC, Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor with seven OLC in recognition of his outstanding contributions. Following his military career, David continued his service to the nation as a Senior Defense Analyst with the U.S. Northern Command from 2006 to 2019.

A man of faith and community, David was a member of the Woodmen Valley Chapel for 22 years. He remained actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved Eagle Scout and mentored Bryant and fellow scouts for many years. He supported the Air Force Association, Wild Weasel Association, Commemorative Air Force, and the Washington State Alumni Association. His love of aviation, sports cars, and motorcycles was matched only by his enthusiasm for travel, reading, political rhetoric and gardening. David's quick wit, warm smile, and genuine kindness endeared him to all who knew him. He had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued, touching countless lives with his generosity and open-hearted gratitude.

A service to honor and celebrate David's remarkable life will be held on June 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Woodmen Valley Stone Chapel, Rockrimmon Campus, located at 290 E Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Washington State University ROTC Detachment 905 Scholarship Fund in David's name, honoring his legacy of service and commitment to the future of our nation's leaders.

He will be interred at the Arlington National Cemetery later this year.

The Curdy family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during this difficult journey. A simple thank you will never suffice to convey their appreciation. Their community of faith, family, friends, and healthcare professionals has proven that they will continue to walk with them, offering solace and strength.

David's journey was marked by a profound sense of duty, love, and faith. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever inspire us to live with the same grace, courage, and unwavering dedication that defined his extraordinary life.