John Louis Curzon

John Louis Curzon loved life, family, friends, and sports with a passion. John was born on July 12, 1935 in Wallace, Idaho to John James Curzon and Dorothy Bonson Curzon. He spent his early years in idyllic Holden, Washington on the north end of Lake Chelan where his father managed the Howe-Sound Mine. He attended high school as a boarding student at Lakeside High in Seattle, Washington. He frequently ran afoul of his teachers and coaches during his years at Lakeside High. A comment from his 1951 report card read, “We find it particularly hard to apply discipline, for Johnny is so likable and irrepressible.” During the summers, he returned to Holden and worked at the mine. After graduating from Lakeside High

in 1953, he attended Mesa College and Colorado College, earning a B.A. in Business Administration and Banking while excelling in college baseball and basketball. John played semi-pro baseball in Lander, Wyoming and played against the Kansas City Monarchs. He welcomed them to town by visiting their boarding house and buying them a case of beer. John was adept at stepping over social norms to show kindness.

In the summer of 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves and served two years active duty on the USS Bennington.

John had a long and ultimately successful journey as a business entrepreneur. He was always inventing and innovating. His ingenuity and passion for marketing led to many great ventures, and a few infamous ones as well, like his Christmas tree lot and short lived book binding business. Invariably, John demonstrated an honest and fair work ethic. Strong, determined, and incredibly street-smart through

multiple economic downturns, John guided his startup company, Industrial Specialties, to a successful and rewarding finish.

John’s gift for athletics meant sports were an enduring part of his life, which he enjoyed sharing with many cherished friends. In his retirement, he excelled in tennis and golf. Another dream came true when John was awarded MVP at the inaugural Colorado Rockies fantasy camp in 1996. John also had a short career as a bullfighter after venturing into Mexico during a tennis tournament in San Diego. John hung up his cape after a collision with the bull.

Friends describe John as kind, gracious, and fun beyond imagination. Many of his treasured friendships, heroes, and athletic achievements are immortalized in his “Hall of Shame”. He was also a prolific note writer. Friends and family never shared time with him without receiving a note of thanks in the following days.

John was generous to a fault. He would slip the waitress his credit card for the tab as he was being seated. He would reward any service worker with an outsize tip. Everyone that socialized with him knew how difficult it was to spend their money when he was around. He would always have time to talk and empathize with his friends and would always make an effort to make a new friend.

He is survived by his beloved life companion, Bonnie Belue and her family, and by his children and their families: John Curzon (Janet) - children Jack, Madaline; Jim (Maile) Curzon - daughter Metta; Ginny Curzon - sons Zachary, Eric, Jim Rabun; and Chris Erickson - son Sam and 3 great grandchildren.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Curzon family.