William P. Curtiss

Curtiss, William Phelps MD of Grosse Pointe Shores passed away at age 93. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Margaret Jean, and daughters Carol (Jack) Leibee, Catherine (Brian) Molloy, Cindy (Charley) Ireland, and Cristy (Art) Hyde, as well as eight wonderful grandchildren. Bill was born and raised in Camrose, Alberta, moved with his family during the depression to Muskogee, Oklahoma where he attended high school & college, and joined the U.S. Navy when the war started. The Navy put him through medical school at the University of Oklahoma, where he met and fell instantly in love with the woman who became his bride. After the war and his discharge from the Navy, he and Jean moved to Detroit. During over 50 years of medical practice in the greater Detroit area, he touched the hearts of his many patients. He was Chief of Staff at Deaconness Hospital on Jefferson Avenue and made house calls throughout the Detroit area. His private practice started when he treated striking Chrysler workers without charge. He later worked out of Cottage and St. John's Hospitals on the East Side, and taught at Macomb Community College and Wayne State Medical School. Bill also was one to constantly reinvent himself and was an avid bird watcher, collector of toy soldiers, trains and boats, Civil War historian, trumpet player in a neighborhood "big band," and Spanish speaker. After retirement he took up golf at Lochmoor Club, the Country Club of Detroit, and the Naples Country Club. Up to the end he could beat everyone but his wife at Scrabble. His love, kindness, jokes, poems and cheerful presence will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 13 from 4-5:30 followed by a short service, at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Farms. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society or another charity of your choice.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe Woods

20705 Mack

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236