Susie,
What a moving day, and how grateful I am to be part of a community of such supportive people. I was most touched by reflecting on the stories that asked how a bunch of hell raisers like ourselves became people like Dave who nurtured and mentored kids who were about to fall off the cliff, and went on to such great lives. And I so agree that it's such a good thing that we overcame the objections of Tommy, and then listened to Mr. Gaeta who insisted that we sing "the Bells". 
Be well and know we are with you,  Michael Gaboury

David was a glue that held that together...I'm so sad he is gone..it just can't be..you take his place in our brotherhood. We all were so lucky to have made a lifelong friend and are missing a part without his bear hug , bone crunching grip and genuine friendship.
Were it my time I could have hoped for no better send off than what you made happen for David. It meant a lot to all of the 65ers to celebrate together for somebody we held dear. BRAVO.   
Barry Healy

We love you, too, Susie. Dave lives on and all of us, but especially in you and his wonderful family. He will be with us always.  Tommy Brown

Dear Susan,
I do not believe that we have ever met and I am sorry that I could leave Texas to attend the funeral and tribute to your wonderful husband. My wife has late-stage colon cancer and was in the hospital at the time, making it impossible for me to leave her side. 
I recall how welcoming Dave was to me as a freshman at St. Mary's. Dave was very popular and I was a nerd-and still am--but Dave found a way to make me feel welcome. That was back in 1961 and it is something to say that I remember it well to this day.
With sincere appreciation,
Dr. Richard Leo Enos, Piper Professor (State of Texas)
Holder of the Lillian Radford Chair of Rhetoric and Composition

Regretfully, I must admit it wasn't me who insisted we sing our alma mater. It was, indeed, Mr. Brown who urged us to sing that song. I suggested a Frank Sinatra song. Must've been the beer and wine. How many times have you heard that?  Steve Gaeta

Stevo, I think it's just old-timers disease. Rich, we were all nerds in the 9th grade but I can't say what we are now.
Susie, What I received true to heart from Dave's memorial was when one of the speakers said the greatest memorial you can give your loved one is to remember an attribute you admired and incorporate it in your life. There were many great attributes Dave possessed and the one that sticks out for me was that he treated everyone like they were his long lost friend even people that he just met. It's sad Dave is not still with us but we will keep him alive in our hearts. We will all be there for you.       Nick Smith

Hey Big Dave - I'll never forget the first time I met you as a brand new officer. I was so very intimidated because all of St. Helena knew and loved you. I remember kids telling me they could never run from you because you'd still find them AND you'd talk to their parents! I have enjoyed getting to know you and your lovely wife over the years. You are a good man, Charlie Brown! Love and prayers.

I just wanted to reach out to you. I did not know your husband, nor do I know you, but I did work at the Natives Son's Hall that day. Time and time again, people would wander back into the kitchen and just start telling wonderful heartfelt stories about him. They all talked about his level of compassion, his love for family, dedication to his job, and his sense of humor. It was an honor to be present at the celebration of his life. He clearly was a man that had an enormous positive impact on all the people he encountered. I hope time, family and friendships will help to heal your heart.

I am very sad to learn about David's passing.    

There is a picture of retired Dave at the American Legion Bar with a drink in his hand and that familiar twinkle in his eye.  That of course is the Dave that I knew and will always remember him by his laugh and the ability to spin a good yarn.

Something that was so endearing were the sheer number of friends that came to see David in Napa during such a time of physical pain for him.  There was always a crowd of three or more and people sharing funny stories about Dave even when he was sleeping.  I think what touched so many people and made them friends was the way he treated those he liked.  His concern for the youth and his constant belief in always to protect and serve the town, American Legion, and Native Sons, and probably a few more organizations that I do not even know about.

Excerpt from St. Helena Star, 1991, article by Kim Beltran."According to biographical information made available to the chamber, Curtin has been more successful in terms of case closures, property recovery and convictions than any other St, Helena police officer in the history of the department. He has also received more official commendations and been the recipient of more letters of appreciation from outside the department than any other officer now or before him."

Dave was a mentor to all of us. He taught us all to go the extra step. He did more and meant more to St. Helena than any other officer. I will fondly remember working with him and knowing him as a co-worker and friend. He will be greatly missed.

We are very saddened to hear of the passing of David.  He was full of life and always said something to make you laugh.  Our prayers are with the family

                                                                              Tom & Kathleen Maeve and family

So sorry to hear about Dave. He was always friendly and helpful, an all around good guy. My thoughts are with you during this time.

We were so shocked and saddened at the passing of Dave. I have such wonderful memories of him. There were many times when Dave went out of his way to help us. Once he and Tim came over to the house to teach and coach my son, Andy, a Napa police officer, to pass his Sergeants exam.  He made it, thanks to their teaching.  It made such a difference in his career.
When my husband died in 1996 Dave arranged for him to have full military honors at this funeral. As my darling husband, Capt. John Nelson Horrocks, USN (Ret) was here in St. Helena at the time, it was a marvelous and beautiful memory for his own family and for me and my family.  I remember how hot it was that day, August 1996. I remember us sharing a Guinness once at your house.  My heart and soul go out to you and your children. I think I know how hard the loving and missing feel.  I send you love and hope time will help heal your sorrow.  
Love again,

From all of us at Nature Select Foods Health Food Store in St. Helena, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Dave Curtin.

We came to know Dave Curtin because he was our customer for many, many years.
Whenever he would come by, he always brought joy, laugher, happiness and friendship to all of us here and he knew how to lift up everybody's hearts.
He will not be forgotten and he truly will be missed.

A great memory is when we “camped out” in your driveway last summer. It was so fun to be there all weekend visiting, swimming, B.B.Q.ing etc.  The best part happened at about 11:00 night and we four “boys” lined up chairs in the garage and settled in to watch Cool Runnings!

I remember when I was a kid that you guys “stopped by for a visit” on your way home from a vacation! You all hung out and such a good time that you stayed for dinner…..and then the time passed and you ended up staying the night.  I said goodbye before I went off to school….but when I got home from school you all were still there! Then the time passed and you stayed for dinner (and drinks I'm sure) and another night at the “Pleasanton Curtin B&B”. Of course the next morning I said goodye AGAIN because you'd really e heading home….. and when I got home from school you were still there!!!  What a great childhood memory.

When I think of Dave Curtin one of the first words that come to mind is Honorable. David was every bit of that and then some. He was an amazing person both in and out of uniform. Dave recruited me into the ranks of Saint Helena Police Department, trained me, mentored me, and above all became my friend. A true family man that spoke of his family with pride and love ringing in his voice, Dave is one of those people that was taken way too soon, but won't be soon forgotten. RIP David Curtin, you are sorely missed.

Dave was the first officer I met when I moved to St. Helena in 1984, I knew him as a friend and
fellow vet. We lost a good one.

I think perhaps the highest compliment was paid David by our daughter Anne who said “David was one  of the good guys he was a good cop.”  Considering she is not one to pay compliments, that is high praise.

When we moved here 17 years ago, Dave was the first person we met.  We were moving in and he was driving by in the patrol car. We visited on the street and he was so friendly and he invited us to the American Legion for dinner.  He was a wonderful man! I am so happy I talked with him the last time he dropped by the Legion dinner.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dave was a very special person. He supported so positively many important community organizations. He will be so missed by family and friends.

My sister and I send our deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of your husband and father. We will always remember him in full uniform patrolling the streets of St. Helena in a squad car. Just seeing Dave behind the wheel made a lot of us feel a lot safer throughout the community of St. Helena.

Uncle Dave, You have been like a “bonus” grandpa to my boys since both of the grandpas are in heaven. Your brother “Grandpa Jack” is looking down smiling at how well you've taken care of and loved his grandsons! You bought them their first tackle boxes loaded with all of the essentials. You bought them their firs very cool Coleman lanterns.  Every Christmas you always have called to get ideas and try to do something special for them! That has meant so much to us.

David was a big guy with a big heart. He will be missed by all who knew him. He truly loved his family and extended family relatives unconditionally.  I am so sorry for your loss.

We are sending you warm thoughts and lots of love from England.  Uncle David will be missed very much. I am glad we were able to make it back to California after Okinawa.  I was able to add more memories of being with Uncle David and the rest of the family.  Hope to to see you soon, when we make it back to the states.

Dave: You will always be missed. There will be lots of stories told each time old friends are together. My love to the family.

Dave was an all around great guy! Always had a great story to tell. Of course some 33+ years ago a group of us "kids" didn't think so; we had to keep a look-out for "Curtin" who would always know where we were and who had the beer. He would always give the guys a talking to and then have them load up his patrol car with the beer.  After a few times of Dave filling his trunk (home bound?, One of the guys opened all the cans/bottles and poured them out and told Dave to buy his own, with a smile of course.  Dave would just give us a grin, shake his head and be on to the next group of kids. We laughed about this years later and I said to Dave, I bet you didn't have to buy beer those summers!  He smiled and said no he didn't, thanks to us kids! Then he poured a me drink at the NSH. Cheers to you big guy! You will be missed!

David was a cousin of mine.  He was always friendly, outgoing and kind.  He had a great sense of a humor and the ability to tell a good joke.  He and Susie hosted for many years a family gathering at their home, which was a lot of fun.  I will miss him, but do have lots of warm memories.  My condolences to Susie, Shayna, Calen and his entire family.
Jim Lee (Alameda)

I'm one of David's many nieces, and I've been reading the rest of the posts here and trying to choose a funny story to tell. There are a million. But what I want to share about Uncle David is that he loved his family completely and would have done anything for us. And for him, "family" was a wide, open circle that always had room for more. I'm sad for all of us to be without his warmth and unreserved kindness. He believed in second, third and tenth chances, and I am learning from his life to open up more and connect with strangers--to widen the circle of family. All our love to you, Uncle David.

I joined the American Legion about 15 years ago and met Dave after one of the monthly dinners. After cleanup was complete we retired to the bar for stories and drinks. The crowd thinned until it was just Dave and myself. I remember telling Dave a few times that I had to go and without missing a beat in his story, my drink was refilled. I would go when Dave was ready to go! It was the first of many nights sleeping in the legion parking lot.

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND!

Dave will be always be remembered as friend to all with compassion for those in need.

Dorothy Mackay-Collins

My condolences to Dave's family and friends, he was a great guy.

Back in the late 90s when I first brought my then-boyfriend Woody to Christmas, Uncle David shook his hand.  Hard.  Really hard.  It was pretty clear that nobody messes with his nieces.  At Easter, we went to Aunt Kathleen's house in West Oakland off of San Pablo. Woody hadn't even gotten himself a soda when Uncle David said "Hey Woody, come out back and shoot with us".  So Uncle David.

Uncle David and I had different political opinions and he would always try to get me in a debate.  I think he saved some of his most offensive jokes for me at the holidays.  He loved getting a rise out of me and his goal was to have me shake my head and walk away, speechless.  

We all miss him so much.

Copied from Facebook:

I'm guessing it was halloween night 1976 when I first had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of one Dave Curtin. We were squared off as two egg-throwing armies on Valley View. An egg had just left my hand bound for my enemies, when a police cruiser barreled into the fray. An imposing figure of a man exited from the passenger side. About then my egg impacted him square in the chest, the other officer(grumpy) charged at me with baton in hand. Curtin beat him there and with a smile on his face, asked me my name. I told him. He then proceeded to take my sleeve and wiped off his uniform, smashed all the eggs in my pockets, and informed me that call my parents as I would be washing police cars at the station for the rest of the night. Such was the understanding and compassion that was commonplace with this man. Curtain knew that "misplaced youth" was usually not a crime worthy of arrest, incarceration etc. Given the chance he would sometimes act as judge, jury, and if need be, executioner. While you may not have had a criminal record per se, rest assured Curtain was keeping tabs,(and beers)? While most his fellow officers had much earned nicknames (Babyface, Lurch, Grumpy, etc) none was ever bestowed on Curtin. I like to think that was out of shear respect for the big guy. I considered myself lucky nearly thirty years later to simply call him Dave. He truly lived by the motto "To serve and protect".He watched over the youth of this town, and so many of us were fortunate that he did. Whether it was his dedication to his family, to the community as a police officer, his dogged determination as an investigator, his devotion to veterans causes, his prowess as a bartender, or his slickness as a fireworks salesman, he truly gave above the norm. As a true champion of the rights of all he is loved and will be missed by all whose lives he impacted. So "Big Dave", when you get to where you're going and before you take up another cause, I hope you have a good long rest, my friend. And have a cold frosty one or two(thousand) on us. You have truly earned it. RIP big guy. Mike McCoy

Comments:

Thomas Carpenter: Well said Miguel!

Michael McCoy: Thanks Tom

Michael McCoy: you were throwing eggs too!

Ken Mee: So sad. He was a champion.
His wife was a big fan of the seasonal Porter we did, and I always let him know when it was on. He will be truly missed.

Monica Bei: Very much well said Mike.

Randy Kewell: I have the same storys !!!!

Ron Vuylsteke: He was a soldier to all of us who never served. 
He was always the man to remind us of how important small town involvement no matter what was always first.
Always smiling and never ever let us down. 
As an officer or just good olé Dave,

Ron Vuylsteke: Miss you and thank you....

Laura Mccoy: Beautiful Mike!! We visited Dave last week, also Shay, Spike and Susan. Dave was truly a special person..

Rose Knudsen: I am so out of the loop..is Dave gone? My ex husband worked with him as a St. Helena cop, many years ago. Good guy.

Robert Hooten: In my life I have learned to read people and I know Dave Curtin. I would never mess w that man. Didnt read your long winded post but all I needed was Dave Curtin. Make him your friend 

Robert Hooten: Shouldve read the whole post...Sorry bro Dave was a great guy and you are a better man for tangling with him. 

Linda Grayson: What wonderful sentiment, Mike. I don't remember Officer Curtin, but I do remember the egg fights...

Mark Edward Hough: Good job Mike. Great tribute.

Maria Pina-Carter: Nicely said Mike

Marko Karakasevic: They just don't make em like Dave Curtin anymore.

Matthew Redmon: Great story. R.I.P Dave Curtain.

Patty Herdell-DiTomaso: Great story Mike!!!!

Elaine Pina: I was thinking about Dave most recently and how great it would be to have a Lions Club Reunion with him. Now we won't be able to, but we can at least hold on to and share all the wonderful memories of him. Thank you Mike for sharing! RIP Dave ?

Daniel V. Steffen: Bye Curtin. I knew ya...

Gayle DeRusha Davies: awesome tribute, Mike

Bill Morgan: I just mentioned this the beginning of last month: I remember walking on Main St. in St. Helena and a police cruiser pulled to a stop alongside me. The window opened and Dave Curtin proclaimed, "Hooray! Hooray! It's the First of May! Outdoor screwing begins today!" And away he went.

Gayle DeRusha Davies: Ha ha Haw!! That's fantastic Bill !

Elaine Pina: I remember in high school, it was senior cut day when a lot of popular kids were sent to the principal's office for possession of alcohol at Crane Park. Dave just so happened to come upon them during his jog at the HS track. I have to admit that was the only day in HS that I was so happy about not being popular!

Maxine Cottrell: Wow, that takes me back! Thanks for posting.

Carolyn Corley: Very sad to learn of officer Dave Curtin's passing. I know that I'm one of many saint helena kids who is grateful to have had a local cop like him when we were growing up, who taught us our lessons the way he did.

Jill Johnson Beaman: What a sweet guy that will be missed.

Kristen Kahler: He was great!!

Lori Price: Totally. Warnings instead of arrests under the Bartolucci bridge!


Mario Roam Sculatti: Dave was a wonderful man!

Julie Corbett Cia: Oh, he was such a great man!

Belia Ramos Bennett: Such a positive influence on of us.

Dagan Janev: So sad

Amy Sawday Kramer: So sad. What a great guy.

Angela Yates Baxter: What great man and neighbor and great family too.

Gary Long: Really sad to hear this news. Truly a wonderful man.

Clint Burgstahler: Amen well said he was awesome

Tracee Oles Beebe: Oh wow... a part of the town for sure.

Margo Tantau: Oh my goodness. Memory flood. What an example.

Mario Uribe: Sad to hear this I will never forget him for always giving us advice & great stories in the garage. We will all miss you Curtin!!

Dani Forsey Brown: Very sad

Phil Baxter: a very good man, officer and citizen


Rick Paulson: Very sad I really enjoyed the years growing up with Officer Dave Curtin being a part of our "St Helena" community and activities he will be missed but not forgotten

Amber Bertolucci: 

Matthew Karl Smith: Likewise. I always respected him and appreciated his efforts on our behalf. He used to stop and talk with us about whatever game had just happened etc. when we were young. He will be missed!

Melissa Muñoz-Matheny: Breaks my heart. Well said, Carolyn. Peace be with his family.

Luke Russ: Sweetheart of a guy. We were fortunate to have him patrolling our town. He was fair and understanding of youthful enthusiasm. How age provides one with lessons. Cheers Officer Curtin. You will never be forgotten by me any many others. Thank you for your contribution to our health and well being and understanding of where the line turns from white to black.

Sheri Gardner Green: He was truly one of a kind!!

Talia Payne: I grew up on the same street as the Curtins...he was such a great guy and will be dearly missed.

Will Becker: So sorry to hear the news.

Ana Canales: As a parent, I will also miss David for his common sense policing, as a person I will miss his funny (and bad) jokes. I am thinking of Shayna and Susie - sending our prayers.

John Pina: Dave told my dad at a crane park BBQ that my burnout from Mike & Dave Wright's house was the biggest he ever saw on duty. Not a proud moment looking back. After he settled down (so mad) he had dispatch call my mom, had her walk down and drive me and the car home. Priceless lesson really. Remember Luke Russ?

Luke Russ: Haha! I remember John! The summer of burnouts. I gave my best attempt at your record with Jeff Borba's blue beast. Think they knocked on Sandy's door looking for me for that one.

Adam H. Rhodes: I remember when he caught Kenny Kenneth Mcdonald and me leaving Safeway with a couple cases of beer in the car. He pulled us over on the railroad tracks and made us empty each hard earned can on the tracks. Strike one. He would give you three strikes before he brought you downtown to their headquarters and called your parents. I think I made it to 2 and a half... Rest in Piece Mr Curtin.

Don't know where to begin, so many great ways to describe Dave. He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Father-in-Law, Protector of our Community, Protector of his Country and friend to everyone. He walked the walked and talked the talk. He would either scare the crap out of you, or make you laugh hysterically. I will miss his bigger than life personality. And his entry into my office with,"Hey little Missy what's going on". Thinking of you all,Susie, Shayna, Dave and Spike.

I hope Dave knew how many lives he touched in any one of his many roles of Veteran, Cop, facilitator or friend.

I had the pleasure of working with David at SHPD.  He was truly a Cop's Cop!  He was a department go to guy.  When you weren't sure what direction to go you'd run it by David who always seem to have the correct answer. I especially enjoyed working the graveyard shift with him. He had the ability to make those long dark nights go by quickly.  Especially on holidays like Christmas Eve.  David would cook up a huge breakfast consisting of a few items to eat - such as eggs, pancakes, sausages, bacon and ham all in one sitting!  He would invite the CHP and SO guys to drop by for what he called a small breakfast.  David was an outstanding officer who loved his community and made it a safe place to live.  I will forever miss him.

Dave Curtin was a very special guy.  I remember when our daughter was going to a big sophomore dance at Justin-Siena - the dilemma was we had previous plans on that evening. Jack mentioned this to Dave the next day at work and needless to say the problem was solved!  Dave borrowed a limo from a winery friend, dressed up as a limo driver (including the hat) and picked up our daughter and her friends for the big dance.  He took them to dinner in Yountville, dropped them off at the dance, picked them up after the dance, took them to Swenson's for ice cream and cruised the "J" before taking everyone home.  Some 30 years later our daughter talks about all the fun she and her friends had with "Mr. Curtin".  Our family loves David Curtin.  Rest in peace my friend.

MY first memories of Dave are from many years ago when I was hired to negotiate for the St. Helena Police Officers Association. As the years rolled on Dave was always there with valid insights and a great perspective. His input and professionalism were sought by many including myself. Dave was a truly "old time Cop" with all the values and ethics in place. He made his mark on this world and he will be missed by all that had the privilege to know him.
Dennis Wright/Senior Labor Representative

Dave  will truly be missed by all. His kindness and outgoing personality will always be remembered.  I am honored to have shared  his work and friendship with him and his family for over 40 years.

I've used your "writing lines" technique in disciplining my son; I tell stories of being pulled over just because you were looking for your daughter and she and I were inseparable; my childhood is full of your energy and voice. Thank you for being a part of who I am and making me a better person. You will be missed.

I had the pleasure to work with Dave at S.H.P.D. He Always had a big smile and a great attitude. Even after I went to work at the Sheriff's Dept. I would cruise through St.Helena to see my big buddy. I recall one day when I was in an unmarked detective vehicle, I was behind Dave on Main St. In St. Helena. He Didn't know I was behind him and I watched as he observed everything on each side of the street as he driving down Main St. protecting his community. For some reason that has stuck in my mind thinking, now there is a good Cop!  Rest in peace my friend. It was a pleasure to work with you. You will be missed.

Dave thank you for all your comittment to the community of St. Helena.  You truly have been an inspiration to many and we are all better because of it! We will miss you!  Thanks for all the superbowl parties at the "club" and for many of your "final, final's"!  Hugs and prayers to Susie and the kids!

i remember one christmas Dave came to my house and gave my son a toy fire truck that made noise i thought what he had done was so awesome especially for a little boy he didn't have much i am going to miss you Dave have fun in heaven with dad my prayers go out to the family and friends of Dave Curtin

Dave was one of a kind!  He and my dad shared the same birthday and always had a birthday drink together no matter what.  When my dad passed, Dave would go to Ana'a and buy an Oly, set it on the bar and have a drink with my dad.  He also always told my mom that if he was 20 years younger she'd be calling him son-in-law.  He was always good for a laugh and he knew how to take care of us "kids"! He will truly be missed in this town.  Rest in peace Dave.

We used to like to take the kids camping at Bothe camp ground.On one occasion we neglected to make reservations in a timely way.There were no spaces available.AH,call D.C..."I'll take care of it"he said.
Yeh he took care of it all right.He shows up in Calistoga,in a St. Helena squad car,lights and all.No arrests were made.
The nearby campers assumed there were dangerous criminal about and gave us a wide berth for the rest of the weekend.
My friend of 50+ years will be missed at the table.

Dave welcomed our family into one of his . . . St. Helena Post 199.  His leadership and guidance provided a great opportunity to learn and experience The Legion and the City of St. Helena.  That powerful handshake and welcoming smile.  Simply of the of The Best.  God Bless

I started my law enforcement career when Dave added me to the Police Reserves. He then became a mentor when I was hired as a full time officer. We have remained friends and he cast a large shadow over the the youth of St. Helena over the years. He remained active in the city after his retirement. There is a major void in the city and I know his family misses him dearly. Rest in Peace, Big Guy with the big heart.

Undoubtedly one of the largest influences in my life. Dave kept me focused on doing what was right. Not so much by telling me what to do, but letting me know, in his own way, that he just expected me to do right. Because he was who and what he was, I couldn't disappoint him. You will be missed Curtain!

Dave was and always be a St.Helena Icon..he was bigger than life and with even a bigger heart..I always loved his St.Patrick day party at the American Legion hall..it was always a great time.Dave,was and will always be a special part of St.Helena history..My God bless his family..during their time of great loss..

Dave always love you respected you you were my dads best friend and you never forgot us even after he was gone you are an amazing person and you'll be loved and missed forever

Dave and I met for a drink one night at Silverado Brewery. As we sat at the bar a fellow walked up and asked, "Are you Dave Curtin?" Dave pointed to me. The guy proceeded to tell the story of a time when he was drunk and kept dropping his keys as he tried to unlock the door to his truck. Suddenly he felt a kick in the pants, turned around and saw Dave picking his keys off the ground. He pointed to Dave and said, "You told me I could pick up my keys at the PD in the morning. I never thanked you for that." Dave's response? "Sounds like me."

Being a Police Officer at St. Helena Police Dept. was a new/second career for me.  I could not have worked with a better partner than David Curtin.  He was kind, caring and 'covered my back' in some interesting situations.  I'm going to really miss my Bro.

I met Dave during the worst flooding we had in years. I was a news reporter and since the flooding cut off St Helena from the rest of the valley, I rode along with Officer Curtin. I remember riding along to Vineyard Valley where my new friend Dave shows his true colors. Not only did he evacuate the mobile home site , he knocked on doors, and got on his megaphone to make sure all were safe. Then the long wait at the cinder block wall at the rear of the complex. It was rising fast. It turned out to be a messy ride- and who I thought was a big gruff cop, was really a big teddy bear..
  I also used to rent the St. Helena American Legion hall for parties - Dave was the go- to - guy! One night, during the party, I stacked up a big serving dish with delicious catered food and deserts. Another friend carried the non alcoholic drinks, and off we walked to the cop shop! A female CHP officer dropped her chops when she saw us enter---- sure enough Dave takes the tray and tells the CHP " it's not a bribe, it's a tribute"..!!!!!!! Cracked me up!!

Dave also loved to tell me the continued progress of his daughter's piloting career. He was so very proud to have a pilot in the family! From San Jose State to aerobatics, to private, twin, commercial-- he bragged on her behalf! So very sweet. Such a proud dad.  Dave- I'll miss you very much.

15 +YEARS AGO I TRANSFERRED TO POST 199. I MADE THE MISTAKE OF SITTING NEXT TO COMMANDER DAVE WHEN I REMARKED THAT THE BAR SERVICE WAS A BIT SLOW. I'VE BEEN ON BARTENDER DUTY EVER SINCE! AS COMMANDER DAVE WOULD SAY, 'FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER'. COMMANDER DAVE IS POST 199.

Dave was my good friend and I really miss his smile. One night a company was dumping empty wine bottles in a metal dumpster behind my house at 11:30 p.m., me being  a truck driver needing sleep, I went out and confronted them and they called the PD. another cop showed up and by that time I was very irate tell this other cop the bottom line of st. Helena resident vs. napa company, noise law, when a voice behind said  "calm down,JIm" I spun around to tear into the VOICE and low and behold it was my friend dave. I just calmed right down went back and went back to bed. loved the big guy. jim white

Dave had a way to make you feel welcome. When I first met Dave in early eighties it was like we knew each other for years. Throughout the years that followed our paths would cross at law enforcement functions or American Legion and he became a good friend. Missing you Buddy, R.I.P.

David never knew a stranger, always had a story to tell and a warm smile on his face. He will be truly missed!

The Curtin family would love you to share your Curtin stories; the good, the bad, the outrageous. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pathway Home Yountville, Native Sons St Helena, or the American Legion.

OBITUARY

David Curtin

February 3, 1947 – June 19, 2014

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