Gil McCurdy was born on August 1, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan to parents Correal and Ruth Gillis. Correal passed away when Ruth was 6 months pregnant with Gilbert. Later Ruth remarried to Eugene McCurdy who adopted Gilbert and his older brother, Donald. He passed away in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at the age of 83.
He is survived by his wife, Mary L. McCurdy of San Antonio: daughter, Lynda L. McCurdy of Devine: Granddaughter, Angelique Mary Sims Coleman and her husband, Matt Coleman of Austin: Sister-in-law, Doris McCurdy; nephew & niece, Don McCurdy, Bob McCurdy & Claudia Henry & children.
Gil was raised in Beulah, Michigan on the Betsy River where his father worked at the dam & his mom managed the house & kids. He was active in sports in high school & then attended college for a while before joining the Air Force where he was bunkmates with Norman Rockwell’s son. He was on the Air Force Boxing team & won all but one match. He was sent overseas during the Korean War & also received injuries from a plane crash.
He met Mary while on leave at a dance hall St. Louis. MO. When he first saw Mary, he said to his friend, “See that girl, I’m going to marry her” Then 3 months later, July 5th, 1952, they were married. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls & nine months later they had their only child, daughter, Lynda McCurdy.
Gilbert was a successful, Realtor/Broker/Property Manager/ Business Owner. He & Mary resided in Beulah, MI: Grand Rapids, MI: Traverse City, MI: Long Boat Key, Florida and San Antonio, TX
Gil had an adventurous and active life. He taught Golden Gloves to young men in Traverse City, Michigan & was a wonderful mentor to many young men. He loved to fish & taught Lynda at age 3, and loved to be out in the woods, but not to hunt. Gil & Mary or a buddy traveled on their motorcycles through mountains and small towns, & he was an excellent tennis player. While in San Antonio, Gil became a faithful Spurs fan and recently a fan of the local Scorpions soccer team.
He had an adventurous personality & his wit was quick and hilarious. Gil loved to talk to people and everyone that had the privilege to know him, loved him
Gil was a devoted & proud grandfather to Angelique. They made wonderful memories together, from parasailing when her mom & grandma didn’t know, to just simply sitting together talking. Being proud of his beautiful granddaughter is an understatement. Through her you can see his wit, his adventurous spirit and his deep and loving heart. They were two peas in a pod. “He is the best Grandpa ever!”
Lynda says: “As a father, there isn’t a man that can compare to him in my eyes. His unconditional love and support cannot even begin to be described in words & we had a magical bond. His sense of humor always made a bad day, better. When my Daddy’s arms were wrapped around me the world would become a safe place. He taught me how to be strong, to love unconditionally, to take care of my family, to take chances, to trust myself and my heart, to never let my mistakes be a fault but a stepping ladder to learning what not to do. I will never stop hearing him say “I love you too. Kid”
Gil and Mary worked hard during their lives &for many years they worked side by side managing businesses. The love that bonded them for over 61 years is rare. But they did it and on their 61st wedding dinner, Gil grabbed his beautiful bride and gave her kiss that anyone could tell that they still had that honeymoon spark.
He is the rock of this small family. The knowledge that he is waiting for us & we will see him again and will never again have to say “goodbye” gives us peace. The prayers & love from our friends and family will help us to endure the time between then and now. Thank you so very much & may God’s blessings always upon you.
Services for Gil McCurdy will be at 11:45am on Friday, May 3, 2013 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Tx. Directions to the service will be given at the gate by a representative from Colonial Funeral Home.
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