Kenneth Curtis

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died September 26, 2024

Ken Curtis was a Master. It would not have been in his nature to accept this honorific nor to boast of having such a title but to those of us who knew and loved him, it is a well deserved epitaph. As a Master is to Zen, being human was to Ken. His excellence was obvious in how he treated us: his family, his friends, and the newly met.
He was a lodestone of compassion and camaraderie, an adoring and adored partner in life, and the face in the crowd that radiated warmth. A big dude with a soft heart and a giant laugh that put you at ease and warmed you like a blanket. The velvet voice on the local radio imbuing everyday events with gravitas.

He was an example for us all: fighting for his fellow workers, treating all with kindness and patience, and valuing everybody. As a proud member of the United Steelworkers (USW), he served in numerous leadership roles for Local 21 over the years, fighting for employees at the Escanaba Billerud paper mill.

Kens unique charm arose from the contradictions between his burly appearance and his gentle nature. Between his gregarious persona and his solitary passions: hiking through the woodlands, crafting and tinkering in his garage, and escaping to the open road on a motorcycle . An asphalt-paved path for an enlightened man. Think “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” if you want to understand his philosophy.

After graduating from Gladstone High School in 1985, Ken earned an associates degree from Bay de Noc Community College. And we now bestow on him the title of Master: of emotional insight, of empathetic expression, and of endearing intellect.

Talking to Ken left you feeling valued as a person and it would not be anything specific that he said, despite his keen observations and sharp wit, but rather that he heard you. Not just your words, but their meaning. He cared and you knew it and it made you more real in the moment. He made us more alive and the way he lived made us better human beings.

The loss of his light dims our future. He leaves behind: his loving wife Lynn Curtis (née Kaski) with whom he shared 33 years of marriage; son Scott Young (Vandana) and their children Kaiden, Maliha, Zoe, and Bella; son Jeremy Young; son Griffin (Melissa) and their children Freya and Nora; his mother Lois; his brothers Guy (Mary) and Glen (Jen); and his aunt Sandra Carlson. He leaves behind friends too numerous to name and countless others whose life was bettered through his presence.

None of us will get to know Old Man Ken. That path no longer exists. But we will take our better selves forward and light up lives in his absence.

We will be Ken to others.

It’s what the Master would have wanted.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 4 from 3: 00 to 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A Celebration of Ken’s Life and A Time of Sharing will follow at 5:00 PM.

17 Tributes for “Kenneth Curtis”

    Lynn, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear Ken. He was way too young for this to happen to him, and I know how difficult it is to watch your husband begin to fail. God’s Peace to you and your family.

    Lynn, I would always listen to Ken on the radio as I would go from home to home during my home health days. He had such a commanding voice, and the contest to name festus, what fun. My heart goes out to you and your family, he was way too young to leave. May you keep your memories always close. Hugs.

    Lynn I am so very sorry for your loss of your wonderful hubby Ken! I could not believe what I was hearing! My heart aches for you and the family and may God bless you with prayer and strength to get through this horrible time! Sending a really big hug to you my dear! Much love Lynn! ❤️❤️

    Absolutely heartbroken to hear of Ken’s passing. He was such a kind man and I will remember him fondly. Rest in peace, Ken, you will be missed. Thinking of Lynn and the rest of your family during this difficult time – I am so sorry for your loss.

    Lynn, I was so sorry when I learned of Ken’s passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts during this difficult time.

    Lynn and Family , it breaks my heart to read this, and also fills my heart that I had the opportunity to call him my friend. He was truly a unique soul and will be dearly missed by so many. Lots of prayers and love being sent away. //,/

    A genuinely nice guy,always enjoyed our chats,very knowledgeable in a ton of topics which meant for interesting conversations.Kim and my condolences go out to Lynn,friends, and family.

    Lynn, Mike and I are so very sorry for your loss. I am going to miss the stories that Mike would come home and tell me when they were working. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts.

    To the entire Curtis family…….
    I knew Ken working for The Daily Press. All the media worked together and attended many functions.
    He was such a fun, kind and talented man.
    My heart was so sad when I read this. Bless you all.

    Oh my goodness Lynnie- so completely floored to see this! What an incredible loss to you and Grif especially, but to this community and this world, really. Ken was larger than life and a great friend with such a giant personality! Will always remember Dave and I with you two on our motorcycle rides- Dave and I still laugh about it…. I’m so sorry Lynn- really.

    Much love,
    Kris and Dave Jensen

    When I heard the news, I felt the great loss that so many of us are experiencing. The people that Ken touched is overwhelming, which goes back 40 years in my case. If it wasn’t for Ken, my life’s path would not be where it is today: leaving Esky, finding my career, or meeting my wife. Ken was the one who contacted me after graduation to attend Specs Howard with him in Detroit, which included working and rooming together. This produced good times and great memories: the hard times with no cash, getting each other to school on time, working our labor job, and fixing up our apartment to get the apartment rent free from our Boss. I taught him the art of making yellow mustard sandwiches when money was tight. I remember our first paycheck together where we splurged on Ponderosa Steakhouse; pudding never tasted so good! We had our share of arguments, like silly Boys, on stupid stuff. But we would always patch things up because we worked together. Like using our personal Superpowers (mine was saving him from Spiders in the house LOL).
    But what I will remember most are all the great times we had. High School get-togethers, joining of The Guild of ARRRRRR with the ritual “WALL” (30 pack of Stroh’s Beer). Meeting new friends at Specs, Ken’s light blue Pontiac Tempest convertible with the theme of Peter Gun blaring over the car speakers. Studying and playing hard of the weekends and laughing so hard that our sides hurt for hours. Even meeting the Windsor Ontario Police when we decided to have a battle in middle of town with 18 in long torpedo sandwiches at 2:30 in the morning. Thank God Ken referred to us as “Stupid Americans” to the Constables. He always knew what to say.
    Even though we drifted apart with different lives, I will miss him deeply. I will miss his unmistakable laugh, his real-world intellect, and his free spirit which he passed on to everyone. Lynn, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will never let his spirit or stories die. Ken, it is because of your life, you set the course for my life. I love you Brother, very much!

    wow,another one of my fellow class of 1985 past away!im not sure who wrote this eulogy,but (master) is a very hard word to use!!js.but anywho,rip ken,you were always a cool dude back in school.see you on the other side!!

    Lynn and Family, we are all broken hearted to learn of the loss of Ken. One of the most talented and nicest guys we’ve ever worked with . He will certainly be missed by all. Hugs and Prayers from all of us at RRN.

    I’m so very sorry for your loss. Ken was special in every way a person can be. I’ve never met a person who cared more for others than Ken did. I feel blessed to have known him.

    So sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. I always liked Ken. He was a very kind, caring and humble person. May your memories be a blessing.

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