CURTIS
“The Lord spoke to the heavy hearts
that stood with hats in hand,
'Your sadness pains me deeply
and I know you'll miss this man.'”
- Baxter Black
With immense heartache we share that John Rance Curtis of Hoadley, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at the age of 69 years. John experienced an accident with his tractor in January and endured a lot of broken bones. He put up a good fight, but his kind and loving heart wore out.
John was born on August 28, 1953 in Red Deer, Alberta. He was the eldest of nine children born to Rance and Inez Curtis. John met the love of his life, Susan Tregunna, at a Saddle Club dance in Mount Forest, Ontario. They were married and their first child, Brenda, was born in Mount Forest. Their adventures out west began shortly after. The young family settled down in Hoadley, Alberta and their second child, Robert, was born in Rimbey. John then accepted a job at Burns Ranches in Calgary where they lived for a while, and where their third child, Derek, was born. In 1977 they relocated to Big Valley and John worked for Brian and Ione Butterfield. The family then moved again in 1992 to the Santee's Farm north of Crestomere, returning to Hoadley in 1994 where John took over the family farm and they would stay.
Family was very important to John. He was extremely proud of his children, and he treasured any time spent with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was filled with pride to have both of his great-grandsons named after him in the last year.
John also loved hunting, fishing, ranching, golfing, and rodeoing. In 2000 he embarked on another adventure that he adored, which was driving school bus. He loved the kids and the kids loved him! He also participated in a few bus rodeos, teaching some of the other drivers how to accomplish some of the obstacles. John was also the president of the Hoadley Hall Board and of the Hoadley Cemetery. As well, he served on the board of the Lacombe Feeders Association.
In his lifetime, there were many things John was "always" known for. He was always ready to help whoever needed it, and he always included everyone so no one felt left out. And John also always had time for a visit - which is why he was "always" late!
John will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Rest high on that mountain, cowboy. Your work on earth is done.
John will be forever remembered by his loving wife of 50 years, Susan; his children Brenda Smawley (Lorne Wheeler) of Pigeon Lake; Robert (Charlotte) Curtis of Donalda; and Derek Curtis (Cheryl Frank) of Ponoka; as well as his grandchildren Darien (Madi), Jenna (Wyatt), Meghann (Cody), Ben (Roisin), Jed (Jesse), Jake, Rex, and Camryn; and his precious great-grandchildren Seara, Rylee, Easton, and Owen. He will also be forever remembered by his siblings Wilfred (JoAnne) Curtis, Alberta Kitchen (Rod Sawley), George (Dawne) Curtis, Marlene (Bruce) Phillips, Jenny (Richard) Parker, Colleen Pittman, Ken (Wendy) Curtis, and Sheila (Randy) Warner; in addition to many nieces, nephews, other special family members, and countless treasured friends. John was predeceased by his mum and dad Inez and Rance; a nephew Kevin; brother-in-law Kelly; and two nieces Kim and Jessica.
A Memorial Service was celebrated in John's Honour at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Rimbey on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with the Reverend Father Les Drewicki officiating. Interment took place immediately after the service in the Hoadley Cemetery, with a luncheon following at the Hoadley Community Hall. If friends desire, memorial tributes in John’s memory may be made directly to the Hoadley Community Hall, Site 7, Box 30, R.R. 2, Bluffton, Alberta T0C 0M0. Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.
Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late John Rance Curtis entrusted to the care of
