Curtis Matthew Kulika Gavin

1963 - 2014

Curtis Matthew Kulika Gavin
Dec. 27, 1963 ~ May 15, 2014
Resident of Watsonville
Born on December 27, 1963 in San Francisco California, Curtis's fondest memories growing up were of family luau's and surfing on the North Shore of O'ahu with cousins.
As a young man, Curtis played football at Sacramento State, worked as a paramedic with CDF, rebuilt Chevy muscle cars and played drums in a local band. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at San Jose State, and served our country in the U.S. Army as a ranger with the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell Kentucky. Curtis obtained a Master's degree at War College through the military and was a veteran of multiple campaigns - from Panama to Somalia to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Curtis's greatest joy was his son, Kainu'u. He enjoyed sharing his love of music, sports, and history with Kai ("that's a Dad question … why don't you ask him when you get home?"). Curtis considered Hawai'i "home" and held Jennifer's hula ohana (Ka Lei Wehi O Ka Mailelauloa) close to his heart.
Curtis will be forever loved and remembered by his family - Jennifer, Kainu'u, and Lilikoi. His memory lives in the hearts of his parents Charles and Carmila, mother-in-law Esther, and family and friends. Curtis joined our "first child" Maili, brother Christopher, and Kai's Grandpa Ernie, in his passing on May 15, 2014 at the age of 50 ("half a century").
Jennifer and Kai sincerely thank Watsonville Community Hospital physicians and staff for the compassionate and excellent care provided to both Curtis and his family, and also extend their heartfelt gratitude to 9-1-1 Dispatch, AMR, and Cal Fire for tirelessly supporting Curtis and allowing his family the time to say a final aloha.
Donations in Curtis' memory are suggested to Kawakami-Watsonville Sister City Association (c/o 190 Wingfoot Way, Aptos CA 95003), Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL (P.O. Box 163, Watsonville CA 95077-0163), or Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Grief Support Program (940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley CA 95066).
Private services will be held in Hawaii at a later date. Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.