CURTIS LAWRENCE KATZ

Curtis Lawrence Katz of Chicago (49 years) died on April 9, 2011 after a year-long battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 57. Born in Endicott, NY on Aug. 29, 1953, Curtis grew up in Wayne, NJ, attended Wayne Hills H.S. where he was a sensation in lead roles in plays and musicals, and Northwestern University where he majored in radio, TV and film. At Northwestern, he met his late wife, Suzanne Katz (nee Sciez). From 1980 until his death, Curtis worked for Amtrak, primarily as a Train Attendant, eventually working every Amtrak route crewed out of Chicago. He is particularly remembered by his passengers for his narration of the sights and landmarks along the western routes he worked. A lifelong rail fan, Curtis acquired a scholar's knowledge of railroads, railroading and model trains, as well as film animation; radio comedy and drama; World's Fairs; unusual songs; and popular culture. A prolific cartoonist and writer, Curtis's work appeared regularly in Passenger Train Journal, Railfan and Railroad Magazine, and Nostalgia Digest. He was also an occasional guest on the Those Were the Days radio program on WDCB. Curtis was the volunteer curator for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Collection at the Newberry Library. Athletic as an adult, Curtis avidly learned to play baseball and basketball, and took up skiing, mountain hiking, and skydiving. He particularly loved to ice skate. Curtis was, for many years, an active member of the Second Church of Christ Scientist, where he served on the board of the congregation and as reader. He is best remembered for his constant, often zany good humor, both musical and verbal; his positive attitude; and his desire to help others. Even in the hospital, his first words to any visitor or staff member were always, "What can I do for you?" His dearest wish was that the people around him should be happy. Curtis is preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Katz. He is survived by his father, Arthur and step-mother Frances (Raleigh, NC); brothers Kenneth (Madison, WI) and Seth (Peoria, IL); six nieces; one nephew; and a host of friends throughout the US. Interment private. A memorial service for both Curtis and Suzanne will be held at the Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites, 8500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago on Sunday, May 29 at 3 p.m. Memorial may be made to the Burlington Route Historical Society, Curtis Katz Memorial, P.O. Box 456, La Grange, IL 60525; the Lyric Opera of Chicago at http://www.lyricopera.org/support/donate.aspx; or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.