Edward Currier

Edward John Currier
February 28, 1926 - March 11, 2017
Edward John Currier was born in Grand Junction, Colorado to Lucius and Florence Currier. He lived his early years on the family farm in the Appleton area north of town. He grew up cultivating and irrigating corn and alfalfa, also helping his father herd cattle on the desert and family land in Collbran.
Ed graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1943, and continued to work on the farm until he was drafted into the Army in 1945. His unit trained for the invasion of Japan, but after the bomb was dropped was instead sent to Germany, where he worked in the occupational forces.
Private Currier returned to the farm and Collbran ranch after his service, fixing fence and herding cows. During this time he met Margaret Evelyn Carns, who lived on the land neighboring the Currier ranch. They were married on June 8, 1952, and she remained the love of his life for over 64 years until his passing.
After marrying Margaret, Ed completed his Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He embarked on a career that would take him around the world. He began work as an engineer for the City of Los Angeles, designing drainage features for the rapidly expanding freeways. He longed to return to Colorado, accepting a job with the Bureau of Reclamation Denver office in 1956, where he helped design features for Glen Canyon Dam, also serving as a field engineer for construction of Palisades Dam in Idaho.
In 1958, he began work with the global firm Tipton and Kalmbach, Inc. In 1960, he was assigned to direct a team of engineers in Lahore, Pakistan, moving there with his wife and three young children. While there, he operated a hydraulics and sediment testing lab and designed features for a vast irrigation canal network linking together the five main tributaries of the Indus River.
In 1963, the family returned to Denver. Longing to return to his roots, the family moved to Grand Junction in 1964, where he began working for Western Engineers. In his over 30 year history with Western, he became President and General Manager. During his tenure, Western designed many local and regional projects, including Ute Water delivery systems, Jerry Creek reservoir, Taylor Draw reservoir, and work in Arizona for Interstate 10 and the Central Arizona Project. Beginning in 1967, he also provided engineering services to the Colorado River Conservation District for many years. He became involved in numerous vital Colorado River water projects, serving many times as an expert witness for water law and other important issues. In the 1990's, he retired from Western, beginning a private engineering consulting career.
Ed enjoyed assisting numerous clients with engineering services, including many Grand Mesa dam rehabilitation projects, and water entities such as the West Divide Conservancy District.
During his life in Grand Junction, he continued to farm and ranch, completing several land improvements over the years. He served for many years on the Grand Valley Irrigation Company Board of Directors, and after his tenure designed improvements for the company. He served for many years on the Grand Valley Power Board of Directors, as well as serving and providing leadership for the Battlement Mesa Conservancy District.
Ed had a lifelong love of classical music and opera. He was an ardent supporter of the Grand Junction Symphony and hated to miss a concert. Blessed with a wonderful voice and musical ability, he sang for many weddings and funerals over the years as soloist, as well as singing duets with his brother, Bruce, and in family quartets. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, working alongside them on the farm and ranch. He loved to travel with his wife and family, particularly enjoying exploring new places by car, "just being on the road.".
Ed loved God and was baptized at First Baptist Church at ten years old. In 1978, Ed and Margaret were commissioned, along with four other families to attend Grand Valley Church of the Brethren upon its merging with the American Baptist Convention. For the last 17 years, they have been faithful members of their adopted church home at First Presbyterian Church where Ed has served in many ways through music, leadership, and educational ministries.
Ed is preceded in death by his brother, Bruce.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Margaret; son, Jim (Pam Clark); daughters, Lola Childs (Rick), Debbie Oliver (Lin), Alane Currier Griggs (Jerry); sister, Alice Englund; eight grandchildren, Alisa Quiñones (Otto), Janna Belmont (former spouse, Danny), Jeff (Julie), Emily Osburn (Chris), William (Oliver), Christopher (Oliver), Timothy (Oliver), Ben (Griggs); and 11 great-grandchildren.
Ed passed away on March 11, 2017, surrounded by his family. The family wishes to thank Dr. Gayle Miller and HopeWest Hospice for their wonderful care and comfort, as well as many friends, near and far.
A celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Monday, March 20, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 ½ Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506.