Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Walt Currie Obituary
Great Falls —Walter Eugene Currie, 69, passed away on June 16, 2013 due to complications from hemochromatosis. He was surrounded by his family in Great Falls.
A celebration of life service is planned for Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the old gym at Great Falls High School. A reception will follow at the Flamingo Lounge.
Walt was born October 20, 1943 in Missoula to Jack and Alice (Mueller) Currie. Growing up in St. Ignatius he attended grade school and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1961. While in high school, he met and fell in love with Trudy Stevens and they married May 16, 1964 in St. Ignatius. During their 49 year marriage they were blessed with two children, Jeff and Tracy.
Walt graduated from the University of Montana with degrees in education and history. The Currie family moved to Hermiston, OR for Walt's first teaching and coaching job in 1969. In 1977, Walt and family moved to Havre where he taught history at Havre High and was an assistant coach for football and wrestling. In 1978, he became the head coach in both sports and was at the helm of the Blue Ponies until 1987. Walt and Trudy returned to Hermiston in 1987 where he was the head football coach and later the head wrestling coach. After four years, Walt and Trudy missed Montana and moved to Great Falls where he taught and was the head wrestling coach and a freshman football coach at Great Falls High. When MSU-Northern decided to develop a new football program, he decided to tackle this challenge and became the head coach. This also gave him the opportunity to coach with his son, Jeff, which was something he had always wanted to do. In 2003, Walt retired from teaching and coaching. He and Trudy moved to Great Falls to enjoy retirement. Not long after he retired, he was back on the field calling plays for the Fort Benton Longhorns. During his entire coaching career, he received many accolades and awards; however, the greatest reward he received was the respect from his peers, friends, players and students. His positive attitude and infectious laughter were always present in the classroom and on the playing field.
Also during his life he worked summers for the Forest Service. He started his forest service career working for the Lolo Fire District. Always up for a challenge, he became a Missoula smokejumper in 1975. As a smokejumper, he fought fires throughout the West and loved every minute of it. He even survived a plane crash in Alaska. Walt transferred to the Grangeville Air Center (GAC) in 1987. Walt "Big Bull" Currie jumped out of GAC until 2004 where he made his 260th fire jump on the Jacob Fire in the Salmon River breaks at the age of 61. He retired from the forest service in 2004 but worked after retirement during the summers at GAC. He loved his smokejumper brethren and he made many lifelong friends.
Walt lived his life to the fullest and had no regrets. He loved every minute of it. His sense of humor, laughter and smile will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Trudy; son Jeff (Stacie) Currie of Havre, MT; daughter Tracy (Kevin) Webster of Sunnyside, WA.; grandchildren Ryan (Dorothy) Webster of Mesa, AZ, Jon Currie of Havre, Taylor, Megan, and Ivan Cline of Havre; great-grandson Micah of Mesa, AZ; sisters Margaret (Mike) Corcoran of Sun City West, AZ and Mary Alice (Bruce) Thomas of Polson; sister-in-law Vicki Moran of Great Falls; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother Bud Currie, and in-laws Clyde and Betty Stevens.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Havre Public School Education Foundation, Great Falls High Booster Club or a charity of your choice.
Condolences can be left online at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walt Currie
Bob James
July 15, 2013
Walt and I trained together in 1975. It was obvious he was more physically fit than most of us. From the day we met I knew this guy was going to be a good friend....to all of us. He always had that infectious smile that made us all start smiling. Walt was always positive. On a flight from West Yellowstone to Missoula, we were flying through a severe thunderstorm and the plane was hit by lightning. Walt started going through the plane looking for something. I asked him what he was looking for. He said he was looking for a Playboy magazine because if we are going down, he was going to have a smile on his face. Just like Walt. The rest of the trip was no problem after that. I could tell more stories, but there are too many to tell. My heart goes out to Walt's family. His Smokejumper family is with you sharing the pain of his loss.
Robert McKean
July 2, 2013
I just learned of Walt's passing through Smokejumper.com.
I jumped with Walt for several years and had great respect for him. He was tough and a lot of fun to be around. We called him "Mr. Blue Pony."
Walt always had a ready smile and a hearty laugh. He will be deeply missed by his smokejumper family!
My regards to his family.
Sarah
June 26, 2013
Mr. Currie was my history teacher at GFHS. He was a fun teacher. He had such a great sense of humor and million dollar smile. I am so sorry for your family's loss.
Dave Hanson
June 25, 2013
I was honored to be coached by Walt in both Football and Wrestling in the early 80's. He made a significant and positive impact on me that I continue to carry with me today. My prayers are with the Currie family during this difficult time. God Bless.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Erika Brunner
June 25, 2013
Rest in peace
Erika Hoggatt-Brunner
June 25, 2013
Currie family I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Currie was a favorite teacher/coach to all at Havre High. He is the only one I even remember and that was due to his amazing personality, smile and charisma! We will all miss him and keep you in our thoughts
Tami Duncan
June 22, 2013
Dear Currie Family, I am so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you. I had Mr Currie for a teacher when I was in High School in Havre. He was awesome teacher. Tami Gebhardt Duncan
Mark Ramage
June 22, 2013
I played football as a Havre Blue Pony for Walt in the early 80's. Walt has a passion for coaching and life, he is a true winner. We all know the impact he made in peoples lives, and are all blessed by that. Our prayers are with his family. God Bless.
Charlie Palmer
June 22, 2013
Words at a time like this are tough to find, but they are some of the few things we have to express our grief and admiration. Rest in peace Walt. You will be missed!
Frank Doney
June 21, 2013
Walt was a great coach, mentor and friend. He always gave us a pep talk before football games that was more about having strong will and heart. Walt definately had both of those virtues and many more. You will be missed coach. Condolences to Walts Family
colleen budeski
June 21, 2013
Trudy and family...my thights are with you. Walt was a great person and had a positive influence on many lives.He will be missed by many. Colleen Budeski
Mike Mitchell
June 21, 2013
I was fortunate enough to find Walt as a teacher at Rocky Heights when I needed some assistant coaches at Hermiston, Oregon back in 1969. He wnet on to become an outstanding coach and friend. I will forever remember our times with Walt and Trudy in their small house in McNary. You will never be forgotten.
Kathy Moran-Johnston
June 21, 2013
Mary Alice and Margaret - I am so sorry to hear of your loss; Walt was a classmate of my brother Don, so a bit older, but I remember him as always being so kind. Losing a sibling is so difficult - sharing the memories and laughter you all had together is precious and healing.
Kathy Keeler-Martin
June 20, 2013
Walt had so many stories about firefighting. And some very funny ones; and he had a gift for telling them.
Your chute fills with air one last time. You will be missed Walt...
Roberto Nevarez
June 20, 2013
He was a man among men. He walked his talk and always stood tall. He kept himself in excellent physical, mental and spiritual shape. I feel I was blessed and inspired to have worked and crossed paths with him. I wish his family the best during this time of transition.
June 20, 2013
Coach Currie was and is a living legend. I owe a great deal of my accomplishments on the mat to but more importantly a great deal of my accomplishments off the mat in my personal and professional life to him. He taught me "class" and how to be humble in both victory and defeat. I do not mourn his passing but celebrate his life and legacy he left on so many young men and women in both his teaching and coaching career. Cheers Coach/Teacher Walt Currie. See ya on the other side!
Rick Lester
June 20, 2013
Walt proved throughout his life that nice guys can finish first.
Judy Kojetin
June 20, 2013
Mr. Currie taught me at GFHS. He was different than some of the other teachers. He will be missed and prayers to all his family.
Jerry Ogawa
June 20, 2013
I was a smokejumper out of MYC from 1967-2001 and was fortunate to be on a few jump fires with Mr. Currie. He was one tough smokejumper...bar none. My heart goes out to everyone who knew him and to his immediate famiIy.
Miguel Gomez
June 20, 2013
This is a quote I found at Walt's Alma Mater, the University of Montana, in the Undergraduate Office...I believe that Walt's life helps explain why John Steinbeck loved Montana. I will always miss your wide open & spacious heart, Walt...thank you for welcoming me to the Big Sky:
“I'm in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it's difficult to analyze love when you're in it.”
? John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
Brian Richardson
June 20, 2013
As I have been reflecting about Coach! All I can say is what a great man who was an Awsome Coach! Thankful to have been coached by him. Thanks Coach we love ya! May all your family be in peace. God Bless you all greatly!
Bill McGuire
June 20, 2013
Walt was an inspiration and a great man, he surely will be missed. My condolences to his wonderful wife Trudy and family.
Steve Warburton
June 20, 2013
I just wanted to let Jeff, Tracy, and Trudy know that Mr Currie always has had a big influence on my life. He was a great mentor and an awesome coach. He will be greatly missed but he left a very big legacy. Just wanted to let ya all know My heart is with you guys . take care and God Bless
Seth Woodhouse
June 20, 2013
I'll never forget Coach Curry. What a wonderful person and great role model. I am thankful to Walt for bringing me to MSU-N where I met so many great people and had so many good times. I'm lucky to have known him.
June 20, 2013
HEARTFELT SADNESS........HUGS...PRAYERS. .......Peggy Fuhrman
June 20, 2013
HEARTFELT SADDNESS.......HUGS...PRAYERS. Peggy Fuhrman
Cecil & Dianne Reese
June 20, 2013
Walt was a very special person, one you'd never forget. His charisma was so infectuious you could feel is presence every where. We were blessed to know him and his family. Thoughts and prayers are with. Love Always....
Alice Bulman,Hauge
June 20, 2013
He'll be forever in our heart and forever in our memories.A great teacher and great coach.A true gentleman.Love to Trudy,Jeff and Tracy.
Doug Bennyhoff
June 20, 2013
So sorry to hear about Coach Currie. He coached me in the 1985 Shrine Game and I will always remember his positive outlook and his enjoyment of coaching. MT lost a coaching legend, but he will continue to live on in all the kids he coached. God bless.
Tammi Fisher
June 20, 2013
Mr. Currie was a high school teacher of mine - perhaps my favorite. He knicknamed me "sunnyside", something I likely won't ever forget. He was very kind to me, when I didn't deserve much kindness due to my lack of diligence in his class. I admired him greatly, and wish I'd had the opportunity to tell him prior to his death. He was a remarkable soul.
Jesse Goff
June 20, 2013
Walt was a major influence for me and all of our wrestling team that won a state title for Great Falls High in 1999. He taught us to never rely on crutches in life, and to never give up. I still have a saying pinned up on the wall in my office that states; If you have not sacrificed, it will be easier to quit, all quitters are good losers. I live by this motto every day, and I will continue too. Thanks for everything Walt and Trudy. Jesse Goff
Mandi Shulund Hinman
June 20, 2013
I was so very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Currie. The Currie family will always have a special place in the heart of my family. My thoughts and good memories go out to Trudy, Jeff and Tracy.
June 20, 2013
The Currie family will always hold a special place in the heart of my family. I was so very sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Currie. Such a special person, loved by many.
Thoughts and good memories go out to Trudy, Jeff and Tracy.
Mandi Shulund Hinman
Kari McLaughlin
June 20, 2013
Currie Family you are all loved and are not alone! Mr. Currie touched so many lives in such great ways, he lives on in all our our hearts and memories! Lots of hugs, love and light to you all! xoxo
Mike Faber
June 20, 2013
The wrestling community of Cut Bank are thinking of you Trudy, Tracy, Jeff, and family. Walt was deeply respected by everyone who met him. It didn't matter to Walt if you were from Great Falls or from Ethridge. He treated each person the same. We can all take a page from Walt's life on how to live it the right way.
KHRIS SVELA
June 20, 2013
I am sorry to learn of Walts passing. Although we had only met the one time, I have met several along the way that he had inspired.
Mary Alice Thomas
June 20, 2013
I will love you forever, Walt. Trudy, Jeff, Tracy you helped give Walt his wonderful life. Thank you for taking such good care of him. I love you,
Mary Alice
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Walt Currie's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Walt Currie
How to support Walt's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Walt Currie's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
