Curtis Huckaby

HOOD RIVER, Ore. - Curtis Lowell Huckaby passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, at 39. Curtis was born to Curt Huckaby and Jeanie Watts on Oct. 15, 1983, in Jonesboro. He was the youngest of three children and attended Hood River Valley High School (Hood River, Ore.) and Jonesboro High School.

Curtis graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2008. He completed a Certificate in Renewable Energy Technology at Columbia Gorge Community College in 2010.

A collegiate rugby player, Curtis was a lifelong athlete, teammate and sportsman who also loved lacrosse, soccer, skiing, hunting and time in nature. He loved the local landscape of the Hood River Valley and Mount Hood and was deeply grateful to move and be physical in the outdoors. Curtis' education led him to a career in the local aerospace industry.

But Curtis' fundamental purpose in life was as a dedicated and loving father to his two children, Hugh and Madilyne "Madi," proudly raising them alongside their mother, Regan.

Family was at his core, sharing close relationships with his brother, Matt, and sister, Ashley, and playing alongside his nieces and nephews. He could often be found in his parent's backyard sitting quietly with his mother.

When asked to describe their father, Madi says, "he loved everybody and was the nicest, most caring man." Hugh describes his father as "very sporty, a person that put everyone and everything before himself," and "handsome" – which all who knew him emphatically agree on.

Curtis' love for his children and youth sports was evident through his involvement as a coach and supporter of Hugh's lacrosse teams and avid supporter of Madi's softball teams. You could find him throwing pitches and encouraging young lacrosse players on any given day.

Curtis was incredibly kind and had a palpable magic that touched anyone he interacted with. From family and friends to coworkers and acquaintances, each felt a special connection. His love left an indelible mark on the community.

Curtis is survived by his son, Hugh Carter; his daughter, Madilyne Louise; parents, Jeanie and Brian Watts, and Vickie Huckaby; his brother, Matthew (with spouse Rachel); his sister, Ashley; stepbrothers Eric and Deric (with spouse Sammy); two nephews, Dan, 12, and Max, 12; three nieces, Miles, 10, Peri, 9, and Eliza, 3.

He was preceded in death by his father, Curt.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Sept. 16, at Divots at Indian Creek Golf Course, Hood River, Ore. All are welcome.

In place of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hood River Youth Athletics Scholarship fund.

The donation link and celebration information are available on the Anderson's Tribute Center website. Online: www. andersonstributecenter. com