Elmer Curtis

HARRINGTON. Elmer B. Curtis, (known as "Hi" growing up), died the near perfect death - pain free, peaceful, with loving family holding his hands - on January 21, 2025. He was born September 20, 1930, son of Ralph H. and Frances L. Curtis (Ashe), in Harrington, Maine. He graduated from Harrington High School in 1950 and entered the US Navy in 1951, serving his country as a Submariner for 21 years.

Elmer is predeceased by both parents, wife Evelyn, older sister Phyllis Harrington, and step daughter Susan and grandson Brian Teeters. He is survived by his two younger sisters, Doris Vose and Joyce Bousquet; children Lynne Kunkel Curtis, Linden (Debbie) Curtis, Lisa (Keith) Randall, and Ralph (Heather) Curtis (he lived the last three years of his life living with Ralph and Heather in Alaska, and almost daily, would say, "I haven't been warm since I got here!)"; step children Patty (Bill) Woolsey, Rob Monaghan, Lisa (Mike) Evans, and Glen Teeters; 18 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren (Lisa and Mike will add a 3rd very soon).

Elmer was a devoted 60-year Master Mason. Over the years, he mentored numerous new Masons and was well respected amongst his Brethren throughout CA. He was a Past Master of Madison Lodge #23; Right Eminent Past Grand Commander, Order of the Knights Templar, for the state of CA; and Past Puissant Sovereign Master of Cross and Crown Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He was awarded the Knight of York Grand Cross of Honor, and while a member of Madison Lodge, he received the Hiram Award, the highest award of merit a lodge can bestow on a member. Elmer was also a Shriner clown and enjoyed sharing these good times with Evelyn. They travelled throughout the state entertaining at parades and other events raising money to allow kids to be treated at Shriner Hospitals around the country at no cost to the families.

When Elmer and Evelyn retired, they hit the road in their RV and visited every state except North Dakota. Adventure upon adventure, they visited friends and family as they explored the country. They finally settled down in 1996 to, Lake of the Pines in Auburn, CA. Elmer was sociable and outgoing and was able to meet friends quickly. He was honored to serve as a member of the "Pinesmen", an advisory committee formed to advise community leaders on events, covenants, and needed improvements.

While undergoing months of medical appointments and treatment for cancer, Elmer felt lucky to have Heather and granddaughter, Jenelle, as his caregivers (he referred to Heather as his private nurse). In the end, both were bedside holding his hands. He and grandson (in law), Landon, had a very special bond and he was his favorite. He had many friends, a huge fraternity of Masonic Brothers, and a loving family that will miss him dearly. One Brother in particular, John Trauver, visited him in Alaska this past summer - well, he made an old man very happy!

Graveside services for Elmer will be at All Souls Cemetery, (St Vincent), 550 Glen Cove Road, Vallejo, CA 94591, on March 1, 2025 @ 1130. In lieu of flowers, the family asks anyone wanting to make donations in his name, please do so to: Madison Lodge #23, 126 S Auburn St, Grass Valley, CA 95945.