Michael T. Curtis

1953 - 2026

Michael T. Curtis

February 17, 1953 - January 18, 2026

"The mountains shall bring peace to the people." – Psalm 72:3

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." – John 14:27

The family of Michael T. Curtis sadly announces that he passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, from complications of kidney disease at the age of 72.

Mr. Curtis was born in Phoenix, Ariz., and grew up helping his father, H. Gay Curtis and mother, Patricia R. Curtis, on their farm, driving tractors and trucks and attending to the livestock, while going to school. He learned a good work ethic from his dad, as well as learning to speak Spanish. He enjoyed being an amateur radio operator, learning Morse code and getting his ham license at a very young age, call sign WA7LXR. He also acquired the requirements to be an Eagle Scout.

After the family moved to Idaho in 1970, he graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1971, and then five years later, graduated from Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Education with a focus on Electronics.

For several years, he worked as an Instrumentation Calibration Technician at The Palo Verde Generating Station, a nuclear power plant located near Tonopah, Arizona, and later was employed for many years for another research and nuclear energy plant, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) near Idaho Falls, Idaho, in the Arco desert. He also enjoyed working as a radio technician for The Thompson Creek Mine, a large molybdenum mine, near Challis, Idaho.

He had a great love for the mountains, camping, hunting and fishing, and enjoyed working summers for the U. S. Forest Service, and at times, used his amateur radio skills to convey information during forest fires. Mike's few times hunting, was luck in hunting. While sitting, resting on a stump, he shot a 6 by 7 point bull elk in Northeastern Idaho; the next time he went hunting, he was near Tonto Creek, Ariz., shot a buck with a compound bow, gave it to a neighbor in need, then killed a rattlesnake, making it into a hat band, all on the same weekend. His love of voracious reading fed his curious mind, loving all subjects, especially history, and Mike was an American patriot, who expressed loyalty, love and devotion to his country and the values of the Constitution and its ideals.

He was a 32nd Degree Mason, (a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, a Shriners organization), known for its philanthropic work, particularly in supporting children's hospitals.

In his youth, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and in retirement, Mr. Curtis enjoyed volunteering at the local Salvation Army and was a member of their church before its closing. He enjoyed knowing the parishioners and clergy of Rock Creek Community Church in Twin Falls, Idaho. He loved the Lord and loved to serve. Also, he enjoyed meeting new people and making friends at the Kimberly Senior Center. He recently joined The Gideons and was glad to have met such nice people of this organization. His failing health precluded him from participating in many activities.

He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Cherry Thomas; his parents, H. Gay and Patricia Curtis; and his brother-in-law, Scott J. Peterson, all of Twin Falls, Idaho. He is survived by his sister, Molly (Brent Lemons) Nampa, Idaho, and sister Kerry Curtis of Twin Falls, Idaho, and nephew, Joseph (Stefanie) Mann, and their children, Henry and Ruthie.

The family expresses gratitude to Mr. Curtis' kind neighbors, The Reverend Dr. Mark Browne, the staff of St. Luke's hospital, and Jared R. Helms, D.O.

Private family graveside services will be conducted by Pastor Julian Provencio at Sunset Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements are under the care of White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel in Twin Falls, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice.

73 Mitch, from WG7T and WA7LXR SK (Silent Key) dit dit

73 Mike, from W70GK SK dit dit