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David Curtis Obituary
October 31, 1945 – July 23, 2017
Dr. David L Curtis, of San Francisco, California, a Rheumatologist at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, passed away on July 23, 2017 after a valiant battle with acute leukemia. His wife Nora, his son, Andrew, and daughter Lauren were with him until the end, holding his hand and telling him of their love for him until his final moments.Dr. Curtis was the beloved husband of Nora Carolina Blay, the love of his life and partner in all things for over 38 years, his son, Andrew Blay Curtis, the pride of his existence, his children Lauren Loney-Gunning, her husband David Gunning of San Francisco, son Marc Loney and wife Melanie Loney, of Orinda, California. In addition, he is survived by his parents Rose and David Curtis of Salt Lake City, Utah and his sisters Annette Richie, her husband Larry Richie, Julie Bryant of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Susan Curtis of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He also leaves behind, his grandchildren, Ashleigh and Tyler Loney of Orinda, California and Claire and Kathryn Gunning of San Francisco, California, his nephews, Taylor Bryant, Devin, and Nathan Richie of Salt Lake City, Utah and his niece, Cynthia Bryant of Geneva, Switzerland; his sister in law, Margaret Blay and her husband Edwin Walker of Portland, Oregon, brother in law Tom Blay and wife Sheryl Blay, his extended family through marriage in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his many friends, his patients with whom he felt privileged to treat for many years, and finally Chula.
Dr. Curtis was a graduate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, internship and residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and rheumatology fellowship at UCSF. He practiced rheumatology in San Francisco for four decades and was a true pillar of the CPMC physician community.
Dr. Curtis was an avid skier, tennis player, biker, and hiker. He loved music, especially the classical guitar, traveling the world with Nora, theater and the arts, making wine, and being with Nora and their children and grandchildren. He will be missed, but never forgotten by his family, friends, and colleagues. He was truly a Renaissance man.
A memorial service and celebration of David's life will be held on August 17th at 4:00PM at the Golden Gate Club, Presidio of San Francisco, where he and Nora loved to walk with Chula. Address of Golden Gate Club is 135 Fisher Loop, San Francisco, CA 94129.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name, to the Community Health Resource Center (CHRC) at CPMC, the Huckleberry Youth Programs in San Francisco, or the Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Curtis
marie marotta
April 22, 2024
I wanted to say thank you to Dr Curtis. He diagnosed me with RA in 2002 and recently I found the letters and support he offered me right after diagnosis when I went to Europe to study abroad. I was 20 years old.
I do not think I would have been able to make that trip without his kindness and support. It was truly integral in my life. I wanted to thank him and was looking him up for this reason. I hope family reads this and knows what a huge impact he had oh the lives of his patients.
Jim Sutphen
April 17, 2023
I went to medical school with Dave and shared an apartment with him during our residencies at Johns Hopkins. At that time in his life he was a very fun loving, fine person.
Ilene Mattison-Shupnick
July 23, 2020
I will always remember David as the most caring physician and friend. Nora, I think of you often.
Nora Blay
July 21, 2020
My darling, You are always close to my heart and always will be. I love you to infinity. Besitos, Norita
Conchita Calles
October 4, 2017
I am stunned to find out about Dr. Curtis passing. He was a good man, loving husband and a wonderful dad! My thoughts and prayers are with you Nora and Andrecito.
Julie Bryant
August 16, 2017
Nora, David loved sharing your lives together. Lauren and Mark, your father will be with you in memory and may those memories remain strong and comfort you always. To my dearest brother, you will always be remembered fondly, we were blessed that you were a part of our family.
My love and thoughts are always with my San Francisco family, Julie
Kasey Wayne
August 10, 2017
I am so incredibly sad to lose Dr. Curtis. He has been my rheumatologist for the past 8 years and really truly helped me through some incredibly painful days leading up to my diagnosis. He was such a kind and gentle doctor, amazing bedside manner. Sending my condolences to his family.
Nora Blay
August 8, 2017
The love of my life and best friend is gone from my daily life, but will always be with me and my children. We miss you more than words can express. Besitos y abrazos, Norita
Marshall Turner
August 7, 2017
How I have missed him these months. I knew Dr. Curtis as my rheumatologist and primary care physician for over 25 years. His attentiveness, humor, and deep knowledge welcomed his patients at each visit. So many great smiles of his, so many interesting conversations -- about so many topics. A friend who healed.
August 7, 2017
Doctor Curtis was my primary care giver until he continued with patients in his specialty field. He was a most kind and caring physician, answering all patient questions in a calm and friendly manner. He will be greatly missed, and I send my sincere condolences to his family. Virginia Baldelli
August 7, 2017
Doctor Curtis was my primary care doctor until he went into his specialty practice. We was a wonderful doctor, always kind and caring and answering any questions a patient had, calmly and with depth. Please accept my sincere sympathy on his passing...a great loss, and he will be remembered most fondly. Virginia Baldelli
Kumi Kawashiri
August 7, 2017
Dr. Curtis was the epitome of "the good doctor" to my parents. Many years ago Dr. Curtis authorized a handicap placard for my Mom due to her medical condition and to this very day every time we park the car in a convenient handicap space with our 95 year old Mom, we all chime in "Thank you Dr. Curtis!".
My Mom and our family send our deepest condolences to the Curtis family.
August 2, 2017
A truly unique, kind and caring soul who will be missed tremendously by his patients and all who were lucky enough to know him.
Sally Reeves
Lito Sandoval
August 2, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Curtis. He was absolutely one of the best doctors I ever had. He was kind, caring and thoughtful. My condolences to his family in their time of need.
Brandy Pitre
August 1, 2017
Lauren - I am so sorry for your loss. You and your precious family are in my prayers!!
Big hugs,
Brandy Pitre
August 1, 2017
Our condolences to Nora and the entire Curtis family. Dr. Curtis was a wonderful physician who cared so much about his patients. He treated everyone with utmost respect and enthusiasm. His skills, knowledge and humanity will be missed by all the lives he touched. Personally I will miss our lively discussions about world travels and life experiences, as well as his excellent medical care.
Ilene and Mark Mattison-Shupnick
Petaluma
August 1, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of David Curtis. He was the physician who brought me safely through a difficult physical condition using medicine and kindness.
Daniel C Murphy San Francisco
July 31, 2017
My condolences to the Curtis family on the loss of such a vibrant and loving family man. Though your hearts are heavy, may memories of happy times spent together and the peace from God which surpasses all understanding, be with you.
July 30, 2017
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Dr. Curtis was my very favorite doctor and helped me so much. I am feeling great because of him.
Will miss that friendly smile.
Jane Stavropoulos Clutton
Terri Shaver
July 30, 2017
A great man who really cared for others. He will be missed by all. Condolences to his family, staff, patients and colleagues.
Edward McMahon
July 29, 2017
Very sad. Dr. Curtis was a kind, caring, fatherly figure. He took charge and looked to assist us in our daily struggles. No one "likes" to see the doctor but Dr. Curtis made it easy because you knew that he was working for you and with you.
My sincere condolences to his family and to his office staff and colleagues
Truly, this man will be missed.
July 28, 2017
Dr. Curtis was are doctor for 30 years or more, he was a very good friend. He was kind to us and always thoughtful....we will miss him,
Andy & Angie
Holle
Shawna Pabst
July 28, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and will be missed greatly by everyone he touched in life. Love Shawna
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