Benjamin Curtis "Curt" Spinas

8/31/24-6/15/11 Benjamin Curtis "Curt" Spinas passed away peacefully June 15th after a long illness with his family at his side. He was 86. Curt was born and raised in Eureka and was a lifelong resident. He enjoyed the outdoors, sports and was a voracious reader. As a fly-fisherman he was an artist however basketball was his passion. He played it as a youth, at Eureka High and at HSU. After college, he continued playing in the local men's recreational night league until he was 75 years old. Curt was a successful used car salesman for 35 years. He enjoyed working for Harvey Harper at Harper Motors for twenty nine years. He especially liked test driving all those new Mustangs. After retiring from sales, he began his own business: Curt's Home Repair. As his friends and family will attest, Curt was full of life and energy. He loved a well delivered joke, witty repartee, and a finely prepared meal. He was a good teacher and coach to his children and delighted in their success as student athletes. Big Band Music made him dance and sing. Curt enjoyed gardening and painting with oils. He often reminisced of his ten year annual salmon fishing trip to the Klamath with his pals. Curt loved his family. After "retiring" from basketball, he became an enthusiastic walker. He took great pleasure in walking all over Eureka... Visiting old haunts he remembered as a young boy of just seeing how the city had changed over the years. A veteran of WWII, Curt served honorably in Europe in the U.S. Army. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas and Margaret Spinas, Joe and Mary Babica, Uncles: John Spinas, Mel Babica, Aunts: Winnie Babica, Elta Cartwright Hendrickson, Louise Pollack, Ivy Glen, Mary Ellis, father and mother, Ben and Rellie Spinas, adopted mother, Ruth Spinas and sister Cathy Spinas. Curt is survived by his wife, Jean Spinas, brother, Robert Spinas, daughters, Sande Spinas and Julie Sherman (Neil), sons, Brad Curtis (Cathy) and Richard Spinas (SanDee), grandchildren: Alexa Curtis, Allison Spinas-Valainis, Makayla and Michael Spinas, Bryanna and Jaclyn Sherman, Sophie, Jim and Allie Lucchesi, Sister-in-law, Susan Spinas, niece and nephew, Lisa and Bryan Spinas, cousins: Jane Nelson, Virginia Pratt, Jill Otto, Nancy Murray, Mary Lee Carson (Bill), Judy Dresser (Richard) and Bob and Larry Babica and other extended relatives. Curt enjoyed the friendship of the following close friends: Fred Tatka, his shared birthday pal Virginia DelGrande, Elmo Gomes, Mickey Wahlund, Les Douglas, Bob Downing, Sam Merriman, Bill Davis, and the beloved neighbors on Glenwood Street, the Moore, Van Zandt and Purcell families. A special thanks for care and kindness from Dr. Doug Wimer, Redwood Memorial Emergency Room Staff, St. Joseph's Emergency Room Staff, Visiting Angels, Senior Resource Center, Mycroft Supportive Care, Sequoia Springs and Eureka Rehabilitation Center. Eureka Veterans RN personal, Yvette Faust, Kathleen Martin. There will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to: Humboldt State Basketball Program c/o Advancement Foundation, 1 Harpst St., Arcata, Ca. 95521. Senior Resource Center & Alzheimer's Day Care Center 1901 B California St, Eureka, Ca 95501. Hospice of Humboldt 2010 Myrtle Ave. Eureka, Ca 95501. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.