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BORN
1931
DIED
2019
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ROBERT CURRAN Obituary
ROBERT THEODORE CURRAN "Ted" 1931 - 2019
Ted, 87, died peacefully in his sleep on July 10, 2019 in Traverse City, Michigan. During his professional life, he lived in Washington, DC. He was a member of Washington, DC's Florida Avenue Society of Friends Meeting. As a Quaker he generously shared the wisdom of a life lived with purpose and a faith in the promise of every person's inner light. Born in Brooklyn, New York he attended Haverford College ('53) and completed an MA from Columbia University ('55). He joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1955 as a Public Affairs Officer. His diplomatic career led to postings in Washington, DC and around the world in Germany, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Mexico, Afghanistan, and Morocco. He retired from the US Foreign Service in 1984 as Career Minister. His diplomatic career afforded many remarkable experiences which can be found in his published oral history (https:\\adst.org). Upon retirement from the Foreign Service, he joined the executive team of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, then became President of Springfield College, later became President of the Foreign Policy Association and finally became Executive Director of the American Institute for Foreign Study Foundation. He served on boards of several education organizations and Michigan environmental organizations. He lived his life deeply engaged with local and global concerns. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on August 23, 2019 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah, Michigan.
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Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT CURRAN
Patricia Strachan
August 28, 2019
Marcia, I so remember you & your loving husband, Ted during our Johnson congressional campaigns of 2008 & 2010, you welcomed us into your home and had many strong conversations with our candidate, Fred Johnson. Thank you for your gracious hospitality and I wish you & your daughters well.
willard bunn
August 12, 2019
Ted was a good friend of mine and my family and an able steward of the College during his years in Springfield. Happily for me our friendship lasted on for many years, with visits in Easthampton, Crystal Downs, and Lake Forest, generally involving a round of golf. He was a scrappy competitor, an accurate putter, and a hard man to beat because he always shot his handicap. Far beyond that, he was a loyal friend who was never more than a phone call away, ready to help on any situation. We would all be fortunate to lead as purposeful a life as Ted did. Willard Bunn
TAMARA FAULKNER
August 8, 2019
Marcia, we were saddened to read of Ted's passing. It was a privilege to know him and be in his company. I will always remember a funny thing he said while we were on a walkabout in New Zealand. You, as you are known to do, were trekking well in front of and out of sight of our little group. I was concerned that you might become lost and asked Ted if we should step it up and look for you. Ted, in his confident, funny way said, "Oh, don't worry she'll find her way back when she's hungry." Tamara and Paul
Peter and Terry Weyl
August 6, 2019
We bought a car from Ted and Marcia in the 1970s when we lived in upstate New York, a yellow Datsun as I recall. It was as down-to-earth and honest a vehicle as Ted was a human being. We send our love to his family.
Gordon & Olivia Brown
August 5, 2019
Marcia: We have missed you and Ted in Washington all the years since you left, and are truly sorry that this contact is about your loss. Ted was a fine officer, a good companion, and a very decent human; we will remember him fondly through our sorrow. Our best wishes go to you at this difficult time.
Gordon and Olivia Brown
Tom Weyl
August 5, 2019
Deborah and I are so sorry to hear of Ted's death. I have such fond memories of Ted from his days at Sumner Village and somewhat dimmer fond memories from Berlin, since I was just a child then. I always think of him as a gentle, kind, and thoughtful man. Just a lovely person... Love to all the Currans.
Bob McGann
July 18, 2019
I will miss him. RIP T c
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Bennett-Barz Funeral Home - Beulah1417 US 31 (Beulah Highway), Beulah, MI 49617
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