Curtis David Vick

Curtis David Vick, devoted husband, loving  father, protector of and provider for family, crossed the bar into God's celestial community while at home in the care of his loving family on the evening of December 19th, 2015.  Curtis rejoined Dorinda, love of his life and wife of over fifty three years, with whom he so longed to be reunited. 

Curtis was born into humble means to Mamie Rose Thomas and Herschel David Vick in Russellville, Kentucky on April 6th, 1939.  From an early age, he was often compelled to be his mother's  little man and be strong for his six younger sisters.  The hard times during those days made a deep and lasting impression on him.  A young Curtis escaped into books when he could, beginning a life-long love with literature, scholarship, and poetry.

Curtis met Dorinda in Tucson, Arizona while serving in the Air Force.  With the encouragement of an older, wiser serviceman, he earned his GED, and then began attending Arizona State University while working jobs in construction and surveying to support his growing family in Tempe.  By the time Curtis was finished with his formal education, he had earned a B.A. and M.A. in English, an ascension from poverty of which he and his family are very proud.

Curtis was a teacher by nature and career for thirty years, having taught English at the high school and community college levels in Payson and Mesa, Arizona.  His favorite author was Faulkner; his favorite novel to teach was Huckleberry Finn.  Curt was a good conservative in life philosophy, and always had unabashed opinions on the issues of the day.  For his crowning artistic achievements, Curtis wrote and published two novels, Shadows In Jerome and The Outdweller, and one instructional book of poetry, The Poetry Book.

Curtis loved and is survived by sons Steven and Jonathan, daughter Pamela; grandchildren Jeremy, Savannah, Brandon, Kellan, Falina, and Madison; and sisters Shirley, Annette, Janice, Vicki, Darlene, and Sharon.