Nolan Curtis

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Nolan William Curtis 05/15/1934 ~ 09/24/2017

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to help with funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/rvdhbt-nolans-memorial-fund

Nolan William Curtis, age 83, left this frail existence on earth to return to his Heavenly home where many loved ones currently reside. His change of address has humbled our hearts, as we know he is no longer in our view. It is with a complete collage of emotions as we utter our last good-byes to our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. As strong as our desire was to have him remain, our selfish emotions stepped aside in the reality that he would now have freedom from mortal pain. That incredible thought of release brought comfort to our hearts as we were enveloped by a gentle peace that only the love of the Savior can bring.

Nolan passed away surrounded by his beloved family, due to complications of diabetes. He leaves behind his loving sweetheart Mardell, and 7 of their 8 children: Christine (Ryan) Staten, Bonnie Douglas, Janice Curtis, Lynn (Walter) Scott, Carol (Matt) Beynon, Michael (Tamara) Curtis, and Scott (Jessica) Curtis. Nolan was preceded in death by his daughter Amy, in 2014.

Nolan married his sweetheart, whom he loved and adored, on March 9th, 1963 in the LDS Manti Temple. The impression of his love for her, will be forever burned in our hearts as we remember his continuous display of tender affections on her behalf. There was no doubt that he loved her completely. They shared a wonderful marriage of 54 ½ years on earth, and will continue that marriage throughout eternity.

Nolan and Mardell spent their honeymoon in Hawaii, and after many years were able to return one more time during their time together on earth. Nolan had a deep love for the Polynesian culture, and would be entranced by their music and dance anytime he was privileged enough to be part of the audience. The smile on his face would light up the room as he watched with sheer joy & appreciation; pretty much like a child at Christmas.

One of Nolan’s most treasured blessings in life was the opportunity to be a father to his 8 loving children. With pride and joy he celebrated the arrival of each one of them as they individually entered this world and became a part of their loving family. The same excitement and joy, love and respect, was extended as these children married and brought their companions to join this family circle. He loved these additional children these marriages brought.

As a Father, Nolan raised and guided his precious family with the pure love & compassion he learned from our loving Savior; always beckoning, listening, encouraging, and most importantly, teaching while gently leading by pure example. His children honored and adored him for being the perfect father to each of them both collectively and individually.

Nolan was honored and blessed to be the grandfather of 23 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom knew and loved their grandfather with incredible passion. Nolan’s cup was overflowing as he welcomed each precious little grandchild into the world. These children sprinkled his life with incredible joy with the addition of each new little face. The love he held for each of them was clearly portrayed by their attachment to him. His gentle mannerisms, linked together with kind actions and words held them completely under his spell.

Nolan was the first of 10 children born to Leola and Merrill Curtis. His surviving siblings include: Kay (Gayle) Curtis, Patsy Jarvis, DeLon (Karen) Curtis, Ellen (Ben) Morris, Debe (Doug) Hathaway, Lealeth (Keith) Miller, and Sterling (Terry) Curtis. He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters; Verna Cheney, and Rosemary Sjostrom.

His brothers and sisters respected him as the patriarch of the family, especially after the loss of their father; of who’s example of fatherhood Nolan patterned his life after. What a blessing and comfort it was to have him at the Helm. He was held in high esteem and loved completely by each of his siblings.

Nolan is loved by many nieces and nephews. Many of which consider their relationship with ‘Uncle Nolan’ to be one in which he always displayed thoughtfulness, a gentle nature, and a genuine desire to listen to them and to know them, and learn from them what was important in their lives at the time. His thoughtful concern for each of them helped them feel loved and included in our large family circle, where it was easy to not feel connected.

His ever positive attitude cheered lives daily with any person whom he came in contact with. With cheerfulness and determination, he maneuvered through life’s paths to bless, comfort, and cheer the hands that hung down, even while enduring incredible health challenges, including toe and limb amputations due to the raging effects of diabetes. He endured challenges that would make many want to give up and become depressed.

Instead of focusing on himself, and carrying the load of self-pity, he spent his life in service, knowing full well that therein lies true joy. In many of his long hospital stays, the nurses would often refer to him as their favorite, because he always expressed appreciation for anything they did for him, never complaining, but rather always carrying an attitude of gratitude.

Nolan was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the Lord with all his heart, which was very evident to any who heard him utter a prayer of gratitude. Always praying in such an intimate manner that you would often be tempted to open your eyes, knowing and feeling with a certainty that if you did, the Savior would surely be standing right before him in the room. Oh how we will miss hearing him pray.

At the age of 20, Nolan expressed his love of the Savior and His church by serving a full time mission. The people of New Zealand became entwined around his heart as he taught and loved these people from a choice and beautiful land.

Nolan held and fulfilled many honorable callings as he served in the Church, but his all-time favorite was that of a Primary teacher. Oh how he loved being a teacher to those special little spirits. He considered it a most high and privileged calling to be able to teach these little ones while at the same time learning so much from these pure-hearted children who so recently had left the arms of the Savior.

Nolan also expressed his love & appreciation for our country by enlisting and serving in the United States Army & Army Reserve, where he visited many countries, set foot on the Holy Land where the Savior walked, and touched many lives.

Nolan had a wonderful sense of humor. It was a rare occasion if you shared a conversation with him, without him throwing in a joke. He was always first to laugh at his own joke, which was sometimes a relief because then you knew it was finally over, and you could laugh too. Some of them were quite lengthy and it took some patience to stay with it (smile).

In love and appreciation for the opportunity of sharing time on earth with this gentle giant, we give thanks to our Father in Heaven for the blessing of knowing and loving this amazing man; a man who carried empathy and compassion as his daily tools. We are grateful for the knowledge that this time on earth is but a small drop in the eternities of the time, that we may have the opportunity to spend with him.

Our family is extending an invitation to you as we join in reflection and celebration of Nolan’s life.

A viewing will be held Friday, September 29th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the LDS stake center located at 2280 S 300 E, Salt Lake City, UT.

Memorial services will follow the next day, Saturday, Sept 30th from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM at a separate LDS church building located at 2700 S 300 E, Salt Lake City, UT. A brief viewing will take place prior to the funeral from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM.

Interment will take place afterward at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery located at: 3115 Bengal Blvd. Cottonwood Heights, UT.