Monday, October 15, 2007

Curtis Cloud : 1949 - 2007


With gratitude in our hearts, we remember our good friend and work associate Curtis Cloud, who passed away this morning. Curtis has been a member of the DTI family for roughly 7 years. In that short time he certified as a Classified and Editorial systems instructor and spent a brief stint training and implementing. The bulk of his tenure was spent in Customer support where he faithfully worked the early morning shift. He had tremendous respect for his responsibility in handling our customer relations; for Curtis, the customer always came first. Curtis will be remembered as a genuine friend who enjoyed the company of others. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his dear wife Karen.
- Kirk Smith, Customer Support Manager




The Funeral Services for Curtis were held Friday, Oct 19, 2007 in Payson, Utah.


58 comments:

DTJeffC said...

Curtis was a hero to so many of us in the DTI family, both our employees and our customers. His positive attitude and tenacious attention to customer satisfaction were certainly his hallmarks. We are deeply saddened at his passing and will miss him more than words can tell. We pause today to share our thoughts, our prayers and our love for this good man and his dear wife, Karen.

-Jeff Carpenter, COO

Unknown said...

curtis was a great help to me whenever i called for help. i'm truly shocked at his passing. what a tremendous loss this is for dti and for all of us, who worked with him.

Shauna Frandsen said...

Curtis has become a good friend over the past few years. We have had many conversations related to work, religion, growing-up in the 60's and just life in general. He provided support and advice which was much appreciated. I will miss his daily weather report, telling me that I needed to get out to take a walk. He brightened my day every day, with his continual smile and positive attitude. He was an example to me of enduring to the end in faith.
Karen, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jdanger said...

When Curtis first started with DT and moved to the Classified, I was his one of his mentor. We grew together as we went were on the road and in the office. When he went on the Help Desk, I knew I could rely on him to follow up and follow through. In the field, we called him the bulldog because he wouldn't let go until it was resolved or at least in the right hands to be resolved. Mostly Curtis was my best friend. We would swap war stories. As I was being searched at the gate at the airport, he would wave as he was able to board and I was standing there with my arms outstretched. When he would come to ask a question posed by a caller, he made me stretch to find the right answer. I'll true miss you Custis.

Jim Dangerfield

Unknown said...

I have worked with Curtis little over 6 years during the time he was in Customer Support and myself in QA on working the site issues. We have gone really well with understanding in conversation.

I was shocked to hear him passed away this morning while I was at work.

Hope all is well for Curtis' family who have lost their father, husband, grandfather, and good friend.

Take care!

-Tom Robertson, QA/Classified Product Release

Andy said...

I feel a little shocked and I know I'll miss Curtis's voice on those early morning support calls. Back when I worked there at DTI he and I both lived in Payson and we car pooled occasionally when our cars were acting up. I loved talking to him about gardening and his plans for his home. Curtis and I were in the same classes and were hired at the same time so we got to certify all together. I recall how worried he got about the tests, and how he worked so hard to make sure he got everything right. We've lost a great man, and a good friend. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Karen, and the rest of Curtis's family.

Andy Syme

Kathy said...

Karen, I want you to know how much I appreciated Curtis. He was always willing to stop and talk for a few minutes. He would talk about the real meaning of life and help me to get my priorities straight. He would help me to let go of stress and was always telling me about the latest doctor or treatment he had read about. If I complained about my garden, he would tell me how to fix it. He was the person who would want to have a farmers market to share the produce from our gardens. He was always willing to lift and cheer others. I will really miss him. If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. You are in my prayers.
Kathy

outdoortrainergirl said...

Curtis was always upbeat and willing to help anyone who needed help. He would sometimes come to me for help with a customer who might be on the phone. I'll truly miss his phrase "Say, I'm sorry to bother you but I have a customer..." I'll miss his morning greeting...he would always greet you at some point and ask how you were. He never complained about problems or other people he just did what needed to be done. My prayers and thoughts are with Karen, his wife at this time of sorrow.

Unknown said...

A good man has left this world. He will be missed not only by his family, employer and co-workers, but he will be missed by the clients he faithful provided service to over the years.

His customer service was second to none. What a champion he was for those he assisted on a daily basis. Always polite, kind and considerate of others.

Permit me to say it again. A good man has left this world.

Roy McKay, Advertising Production Manager, The Palm Beach Post

Unknown said...

Curtis had the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. He loved every one of our customers and everyone he worked with...without fail.

His Faith was a testimony to the man he was too. He worked with me often to understand his beliefs. He literally dragged me, kicking and screaming, into doing Genealogy and then avidly listened to every facinating story I uncovered.

He had augmented the research of my recent trip with the religous history of the Apostle James (the Greater), deeping the meaning of the journey for me. He was the first person in my doorway digging for every scrap of detail.

I will miss his daily morning greetings.

I had some time with his wife, Karen, this morning. Curtis is a much loved man. And it was sweet ALWAYS hearing how sweetly he talked about Karen and their homelife.

Curtis enriched our lives daily and will be sorely missed.

Unknown said...

Last Wednesday I called in for some help and Curtis was there for me. It was an editorial question but he looked for the help I needed and found it. When I celebrated my citizenship he was there with Karen to celebrate with me. He was always asking me about my singing and we had our plans to do things together. There is no way one will not miss his enthusiasm and his smile, his humility and the way he was pure. There are some people I encounter in my life with some attributes that I want to have for myself. Curtis was one of them. I will miss him very much.

Daniel Barnes said...

Condolences to our friends at DTI in the loss of their friend and colleague. Few of us here met Curtis Cloud, but we knew the name well from emails about problems getting fixed. You are all in our thoughts today.

-Dan Barnes/ Star Tribune

Shane Watts said...

Curtis was a good man--there's only one side to that story.
As my DTI years recede into the distance, the incidentals begin to fade. What remains are memories of people like Curtis. I remember his quick and friendly smile, his soft-spoken manner, his kindness, his positive attitude, his patient determination, his human warmth and goodness. Those things linger in my mind, inviting me to do better, to be better. Curtis was an example of what really maters in life. Many things made DTI a successful company; people like Curtis made it a genuinely good company.

-Shane Watts

tuffmac said...

It's difficult for me to write this without getting a little choked up. I believe this is the first time someone this close to my daily routine and circle of friends has passed away.

It's very sobering...

Like everyone else, I was extremely shocked when I heard about Curtis' passing this morning.

While I was working on the images of Curtis for the DTI website and newsletter, my thoughts often turned to the fond memories I have of him...

I'll miss his brief stops by my office on occasion during his daily walks. We'd visit about politics, religion, current events, current trends and social issues, etc. His thoughts were always fascinating and insightful and I looked forward to his visits.

He was always positive, always helpful, always willing to go the extra mile, and he did it with an infectious smile and attitude that always made my day.

Karen, my prayers are with you and your family. Curtis was a great man, and I'll miss his friendship very, very much.

Thank you for sharing him with all of us here at DTI!

--Eric Christensen, Marketing

Marc said...

The quiet tall one who always followed up...already this morning three customers have called me to ask what happened and how they could help ... what will Digital Technology do to replace someone like Curtis who constantly followed up? they said. Two customers spoke to him just last week...

Curtis would send me a quick email every now and then to explain a support call he had and why it was important that I follow up on this and that--his dedication and real concern was easy to see. He really cared about our customers and people in general. Curtis' example makes me want to do my own job better and with more patience ...

Charlene said...

I don't know what to add that hasn't already been said, but I will try to express my muddled thoughts. Ever since I started working at DTI in May of this year, Curtis was always kind. When I would make mistakes as a receptionist, he wouldn't get frustrated with me. He was patient. He took time to make me feel welcome. He would go out of his way to bring me a cookie sometimes. When I moved upstairs to work as the travel coordinator, he was nothing but encouraging. He could also make me laugh when I was having an overwhelming day.

One of my favorite memories of him was when he came up to me and said, "I just can't wait until tomorrow." When I asked him why he said, "Because I get better looking every day." Then he just walked away laughing to himself.

I will dearly miss his optimism and cheerful demeanor. I will miss Curtis Cloud, the friend to all.

Charlene Dawson

Allison said...

I've only known Curtis for five short months, and after reading all the stories here about him, I realize that wasn't nearly long enough. My thoughts are with his family.

Katie said...

Curtis showed such a great interest in others (and in other's interests). He always had a smile and a kind word for all. I will truly miss him. My prayers go out to his wife, Karen.

JR said...

As an employee of a newspaper customer of DTI I was fortunate to meet and speak with Curtis on a regular bases. Curtis was always there to help when needed. I often would call just as he was about to leave for lunch yet without hesitation Curtis would always respond with "What seems to be the trouble".
I'm glad I was able to meet Curtis Cloud and to call him my friend. I too like many others will miss our visits about California, the weather and Payson as well as many other subjects which were discussed from time to time.
I appreciate all his hard work and kindness. I'm grateful our lives crossed paths even if it has been for only a short time.

Whine in Time said...

Curtis was a wonderful person with a kind heart and a gentle soul. He was always willing to help and always had a kind word. He will be missed by those whose lives he touched.
Karen, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Randi

russhDTI said...

When my manager told me Curtis had passed away this morning I was shocked. I've known Curtis since he started at DTI. I worked with him for a few months on the help desk when engineers were asked to help. I've been on the road with him in Anchorage before. I really got to know him well on a daily basis over the years. I grew up in Payson so I was always talking to him about the town's history. I'll miss his words he said every time I seen him, which was as recent as two weeks ago and always with a smile, "Hey Russ, how's it going buddy" You couldn't help but like Curtis no matter who you were. I went out of my way to help Curtis because of his attitude and character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. He was a great person to have been associated with.

- Russell Hanson, Senior Engineer

Anonymous said...

With great sadness, these words are written. As newspaper staffers, we're exposed daily to the sadness and grief of people' lives. But those are merely words and pictures used to fill white space.

Curtis is, and was, our friend. Now it's real, and more tragic than an anonymous passing of someone we didn't know.

When DT was installed at our site, Curtis was on the install team. He and Dangerfield both. Always a pair, those two, as we were never sure where one stopped and the other began.

As we transitioned from new customer to stable customer, we were thrilled when he took the morning customer support role. Because, on the Classified side, there's always something funky happening on a Monday morning.

How many times did we here the "Digital Technology, Curtis Cloud..." voice on the phone? How many times did we get the call back for the most obscure item? How many times did Curtis take care of each of us?

In reading the blog, it's evident that Curtis was passionate about taking care of DT's customers. But, to Curtis, we were not customers. We were people. Friends. All of us were his co-workers.

Although the sun will continue to rise each morning, it has now set the for last time for Curtis.

As Euripides said, "No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow."

Rest well, Curtis Cloud, rest well.

Jim Hines
The Courier-Journal

Bob Fallert said...

I was shocked to hear about the death of Curtis Cloud. Although I only met Curtis once, I talked to him many times when calling the help desk. He was just a very likeable guy and his priority was to always take care of his customers. DTI has lost a great representative and the customers have lost a caring ear. My thoughts and prayers got out to his family. I’ll miss talking to him!
Bob Fallert
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Anonymous said...

Curtis was almost always the person that I talked to when I called DTI. He would always ask how things were here. I felt a person connection with Curtis because he had lived in the Roanoke area and because I had met him several times in person on my trips to DTI. I will truly miss talking to him on the phone. My condolences to his family.

Brian Thomas, The Roanoke Times

Ioana said...

Curtis was always very helpfull and courteouse. I remember him always asking me how the weather is
in our area.He always was very efficient and helpfull.it's a big loss for all of us.

Chris Yates said...

I was saddened to receive the message yesterday about Curtis' passing. Though I never got the chance to meet him in person, he was always a friendly, helpful voice on the other end of the support line, always focused on helping us through issues big and small with professionalism and patience.

Our condolences go out to his family and to DTI. He will be missed.

Chris Yates
Lowcountry Newspapers

Mark Gavin said...

Curtis will be missed. His positive attitude and work ethic always made me glad to hear his voice on the line.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Curtis's family and friends at this somber time.

Mark D. Gavin
Application/Systems Admin Greensboro News & Record

CarlFritch said...

I've looked forward to spending a few minutes at lunch time solving the world’s problems with Curtis.

I'm honored to have known him as a friend.

I will miss you.

Brad Pack said...

I did not often have the pleasure of working with Curtis but I was always impressed with his cheerful attitude and determination to resolve an issue.

One funny/inspirational memory I have of Curtis is of one-by-one every phone extension ringing in the Classified QA Department and thinking to myself that it must be Curtis calling - and it was him, calling to get help with a customer issue. Curtis had the cheerful attitude and dedication to keep going during rough times and get an answer - and not stop or let it go, until that happened.

My deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.

Brad

Unknown said...

Curtis was a character! I have had so many laughs over the past few years working with him at DTI.

On Friday afternoons he wasn't afraid to bust out dance moves. My favorite was him trying to teach us “The Jerk”.

His love for the Red & Green show was hilarious. He once demonstrated his artistic abilities with duct tape at a sub for Santa luncheon he organized.

A week ago we all had a laugh with Curtis in the break room about him meeting the Cisco Kid and getting an autograph. He didn't have proof, but he was quite proud of the encounter. We all laughed with him and said... "sure you did"!

Curtis was full of such knowledge. Just ask him any topic and he could go on and on.

I've yet to meet another person that has such a positive and upbeat personality. DTI is full of heavy hearts in Curtis' passing. Soft spoken words, tears of sorrow, and comforting smiles are throughout the office.

Karen, may you have comfort and peace in Curtis' passing.

Deana Tanner | Sales Support | DTI

Anonymous said...

I was lucky enough to sit next to curtis for the past several years in customer support. You couldn't be around curtis too long before you were caught up in a story that he would tell. His stories always made some kind of point, whether it was to cheer me up or help me make better decisions in my life. Curtis seemed to know how to make me smile and lift my spirits. I truly value our friendship and look forward to the time we will meet again. We often went to lunch or out to get cookies or bread from the bread store. He would always say to me: Kent, if you'll fly I'll buy. So I would drive him to the bread store and he would buy enough cookies and orange rolls and brownies for the whole department. He was always giving like that. I guess it's about my time to buy and his time to fly. I'm really going to miss Curtis. See ya buddy. Kent.

Bruce Pottorff said...

As an early riser as well, I could always count on hearing the friendly voice on the other end of the phone. If Curtis didn't have an answer for you, you could count on it coming shortly. Over the last couple of months one of his favorite comments was let's do a WEBEX. I wish I could do one with you now!

suzt said...

I was Curtis’ cubby neighbor so each day I would hear his sincere interaction and dedication to serving those on the phones and off. Curtis was constantly vigilant to do something for someone else—often times in a quiet unobtrusive way, through kind words or encouragement, but if the help needed to be big and bold he would not shrink from the challenge. As an example, he instigated a fund raising activity to send a decorated World War II Veteran to Washington DC. The man could have paid his own way, but through Curtis’ insight he was sent by his associates as a gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices made. How much more meaningful.
Curtis was a listener. He listened with his heart. He promoted others talents and dreams and helped with problems and was tireless in giving words of encouragement and thoughtful suggestions or aid.
Curtis loved a good time and a good joke and had an interest in everything, especially in what you had an interest. He loved his dear wife and I know his main concern is for her now. She has been by his side and partner in many of his act of kindness. We send our love and prayers to her.
It’s been great to have loved and associated with him.
Sue

B Davis said...

I briefly met Curtis during my time at DTI. My first encounter with him was when he was rushing to aid a stranger. It didn't matter AT ALL that the person was a stranger; only that he could help.

I had the opportunity to talk with Curtis several times and it was always a pleasure.

I always feel fortunate and blessed when I meet someone like Curtis and am able to travel through life with them for a while.

He enriched my life and I would expect that he did the same for most, if not all those he met. While he made us all better from the encounter, that just leaves a bigger hole from the passing.

I hope I am able to follow his example and help other strangers in need the way Curtis did.

-- Bruce W. Davis

Unknown said...

At DTI we have a database filled with issues reported by customers. If you pull up any issue at random, chances are you will see Curtis' name and comments somewhere in the issue. I'm sure for months to come many of us will stumble across these reminders of Curtis' contributions as a co-worker.
As I cleaned out my garden last night I was reminded of Curtis' farmers markets. As I tried to comb down that stubborn patch of hair on my sons head this morning, I was reminded of Curtis' goofy grin peering over my cubicle...
As I continue my earthly journey, I hope I will have many more reminders of what seemed to just come naturally to Curtis... It is the PEOPLE who matter.
Thanks Curtis.

-Derek

Cicily + Dave + Easton Oldham said...

Curtis was the type of person that radiated a warmth, a genuineness, and a kindness that brightened the lives of all those who he came in contact with. My life, and my work days, were made a little better because I knew Curtis Cloud. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

karen said...

I laughed and cried as I have read through the many poignant comments written about my husband. He was all about people. He loved to talk with them, laugh with them and help them on their journey. He taught me that you attract more bees with honey than with vinegar. Kindness and courtesy defined Curtis.

My special gratitude to the people who were there: The mystery person who cheerfully let me inside the building; Jeff Carpenter, for not even taking the time to roll up his sleeves; Teri Mankin's tender hugs; Kathy Covalt's gentle manner and sincere kindness; Brandon Rousltone's consideration as he drove me home. I know there were, are and will yet be others. Please forgive me if I can't recall, as Monday was a blur. My sincere thanks you all for being there when it was needed most.
-Karen Cloud

Unknown said...

Curtis was such a kind and gentle man. He always had a warm smile for during my time at DTI.

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Kimberly DeMucha Kalil

Cherie Gunn said...

Curtis was truely a very special person to me. I am a DTI customer who has worked with Curtis for years. Curtis was always a pleasure to work with, he was always there for us no matter if the situation was trivial or a major disaster. He helped us through the continuous stupid questions and the major issues. Always calming me down and telling me to breath it will pass and be resolved.
I truely appreciated Curtis for his compassion and friendship. When he found out my husband died he immediately called me and asked how I was and what could he do for me. He told me stories to make me laugh he listened when I needed to talk. He was a true friend. He called me daily for awhile to make sure I was okay because as many of you said he cared about his customers as people. I will miss his friendly personality and his compassion for life.
Karen my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Cherie Gunn, Portland Press Herald

nmcghie said...

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Curtis’ passing. He was always the first one to greet me each morning with a smile on his face as I arrived at work. I am definitely going to miss those greetings as well as the many stories he had to share with me. Whenever Curtis had treats, he would come straight to my desk to let me know where I could find them. Then he would check back in a few minutes to make sure I actually got one.

Curtis truly cared about everyone and was always willing to give of himself when needed. He built friendships with all he came in contact with. He spoke often to me about his wife. I know how much he loved and adored Karen and was so very proud of her. My thoughts and prayers are with her at this time of sadness.

Natalie McGhie

Grayson said...

Curtis was one of the first people to say "hi" to me when I started at DTI, the first to stop by my office for a friendly chat, and one of the first to make me really feel welcome when I started here. He knew my name from the first day, and always had a smile and friendly word when our paths crossed.

Unknown said...

Every time I ran on to Curtis he would kind of halt his step on whatever he was doing and look me straight in the eye and smile. It was as if he had been waiting all day just to exchange greetings with me. He had such an inviting and warm personality. May God bless his family.

- Scott Smith

Unknown said...

I'm sad to hear of Curtis' passing. He was always a welcome voice on the DTI customer support desk, ready with a quick answer to our questions, or an advocate pushing to correct more complicated system problems. His cheerful and calming manner helped us get through some tough situations. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Scott Braucher
Amarillo Globe-News, Amarillo, Texas

Douglas Nielson said...

Curtis is one of those people who, when he asks you, "How are you?", really means it. He was really interested and would listen. If he felt like he could help, he would. He is going to be missed here at work, but the Curtis I know is making everyone feel good in Paradise. I, for one, am inspired to more kind, thoughtful, generous and respectful because of my association with Curtis, my friend.

Douglas Nielson

sherylh said...

Curtis was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever known. He was always willing to share - everything from cheerful "Hello!" and weather report in the morning to the vegetables from his garden. He'd even buy tomatoes to help out a friend and them bring them to work and give them to the rest of us. I doubt that there's anyone who knew Curtis who can't recall an act of kindness. He was so sincere about helping everyone around him that you weren't a co-worker or a customer to Curtis, just a friend.

Karen - Please know that you are in my thought and prayers.

Sheryl Hymer

Unknown said...

I find it most difficult at these times to put into words the impact that someone has made on my life. It is almost as if it mere words cannot do them justice.
When I think of Curtis certain words do, however, come to mind. Friendly, Thoughtful, Kind, Cheerful, Faithful and Diligent. Of course I would also have to say Organic. It was something I always teased him about. His fondness for organic foods and produce was a long-running joke between us. He would often offer me some organic potato chips and I would say "no thanks, I am going to nibble on something packed with preservatives...I need all I can get."
His passing came on my birthday and I said to several coworkers that I just might have to go get an organic birthday cake in his honor. I hope that made him smile.
I have heard it said that true friends are the people who brighten your smile every time you are with them. Curtis was someone that I considered to be a true friend in every sense of the word. He will be greatly missed.

dttrents said...

My memories of Curtis are nearly the same as everyone else's--and that is such a tribute to the type of person Curtis was in and of itself.

I come into the office early sometimes and without fail if I walked over to the printer by Curtis' cubical he would pop up to see who it was and always have a friendly "hello" or "good morning buddy". Often times it was followed by "Wow, you are here early today"--as if he wasn't here early every morning.

Curtis was so consistent in the way he treated people. He was friendly and kind with everyone and there was never a time I recall he passed me or anyone else in the hall without saying hello and seeing how they were doing.

I will miss our early morning chats , a wave in the breakroom during his lunch break, or a good book recommendation like he gave me just last week. Most of all, I'll miss him popping up over the cubicle in the morning with a big smile and a kind word.

Karen, our family's thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Trent Schoonmaker

Verl said...

Curtis made everyone feel like they were among his best friends. He was always on the phone with me when there were questions about our Customer Support Center and to make sure customers were well taken care of. It's still difficult to think that I won't hear my phone ring and see his name pop up on the phone screen.

I enjoyed talking with him about our common love of gardening, and we often swapped favorite seeds and produce. If they have garden spots on the other side, I'm sure he'll have one of the lushest, most productive ones.

My deepest condolences to you, Karen. I know that I and many others are praying for you at this time.

Verl Woodbury

Kelvin Brewer said...

Honoring Curtis Cloud's memory is a privledge. He always showed sincere personal interest in me and appreciated my return interest in him. He helped me find resources for obtaining gluten-free foods for my wife. He was always trying to help others improve their quality of life while seeking to improve his own. He loved life and did not hide that fact. He brighted the work environment with his ready smile and constant interest. I will miss my association wth such a great man. I hope to incorporate some of the things Curtis taught me so his legacy can continue.
Karen, My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time. May you recieve all the blessings that are available to you.

Michael and Genevieve Beck Family said...

I decided to come in to work a little early one morning and sure enough, Curtis was there for the morning shift unaware that I had come in early. I thought to myself, perfect, what a great chance to give him a good scare. Curtis was always up for a good laugh. After all, I was living in a college dorm at the time and we did this sort of thing all the time. So, I came around the corner and peeked around the cubicle and gave a little “boo”.
The next thing you know, Curtis has a ball point pen pointed at my throat ready to defend. I was scared for my life. Curtis was pretty upset but that didn’t last very long. He quickly started to explain that he served in the Vietnam War and was trained to defend and that what I experienced was only an instinct. I apologized profusely and so did he. It took a few days but we had a good laugh at that experience.
Curtis was always learning and sharing information. He had a genuine interest in what I was doing. He seemed to always have an experience that related to what I was going through in my life at the time. I’ll miss his sense of humor, his knowledge, his sincerity and friendship.

Michael Beck – Former DTI Employee

Laura said...

I have spent the last several days thinking of Curtis. I was truly saddened and shocked to hear of his passing. My heart has ached for the pain that I know his family must feel. It has inspired me to hold my sons more and to express my love and appreciation more often for my family. Life is so precious and moments like these always help me re-evaluate what is most important in my life. I am grateful for Curtis' example. He was a positive, kind, caring, genuine and gentle soul. I hope to also be such an influence for good. I will miss having the opportunity to see and chat with him the next time I come into the office. It just won't be the same place without him. I pray that his family is blessed with peace and comfort at this difficult time.

-Laura Martin

Unknown said...

Oh, the conversations we had! We talked about the Merovingian dynasty long before the DaVinci Code came out. We talked about my Algonquin great-grandmother and Canada in general. We talked about art, history, music, poetry, literature. We talked about VietNam and WWII. We talked about gardening and wonderful things to do with fresh fruits and vegetables. Curtis hated it when I had my bouts of laryngitis - trying a new organic medicine on me each time, in hopes of bringing me relief. And, we even talked about ClassSpeed.
Such a gentle, loving man has left our realm. Karen, be proud of having been loved by such a man.
He will be sorely missed.

Al Beaman said...

Curtis was my best friend for fifty years as we grew up together in a small coal mining camp in Bartley W.Va. I have so many good memories of Curtis, I could never tell them all. As kids we would run through the mountains climbing cliffs and just hanging out. We some times would fish on the Dry Fork river all night and dream about what we would do some day. Yes, Curtis was a wonderful person and dear friend. He will be missed greatly by all that knew him.I know our friend is with the Lord today where I hope to join him some day.

laura bagnall said...

what a shock...we in Tacoma received this news thru the DTI news letter. Curtis will be greatly missed by Tacoma. He showed great tenacity for follow-thru on many of our problems Laura Bagnall Tacoma News Tribune

Kathy said...

A few weeks have passed since Curtis left us and I feel a need to write about the way things have progressed at work. I still miss him daily and find many reminders of his friendship. I feel that all of our employees have pulled together and care more for each other. There is gentleness in people and more patience with each other. Curtis certainly left a legacy here in the office.
I have been amazed at the outpouring of donations for Curtis' family. Our employees have been very generous as well as customers. DTI's management was very generous in their contribution, too. I know that Karen has been overwhelmed by the generosity and is very appreciative of the support, both financial and emotional.
I have had the wonderful opportunity of spending time with Karen and getting to know her better. I am amazed at her strength and grace during this very difficult time for her. I mentioned to my daughter Susie how wonderful Karen is and her response was, "Of course she is wonderful, Curtis picked her."
So life goes on and each day it becomes not quite so difficult but there is still a void and will be for a very long time. I think that none of us know the impact our life is having on others. Curtis’ reach was far and lasting. I know that you are busy teaching up there, Curtis but know that you are still loved and missed. I look forward to meeting you again.

Kathy Covalt

Unknown said...

I like to Google friends from my past, just to see where they are and what they are up to now... Imagine my shock when I Googled my friend of 28 years ago, Curtis Cloud, to find he had passed away suddenly. Curtis and I were part of a group of friends who hung out together in the Langley Ward in McLean, VA back in the early 1980's. From the comments here, it sounds as if he hadn't changed much, in that even back then, he was always ready to help others; to offer a kind word of support, or lift my spirits with one of his corny jokes or a little hug. Curtis loved to dance, to tease people playfully, and was always the life of the party. We each had a calling to go to the Washington Temple on a monthly basis to help with the work there, so we sometimes rode together and Curtis even proxied for some of the men I had submitted from my family history. My heart goes out to his wife and family, and please know that you are in my prayers.
Susan Sahler

Douglas said...

Happy Birday Curtis, we sure miss you around here at DTI

Teri said...

Thinking about you today Curtis. Your spirit is still with us.