Bert W. Curtis

Bert W. Curtis of Hermiston was born November 14, 1942 in Eugene, Oregon the son of Bert and Arlene (Jackson) Curtis. He passed away in Hermiston on Wednesday April 10, 2019 at the age of 76.

Bert grew up in Brownsville, Oregon and graduated from Central Linn High School in 1960. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic. After his honorable discharge, he returned to his position at the Oregon State Highway Department in Grants Pass. In 1976, he moved to Hermiston, Oregon where he has resided since. While living in Hermiston he worked as a building inspector for the State of Oregon and later the City of Hermiston. He was instrumental in the community as a member of Northeast Oregon Homebuilders Association with notable involvement on the Hermiston Library and Sunset House projects. He retired after 30+ years of public service in 1991. Bert continued working as a commercial truck driver hauling concrete materials and various agricultural products.

Bert was an avid hunter, aviator, farmer, and outdoorsman. He loved airplanes, building, boating, classic cars, motorcycles, mules, and operating heavy machinery.

He married Mary Jo Rapp in Roseburg, OR in April of 1964. She preceded him in death in 2008. He was also preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by brother, Jay Curtis; sisters, Laurel Christopher and Marlene Sloan; companion of 10 years, June Rosenberg; son, Patrick Curtis; daughter-in-law, Timmi (Bailey) Curtis; daughter, Beth Curtis; grandsons, Russell Curtis; Klinton Mathers, and Zachary Christensen; granddaughters, Amanda Barns, and Tanner Christensen, great grandson, Blaine Barns, and his beloved dachshund Maddie.

A celebration of life will be held May 18th, 2019 at the Harkenrider Senior Activity Center, 255 NE 2nd St, Hermiston, OR from 1-4pm. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of final arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bert W. Curtis, please visit our floral store.