Clifford Curtiss

When reflecting on the life of Clifford (Cliff) Curtiss, it is easy to see that his genuine servant’s heart permeated everything he did. He was a man of faith who loved others more than himself, his life exemplifying what it means to be a man after God’s own heart. Cliff was deeply devoted to his family, and he was a fantastic role model for his children to shape their lives after. He never worried about the little things, but with his unwavering faith coupled with his resilient spirit he faced whatever came his way head on. Life will never be the same without Cliff here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

The 1960s were an exciting time in American history, We elected the young John F. Kennedy as the youngest President of the United States while civil rights often topped the headlines of the day. By the end of the decade it was our nation that came out on top of the space race as we put the first man on the moon. It was in the midst of this exciting time that Clyde C. and Eula W. (Vermilya) Curtiss were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Clifford Lee on February 13,1962, in Ionia, Michigan. He was the oldest of five as he was joined by his siblings, Wanda, Allan, Stephen, and Melody in the Curtiss family, and he was close to all of his siblings. As the oldest, Cliff often looked after his younger brothers and sisters. Cliff’s father was a farmer, millwright, hospital orderly, and prison guard while his mother was a homemaker, helped on the family farm, was a bookkeeper, and also spent some time working at J.C. Penney.

Raised in the family home on the family farm at 5415 Portland Road. in Lake Odessa, Cliff was a young boy of his generation. They lived just down the street from the family church, and with the farm they didn’t travel far. They spent holidays at the farm house or at other relative’s farms, and there were always many family members around. Cliff attended Saranac Schools where he was a quiet and kind student who preferred having a few close friends rather than being part of a huge group or running with the popular crowd. Although he was a gifted artist and student, Cliff wasn’t able to take part in extracirruclar activities since he was needed at home to help with the farm chores. Cliff did love being outside at the farm, especially the cattle and tractors. He and his mother had a special bond with each other as they both were very attentive to the birthing of calves at the farm. Together Cliff and his mother would often stay with the birthing cow and calf for hours.

After graduating from high school in 1980, Cliff was eager for all that life had in store. He took mechanic classes and became a certified auto mechanic. Later, Cliff took a job at Atlas trucking in Grand Rapids. It was while working at the trucking company that his life was forever changed when he met his true love. Her name was Wendi Marie Martin, and at the time she was a college student who had stopped at Cliff’s work to visit a friend. This was October of 1986, and it was soon after that he showed up at her house one day and asked to see her. Sparks flew right from the start, and they were engaged in February of 1987. With a desire to build a life together, Cliff and Wendi were married on September 26, 1987, at Kentwood Community Church in Kentwood. They didn’t take a honeymoon right away, but they soon traveled to Honduras on a mission trip with their church group.

The newlyweds initially lived in an apartment at 1959 Prairie Parkway, SW, in Wyoming, and this is where they welcomed their first son, Jonathan, into their hearts on November 9, 1988. Their family of three decided to move closer to Cliff’s parents and help on the family farm, so in 1991 they moved to their new house at 1504 Coates Grove Road in Hastings. Their second child, a daughter, Amanda, arrived on January 29, 1993. During this time in their lives, Cliff worked at the family farm, primarily to help his mother. Wendi worked as a caregiver in a nearby nursing home at this time. Cliff was an important part of his children’s lives and was there to support them in every way. He instilled Christian values and faith to his children and also instilled a strong work ethic within them. As they got older, Cliff was a trusted advisor to his children. Due to the responsibilities of the farm, they didn’t often travel as a family, but they did enjoy memorable trips to the beautiful UP. They also enjoyed camping as well as one very special trip to New York State and Niagara Falls when they visited the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. This was so neat to see since aviator Glenn was an ancestor to Cliff. Occasionally both Cliff and Wendi did travel with mission trips from church when their children were in youth group.

Throughout his life Cliff was someone who was always busy. He was active in his church including with the missions committee, teaching Sunday school, and participating the church choir. Cliff’s Bible was his most prized possession, but he also treasured his farm tractors and his tools. He was very fond of both Chinese and Mexican food, and fish was another favorite. Cliff’s favorite meals were always those that were topped off with some pecan pie, and he often encouraged eating out so he could have his favorites! When it came to music, he liked old time gospel music, hymns, and Christian praise music. Sadly, life slowed down for Cliff after becoming ill with pancreatic cancer as he engaged in an 18 month battle to overcome it.

All who knew Clifford Curtiss would agree that he was one of the most kind and generous people you could ever meet. He was forever putting the needs of others ahead of his own, and his devotion to his faith, his family, and his church community was unmatched. Cliff was hardworking and driven, and he gave everything he did his all. Deeply loved by many, he will be forever missed.

Clifford Lee Curtiss, age 57, of Hastings, MI, peacefully met his Lord & Savior on Thursday, April 18, 2019 after fighting a long battle of Pancreatic Cancer. He was born in February 13,1962 in Ionia, MI to the late Clyde and Eula [Vermilya] Curtiss. Along with his parents, Cliff is preceded in death by an infant brother William. He is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Wendi [Martin] and their son and daughter, Jonathan and Amanda Curtiss as well as his siblings Wanda (Robert) Johnson, Allan (Amy) Curtiss, Stephen (Marcia) Curtiss and Melody (Jerry) Rodgers. Cliff was a long time member of Pathway, a Wesleyan Church. Relatives and friends may meet with Cliff’s family at Pathway, a Wesleyan Church for visitation on Monday, April 22nd, from 6-8PM. Funeral services, with an hour of visitation prior, have been scheduled to celebrate his life at Pathway, a Wesleyan Church (4960 W. Portland Rd, Lake Odessa 48849) on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 at 11AM. With Pastor Mark Lipscomb officiating. Clifford will be laid to rest in Fairplains Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Supper’s Ready at Pathway, A Wesleyan Church, (4960 W. Portland Rd, Lake Odessa 48849). Please visit www.Lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign his guest book.