WILLIAMS, Curtis G.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona April 2010 Brigadier General Curtis G. Williams peacefully passed away at his home in Paradise Valley on April 4, 2010 at the age of 78. Curtis graduated from University of Minnesota as the vice-commandant of cadets with an ROTC commission and served as intelligence officer with S.A.C. 86th Air Division. While in Germany, he was responsible for a variety of duties including establishing 88 liquor stores in 11 countries for the US Armed Forces. After his United States Air force service in Germany, Curtis moved to Arizona where he started an advertising firm. Curtis enjoyed sports car rally racing and driving his Porsche, which he purchased while stationed in Europe. General Williams joined the Air National Guard in 1958. His service to his country was exemplary especially during the 1960-1961 Berlin Crisis when his unit was called up. As the first officer from the Phoenix unit to arrive in Germany, he played an important role in Arizona's participation in the deployment. When Curtis returned to Phoenix, he joined a fellow guardsman in the world of hotel development and management. His first property was the Papago Motor Hotel in Scottsdale. He then formed Interwestern Management Corporation and went on to manage many notable properties nationwide. Curtis became involved in the Arizona Motel Association where he served as president. He was also active in the Arizona Academy, Valley Innkeepers and Arizona Town Hall. The pinnacle of his hospitality career was when he was elected Chairman of the American Hotel and Motel Association in 1995. Representing over 10,000 members, he traveled the world representing independent and large hotel corporations. In the early 1970's Curtis developed and was managing general partner of the Fiesta Inn in Tempe. Interwestern Management then developed Fountain Head Corporate Park for the State Farm Insurance company. Both the Fiesta and Fountain Head were recognized as leading and innovative properties during his reign. Curtis and his wife Melinda moved to Paradise Valley in 1965, and purchased the Smoke Tree Resort. This property remains family owned and operated after 45 years. General Williams was a graduate of the Air War College, National War College, and multiple other service schools. He served at the Air National Guard headquarters where he was the Adjutant General and aid to Governor Bruce Babbit. Curtis served with the National Guard for 28 years. The General is survived by his wife Melinda of 45 years, his sons, Eric and Colin, their wives, Jennifer and Sherri and his four grandchildren; Ryan, Chase, Luke and Logan. His sister, Marilyn Swenson also survives him. A private memorial service will be held at the Smoke Tree Resort on Sunday, April 18th. ~ R.I.P. Papa, we will miss you~