VICK, Curtis David

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, January 10, 2016 Curtis David Vick, devoted husband, loving father, protector of and provider for family, crossed the bar into God's celestial community while at home in the care of his loving family on the evening of Dec. 19, 2015. Curtis rejoined Dorinda, love of his life and wife of over 53 years, with whom he so longed to be reunited. Curtis was born into humble means to Mamie Rose Thomas and Herschel David Vick in Russellville, Kentucky on April 6, 1939. From an early age, he was often compelled to be his mother's little man and be strong for his six younger sisters. The hard times during those days made a deep and lasting impression on him. A young Curtis escaped into books when he could, beginning a life-long love with literature, scholarship, and poetry. Curtis met Dorinda in Tucson, Arizona while serving in the Air Force. With the encouragement of an older, wiser serviceman, he earned his GED, and then began attending Arizona State University while working jobs in construction and surveying to support his growing family in Tempe. By the time Curtis was finished with his formal education, he had earned a B.A. and M.A. in English, an ascension from poverty of which he and his family are very proud. Curtis was a teacher by nature and career for thirty years, having taught English at the high school and community college levels in Payson and Mesa, Arizona. His favorite author was Faulkner; his favorite novel to teach was Huckleberry Finn. Curt was a good conservative in life philosophy, and always had unabashed opinions on the issues of the day. For his crowning artistic achievements, Curtis wrote and published two novels, Shadows in Jerome and The Outdweller, and one instructional book of poetry, The Poetry Book. Curtis loved and is survived by sons, Steven and Jonathan; daughter Pamela; grandchildren, Jeremy, Savannah, Brandon, Kellan, Falina and Madison; and sisters, Shirley, Annette, Janice, Vicki, Darlene and Sharon. A celebration of his life with military honors will take place at 1 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2016 at the First Congregational Church in Prescott, Arizona. Funeral services were entrusted to Wakelin Family Funeral Homes. Please visit www.ruffnerwakelin.com to view and sign Curtis's guestbook and for directions. Information provided by survivors.