Curtis Taylor Woodland

Curtis Taylor Woodland, our LA Laker/Kobe-loving, Jazz-hating, Bronco-fanatic, passed away on October 27, 2017.  Curt was born to Jerry and Judy Woodland, February 8, 1975 and had a wonderful childhood growing up in Loveland, Colorado.

As a young child, Curt loved playing with his little sister Kim. He aspired to be larger than life as he conjured up Star Wars scenarios with his action figures, or ran around in his underwear and super-hero cape playing Superman, Spiderman or The Greatest American Hero.  As Curt grew older, it became apparent he had a great love of animals. He somehow talked his parents into owning several cats, dogs, hamsters, a sugar glider, and two pigeons that were rescued from a nearby field; fondly named Henry and Henrietta.

Curt excelled at every sport he played, from football in Jr. High, to basketball and tennis in high school.  His cocky personality always kept the competition real, even if it was a “friendly” game of ping pong, whiffle-ball, or seeing who could throw the football the farthest. Curt frequently reminded his friends and family, as they were losing a game to him that, “Second-place, is first-place loser!”

As a teenager, Curt and his dad worked together to restore what became a ridiculously cool ‘67 Firebird. Although the sound barrier was never broken in that car, friends will attest that it was attempted more often than any responsible adult will admit. In Curt’s mind, it flew faster while blasting Metallica’s Black or the Guns & Roses’ Illusion albums; the latter not being mom-approved.

In 1993, after graduating from Loveland High School, Curt attended Mesa State University for one year on a tennis scholarship. No one had a faster, more wicked serve than him. The next two years were spent serving an honorable LDS mission in Nashville, Tennessee. Upon his return, Curt transferred to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He married Lisa Diaz (Fife) on July 23, 1997 in the Salt Lake LDS temple (later divorced.) The following year, Curt graduated from UVU with a BS in Business Management.

Post-graduation jobs took him and Lisa to Huntington Beach, California, where life suited Curt so well. He loved the sun and beach, getting a bronze tan with natural highlights in his hair. And of course, there was nothing better than being able to wear shorts and flip flops all year-round.  Curt was in his happy place in California. As time went on, two darling boys, Christian and Beau, joined their family. They were Curt’s pride and joy and he considered them his greatest accomplishments in his life.

 He finally came together with the one, who he considered his soul mate, Jennie (Wolfer) Woodland. On June 15, 2015, they were married in Santa Barbara, California. Together they were raising six children, two dogs and three chickens.

Professionally, Curt was a successful sales associate for Anderson Lumber, Thatcher Chemical, England Logistics, and most recently Alside. In the past year, he received accolades and awards for his hard work and high achievements.

Curt will always be remembered by friends and family for his goofiness and fun nature. There were times when it seemed his laughter would never stop; he was always laughing either at you or with you. Yet sorrowfully, that laughter stopped last Friday when he took his life. Despite the happy demeanor on the outside he courageously fought depression on the inside for most of his adult life. Despite his own efforts to self–medicate and receive professional assistance, we are at peace; knowing he is now in a better place and able to be a guardian-angel, watching over his loved one’s night and day.

Curt is survived by his loving wife, Jennie; children, Christian (15) and Beau (11); his parents, Jerry and Judy Woodland, Richmond, UT; siblings Dianna Barton (Bryon), Kaysville, UT; Jason R. Woodland (Monica), Kaysville, UT; Kim Lay (John), Corona, CA; his step children, and many nephews and nieces who will miss him dearly.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a viewing on Sunday, November 5th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary (1941 North Main St, Farmington, UT).There will also be a second viewing prior to the funeral services on November 6th, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the LDS Orchard Chapel (1282 W. 1875 N., Farmington, UT).Funeral services will be held Monday, November 6th, 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Orchard Chapel (1282 W. 1875 N., Farmington, UT). Interment at Farmington City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jennie and Curt’s boys at America First Credit Union – Woodland Family Charitable Account #9098054.