Keith Taylor Curtis

Beloved friend, husband, father, and grandfather, Keith Taylor Curtis, passed away October 7, 2016 in Salt Lake City.

Born in Burley, Idaho on May 22, 1957 to Pares LaMar and Mary L. Nordstrom Curtis, Keith grew up in Centerville, Utah where he quickly developed a reputation for being everyone’s friend who was always willing to talk and laugh.

Keith graduated from Viewmont High School in 1975 where he enjoyed participating in debate and band, and went on to study at Weber State University. In 1986, he and his then-wife, Julie Ann Worley, were blessed with a son, Michael, who quickly became his dad’s partner in crime and comedy.

Keith enjoyed his career in sales, working to please customers throughout his life. His employment included Dahle’s and Maurice Anderson’s, after which he opened his own clothing store, Curtis for Men, in the ZCMI Center. His sales continued in the airline industry, retiring from Continental Airlines in 2008, where it was never clear whether he worked for a living or for the flight benefits.

Keith loved to travel, and always had his next trip planned by the time his return flight landed back in Salt Lake. He loved traveling to Boston, but never missed an opportunity to travel the islands of Hawai’i. A trip to Sweden was a special experience, visiting the home of his ancestors.

Keith loved to shop, especially for Christmas decorations. The Festival of Trees had nothing on him.

Keith was often covered in dirt as his green thumb worked tirelessly to perfect his yard and his mother’s garden. He loved obscure and beautiful flowers and could talk anyone’s ear off about the perfect balance of turkey manure in the soil.

In Keith’s own words, go forward, and wherever you go, there you are.

Survived by his son, Michael Edward (Sarah), North Salt Lake; brothers Pares Kaye, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Calvin Carl, Salt Lake City, three granddaughters; as well as close friends Gary and Jolyn Alexander, and their children Jennifer, Darren, and Sarah. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers John Gerald, Kenneth Lee, Rex LaMar; his sister Mary Jane; three shih tzus; and countless cases of Diet Coke.        

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 14, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Centerville 9th Ward Chapel, 1475 North 50 East in Centerville. Friends may call at viewings on Thursday, October 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main Street in Bountiful, and one hour prior to the funeral services at the church.

Keith will be buried alongside his parents and brothers in the Centerville City Cemetery following the service.

The family would like to thank those who have cared for Keith through the years.