Harold Curtis, Jr.

Harold Curtis, Jr. was a hard-working man with a love for the great outdoors, especially when he was fishing or hunting. His greatest love, however, was reserved for his family, making the most of every moment he had with them. Although Harold’s days numbered far less than many are given, he made a significant impact on the hearts of all those within his reach. Both his zest for life and his heart of gold were woven throughout the rich tapestry of memories he leaves behind.

Harold’s story began on September 10, 1972 in Lancaster, CA. He was the first child born to Harold and Sandra (Griffith)Curtis, Sr., and he was soon joined in his family by younger brothers Michl and Eric who were born just one and two years later. Harold’s father served in the Military Police of the United States Army, and consequently, their family moved around quite a bit during Harold’s younger years. Although Little Harold, as he was often called, was exposed to many different cultures as he was growing up, his family even lived in Germany on two separate occasions, he loved living in Alabama the most as this is where they lived for the longest period of time. While he was in high school, Little Harold played football and wrestled as well, and he graduated from high school in Paw Paw, Michigan.

Harold’s formative years provided him with numerous experiences that very much shaped the man he became. As a member of a military family that moved often, Harold was close to his parents and together, they were a tight-knit group since their surroundings often changed, but their family unit always remained constant. Harold also developed a love for the outdoors that would carry over into his adult years. He loved bass fishing and going ice fishing with his Grandfather Curtis, also providing him with the opportunity to learn about “snake-bite” medicine.

In August of 1991, Harold began working at McDonald’s in Schoolcraft, which also paved the way for his introduction to a woman who would forever change the course of his life. Her name was Michelle Hayward and they took turns driving to and from work. Soon, their relationship blossomed into true love and they were united in marriage on August 7, 1993, in his parents’ front yard. The newlyweds initially settled into a variety of apartments in both Kalamazoo and Paw Paw until they purchased their first home in May of 2001. Eventually, Harold and Michelle opened up both their home and their hearts to welcome three daughters: Britini, Elizabeth, and Morgane.

In order to support his family, Harold worked at Naylor Landscape for 14 seasons where he was able to satiate his love for the outdoors. In fact, he was a true outdoorsman who always loved puttering outside, and was quite creative too. He worked his way up at Naylor and was most recently a supervisor. About six years ago, Little Harold also expanded his career interests to include working for Lawrence Township Emergency Services. In order to do this, he obtained his Firefighter I and II certificates, and his EMT certificate as well. Harold took his duties seriously and always kept his pager on him so that he would be available to answer any call he was able to. His boss at Naylor even allowed him to put emergency lights on his company truck so that he could quickly get where he needed to go.

There were numerous interests that Harold enjoyed pursuing when time allowed. He remained an avid hunter who hunted everything including deer and rabbits, just to name a few. Harold was also very involved in archery and served as the vice-president of the Potawatomi Bowmen of Kalamazoo Archery Club. He had a diverse taste in music and could listen to just about any type. Harold raised hermit crabs and Beagles, and currently had nine Beagles in his home. He was a real meat and potatoes guy who loved eating what he shot.

Harold Curtis, Jr. was a man of integrity who worked hard to support his family as they were his driving force. He selflessly served his community, at times even putting himself in harm’s way as a firefighter. Although Harold was rather guarded at first and was difficult to get to know, once his tough exterior was penetrated, on the inside he was solid gold. He was a loving husband and a doting father who will be dearly missed by all those he leaves behind.

Harold Debs “Little Harold” Jr. of Lawrence died on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Borgess Hospital. Harold’s family includes his wife, Michelle Curtis; his daughters, Britini Taylor Anname, Elizabeth Nichole, Morgane McKenzee; brothers, Michl Curtis, Eric Curtis; nine aunts and uncles; grandmother, Dolores Griffith; mother-in-law, Jackie Hayward; two brothers- in- law, Dale and Matt Hayward; special friends, Tom and Abbie Gendron and their three children; as well as his step grandmother; Peggy Ortegel. Visit with Harold’s friends and family on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson, 60900 M-40 657-3870, where a service to honor his life will be held Thursday 11 a.m. with full firefighter honors processing to Hill Cemetery, Lawrence. Food and fellowship will follow in Lawrence at a place to be announced. Please visit Harold’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his guestbook, share a memory or photo, or make a memorial contribution to a memorial fund to be established for his 3 little girls’ education c/o Michelle Curtis.