Curtis Fisher Almquist Sr., born on July 25, 1921 in Dallas, TX, passed away peacefully in Flagstaff, AZ on June 23, 2011.Curtis married his surviving wife of 44 years, Margaret Ybarra Almquist, in Flagstaff in 1967. "Daddy" had 9 children, the "lights of his life:" Nita "Jan;" Sherry Almquist Seymour; Debra Almquist Kiddoo; Curtis Jr (deceased); Stephen; Rebekah; Trissa Almquist Curtis; Laurel Almquist Jensen; and Paul."Grandpa" had 25 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren—a great clan that he loved very much.
"Mr. Almquist" was a teacher that never met a kid he didn't like or care about, although he had high standards and expectations for correct behavior and accomplishment.He began teaching school in Dallas in 1954 but spent most of his teaching career in Arizona including several years on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in Peach Springs and twenty years at East Flagstaff Junior High.There he taught math, health and science, coached basketball and wrestling, and was the honorary cheerleader for the EFJH Thunderbirds. Curtis truly loved teaching and cared about his students.
Prior to his teaching career, Curtis earned a degree in religion at a Christian university and spent several years involved in Baptist ministries.He loved the Lord and maintained a deep and abiding faith in God his entire life.
A man of many interest and talents, Curtis enjoyed fishing, tennis, hunting and camping.He shared his love of music through playing guitar and singing songs, especially hymns.Most of all, he enjoyed being with children—he was the biggest kid on the block.His family will dearly miss a loyal, loving man whose life exemplified the values of goodness, responsibility, humor, integrity, and caring for others.
Those wishing to celebrate the life of Curtis Almquist are invited to attend a funeral service, Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm, at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 423 North Beaver Street, Flagstaff. A graveside service will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 201 W. University Drive.In lieu of flower, donations may be made to the Flagstaff Sunshine Rescue Mission, 124 South San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001.Condolences may be sent directly to the family or expressed online at www.flagstaffmortuary.com.
Arrangements are by Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary