Mark Wade Curtis

Mark Wade Curtis, age 79, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024, at his home in Olympia, WA, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Seattle, WA, the oldest of three children to John Marvin Curtis and Arda Mae Nereim Curtis. Mark is survived by his sisters Parma and Dana.

Mark graduated from Saint Martins University with a degree in Criminal Justice and was proud to be a U.S. Marine. He dedicated much of his life to law enforcement, starting in Tacoma, WA, then Ocean Shores, WA, before joining the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department where he served for 34 years, retiring in 2006 as Captain.

On August 17, 1968, Mark married Marilyn K Curtis in Tacoma, WA. They were married for 56 years and were members of Saint Michael Parish for over five decades. Mark is survived by Marilyn, their children Chris (wife Dena), Melissa, Sean (wife Shannon), and six grandchildren: Brendan, Aidan, Lillian, Owen, Harper, and Hudson. He is also remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mark was preceded in death by his father John and mother Arda.

Mark had a wide range of hobbies and talents throughout his life including boat building, boating, hot rodding, waterfowl hunting, wood working, decoy carving and a member of the Cruzaders car club.  He cherished spending time at his duck hunting shack on the Skagit Bay and enjoyed the community of friends and neighbors there. Mark was a dedicated historian, particularly focused on preserving the history of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department, and had a passion for genealogy, creating a detailed family tree chart.  He had a deep pride of his Norwegian heritage and carried on the tradition of making Lefse and Kumla.

In addition to his hobbies, Mark was an advocate as a leader of the LEOFF 1 Coalition, fighting for the welfare of widows and beneficiaries of Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters. Known for his storytelling, integrity, and honesty, Mark was never hesitant to voice his opinions.

Mark's family extends their gratitude to the caregivers who provided exceptional care to him, as well as the Providence South Sound Hospice Team who supported him during his final days.

A funeral service will be held at Saint Michael Parish Church in Olympia on July 18 at 12pm noon, preceded by a Rosary at 11am. A reception will follow the funeral service in the gathering space, and Mark will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma, WA.

Mark Wade Curtis leaves behind a legacy of service, passion for family, and dedication to his community that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.