Obituary of Robert Joseph Neil Curtis

CURTIS, Robbie

With shattered hearts and profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle and nephew, Robert Joseph Neil Curtis who offered his final “Aloha” on August 22nd, 2018 at the age of 37 years. Born in Red Deer, Alberta, his family soon moved to Regina where he attended high school at Riffel Collegiate and then graduated from the SIAST in 2000 as an EMT and two years later as an Advanced Care Paramedic.

He was predeceased by his fantastic grandparents, Joe and Meta McGeady and Vi Curtis, along with his childhood camping buddy and cousin, Ryan Wadsworth. Robbie is survived by his loving parents, Patti and Ken Curtis, his sister Candace with whom he had an outstanding relationship since early childhood and his brother in law, Devin Curle. He also leaves behind his special friend, Nikki Crowe and his cherished nieces and nephews, Hannah, Logan, Rachel and Alex whom he adored as much as they adored him. Uncle Robbie was their real life hero! He is also mourned by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and emergency crew members in the first responder community.

From the age of 4 when he first donned a Superman cape on top of his blue “S” insignia pyjamas and little red rubber boots, he dreamed of single-handedly saving the world. Robbie always found it easy to make friends and he made many at home, at work and around the world. Kids in the hotel pools would flock to play with him. He would be encircled with boys and girls in Tae Kwon Do where he earned his black belt by the age of 12 along with many provincial and national martial arts championships. He loved to travel especially to far off places where beaches and scuba gear were awaiting his arrival. If swimming with sharks at the bottom of the ocean wasn’t enough of an adrenalin rush, he decided to take a stab at one of Superman’s skills – so he learned to fly. His dad will attest to Rob’s superb skills as pilot in command. Recently, he took it one step further. Instead of flying the airplanes, he decided to jump out of them. The thrills of skydiving captured him and he was never afraid to “take the leap” for a free fall from 10,000 feet. No one is surprised to hear that the Chief of Police recently presented Rob with a Commendation for Bravery for helping police in a dangerous situation when he was off duty. He felt compelled to help a comrade in need. He had integrity and guts! Dune buggies in the Arizona Desert or racing on the NASCAR track were all in Robbie’s fun zone. He played hard and he worked hard. He was so proud of his career as a paramedic and working with a team of dedicated professionals trying to save the world – one patient at a time.

For the past few years, this dynamic, enthusiastic and talented young man struggled with PTSD and its associated battles. He was a brave and courageous soldier that fought hard to beat its challenges which were great. Rob’s parents and sister would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the EMS paramedics and Fire and Police personnel, who worked aggressively to save his life at home as well as the entire nursing and medical teams in the RGH Emergency who worked desperately to bring him back to us. If hope could have brought him back, there was plenty of that until it faded to become the darkest day of our lives. All of the ER and EMS staff’s emotional investment was obvious but they remained professional and determined until it was time to say goodbye. We all shared immense pain in that room and in the hours and days that followed. The world lost an outstanding human being and paramedic but his incredible spirit is now free to soar.

Robbie supported many charities in his lifetime but he especially liked the Humane Society of Regina where he adopted his beloved rescue puppy and friend, Anela, Our family’s world has been rocked and forever changed. It is no longer as bright without his winning smile; no longer as fun without his unique and contagious laugh; no longer as safe without his fierce, protective loyalty and no longer as warm without his compassionate heart.

A Celebration of Rob’s Life will be held at the Conexus Art Centre, 200 Lakeshore Dr, Regina, SK on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Casual dress appreciated and all first responders and nurses are asked to wear their uniforms. Please arrive by 6:00 p.m. to gather outside for the arrival of the motorcade procession.

 All donations from the celebration of Rob’s life will be made to Regina Paramedics With Heart / care of Saskatchewan Health Authority, Box 3930, Regina, SK, S4P 3R8 or online at Hospitals of Regina Foundation directed to Paramedics With Heart, a non-profit association to help paramedics in distress.