Obituary of Curtis Gartshore

GARTSHORE, Curtis Arlo - Of Sault Ste. Marie ON passed away peacefully at his home, on March 30 2010. Curt was born in the Soo on December 17th, 1921 to Arlo (Dutch) and Mae (Sue) Gartshore. Growing up as an only child, his cousin Joyce Thompson was the special sister he never had. Curt graduated from Collegiate high school, where he was very active in sports, especially soccer and hockey. Shortly after high school, Curt joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed in Gander Newfoundland, where he met his wife, Rita McLennon who passed away on May 11, 1994. After getting his pilot's license, it was discovered Curt was colour blind, but he continued to be an avid flier most of his life. For the balance of his military service he became active as a carpenter and builder. Following Curt's time in Gander Nfld., he and Rita married and settled back in the Soo, where he started in the construction business and began a family. Ed Gartshore joined Curt for a time before pursuing his real love, the music business. Curt owned Gartshore Construction and over the years developed many lifelong friendships, including that of his best and treasured friend, Lynn Hollingsworth. Curt was the last of the founding members of the local chapter of the Elks, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for the last sixty six years, and part owner of the Soo Thunderbirds of the Eastern Professional Hockey League. In his later years, Curt's love of sports and his weekly breakfasts with his son Rick and the Hollingsworth boys were cherished by him; also his special friendship with Hilda Armstrong and Helen Gillespie. Dad will surely be missed and lovingly remembered by his children; Wayne (deceased) and Helen (Gillespie), Gary and Phyllis (Waters), Rick and Gay (Littlefield), Janice Fries, Curt and Michelle (Barber), Ron and Lynne, Criss and Rick Rotondi, Diane and Mark O' Donoghue. Fondly remembered by his grandchildren; Kelly and Jason; Kimberly; Will, Brandi and Daniel; Jono, Matt, and Kristy; Kerry, Sarah, Luke, Jessie and Andy; Catherine, Leeanne, Jeffrey, and Thomas; Peter, Vanessa, Seth, Abbie and Michaela; Michael and Danielle. And Dad's great grandchildren; Kelly's baby due this week, Bradley, Meghan, Jordan, Danielle, Dean, Shane, Ron, Jesse, Jacob, Kaelan, Bradley, Noah, Brooke, Abigail Joy, Samuel, Caleb, Aiden. We would also like to mention his good friendship with his sisters in law, Phyllis Miller and Sheila McLennon. With special thanks to Dr Peter Chow for his friendship and care, and also to Curt's many relatives, friends and associates. Friends are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation & Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road 945-7758) on Tuesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Memorial Service to be held in the Chapel on Wednesday April 7, 2010 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Hamish Currie officiating. Memorial donations to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) or charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. www.northwoodfuneral.com At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them