Willis M. Curnow, 90

Willis M. Curnow passed away at home in Montrose, Colo., Feb. 28, 2011.

Will was born in Williamsburg on April 12, 1920, to Michael and Ethel (Craddock) Curnow. He attended school in Butte.

Will met the love of his life, Mary Jo Campbell, with one wink from afar while working at Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica, Calif. Two weeks later they wed on Apr. 4, 1943. Will loved his wife of 67 years with all his heart. 

Will served his country in the Army Air Corps in World War II. His career as a heavy equipment mechanic took him from the giant equipment at the pit in Butte to the missile silos along the Hi-Line to the construction of Libby Dam. The happiest times of his life were spent hiking and fishing in the remote mountains of his beloved Montana with his wife and daughter.

His faith in God is the foundation of his family's strength and courage.

Will was preceded in death by one daughter, Donna Lee; his parents; brother, Clifford and Alicia Curnow; sisters, Goldie and Clifton Coleman and Phyllis and Johnny Fliegauf; and his nephew, Darrel Curnow.

Will leaves behind his wife, Mary Jo; daughter, Linda and Bob Harnish of Montrose, Colo.; granddaughter, Jazzmine and Ray Parker of San Diego; niece, Janet Curnow of Dillon; and nephew, Sidney and Mika Curnow of Blackfoot, Idaho.

We will miss that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. A good man, “gone to be with Jesus in a better place.”