Halden Curtiss, 85

Halden Curtiss, 85, passed over into heaven on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, surrounded by his wife, Pauline, and 11 of his children and grandchildren. He was a beloved father, friend, mentor and pastor to so many.

Hal's story is best told by those whose lives he touched. His story is etched into their hearts and his influence will echo well beyond the next generation. Most who knew him have at least one story of how Hal was there for them at some critical point.

Hal was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1937, and first fell in love with Montana when stationed at Malmstrom Air Force base in the 1950s. He returned to Montana in 1969 to pastor the Little Brown Church in Bigfork after being mentored as a pastor by small coal mining communities in Maryland and West Virginia.

He lived in the Flathead Valley throughout his years as a pastor, retiring from CrossRoads in Bigfork in 2012. He remained engaged beyond Bigfork as well. He was a teacher and board member with YWAM (Youth With A Mission Arkansas) and worked with various other Christian and community organizations.

Hal had an adventurous, passionate side that led to his involvement in El Salvador in the 1980s and to the establishment of a wilderness leadership school in the 1990s, called Eastgate. He became close with the elders of the Blackfeet in Browning, a chaplain with the Bandidos and loved his friends at Kung Fu.

After retiring, he became an EMT and worked with the Bigfork Fire Department. Around the campfire, he was renowned for his bear stories and stories of the Old West.

Hal was preceded in death by his two brothers, Richard and Tom; and his firstborn son, David, who died at 6 years of age.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline; and his three children, Halden, Christine and Jonathan, along with their spouses and a crew of grandkids.

When he passed, after all the hugs and kisses goodbye, his son, Halden, told him not to worry about anything here and to go be with David, and he went immediately. He always longed to see David again and so many others.

A memorial service will be held in Bigfork at CrossRoads Christian Fellowship on Thursday, July 27, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hal Curtiss Aces after school memorial fund in Bigfork. Cards may be sent to Pauline and the family at 18654 Morris Rd. Conneautville, PA. 16406.