Curtis R. Bridges

Our dad was always there. He was kind, determined and he did what needed to be done. He was honest, faithful and giving. He was an example for all of us to follow! Curt Bridges lost a hard fought battle with cancer on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. He transitioned comfortably at home supported by his family and friends! Dad was born on March 28, 1936 in Little Washington, North Carolina, where he was guided by the kindest, most durable family imaginable. Curtis is survived by his mother, Malvious Wells, his brother John (Uncle June Bug) and his family. He established himself as quite the football player. After graduation, he was able to display these talents as a star running back for the United States Air Force, while stationed in Burtenwood, England. During this time, he met Stella Judith Smeeton, which redirected his attention away from the college scholarship offers he was receiving to play football; and herein began his true legacy. He served a total of 21 years in the USAF. After retiring, he completed a second career with Martin Marietta Aerospace, as a Quality Assurance Engineer for the Air Force. At Martin he worked on projects like, ""The Titan Missle Program"", ""The In Space Man-Manuveuring Unit"" and the ""Mars Viking Project."" While working at Martin, he completed his college degree taking classes at night and on weekends. Additionally, he volunteered his time at his local community center helping the elderly and others complete their annual tax returns. They could not have been in more honest hands. If Dad was not working two jobs, his committment to his real estate portfolio enabled him to have the financial security to retire at the age of 55 and travel the world. As much as our Dad worked, our family never felt neglected, as he always found time for us to travel with our camper on the beaches of Northern Italy, or even just to talk to us about whatever was going on in our lives. We were all athletes, and Dad wouldn't dream of missing any of our sporting events. After a ten year hiatus, Dad resumed his football career while we were stationed in Aviano Airbase Italy. He then became the coach of the base all-star football team. A favorite memory each year was when they played the Navy's semi-pro football team out of Rhoda, Spain in the annual Turkey Bowl. Travel always kept our family close. We visited every non-communist country while stationed in Europe and even a communist country or two, when it was permitted. Mom's Sunday dinners were mandatory. There are no words to express the priceless moments spent over these meals on Sundays. Mom says she married Dad ""because he was the kindest person she had ever met."" Moments after Dad's transition, a stranger introduced himself in front of our parent's home and spoke of Dad's kindness. These sentiments are shared by many. My father is mourned by a large family. Here is what his legacy wants to tell you... Mom - ""He is the most honest person I have ever met in my life. I love him, and I'll miss him more than words can ever say."" Karen - ""Dad was a quiet, gentle soul. Always there to provide support, wisdom and never ending encouragement."" Tami - ""His beautiful family, and his great strong friendships are a testament to the special man that he was. I am blessed and inspired by his kindness, wisdom, but more than anything his LOVE. I have a big huge place in my heart that is filled with his memory."" Lynn - ""Mr. B was a gentle soul. He was always thinking when trying to keep the peace amongst everyone. He should be incredibly proud of his life's achievements and his family. I am honored to be a part of the Bridges family."" Ray - ""He was there! No matter what, he was always there for me! I will miss him more than I will ever know."" Rick - ""Pops taught me everything I needed to know to be successful in life."" Rod - ""He showed me what being a man really meant."" Francesca - ""He was the most loving, committed man I've ever met in my life, and I can see a little bit of him in my father, my brother and more sons to come, 'too small'."" Tori - ""Pop, I am going to miss you so much. I only have memories now, but they're memories of the most loving grandfather with the greatest heart. I will always remember your loving smile and the sound of your laugh. I love you forever."" Joshua - ""I will always miss you, and now even through your silence, I know you were always there for me."" CJ - ""Grandpa defined what it means to be a patriarch. His caring, playful and determined attitude slowly built him into a father, grandfather, husband and friend that we all needed. His strength rubbed off on all of us, and that is a skill I will spend a lifetime trying to replicate."" Braden - ""Pops was the biggest sweetheart I ever met. His heart was so kind, and he only had caring, loving things to say. His positive attitude inspired everyone to be a better person."" Curtis - ""Grandpa, I'm so very honored to have your name. You were a great inspiration in my life, and I will never forget that for as long as I live. I love you so very much. Sincerely, Curtis Ray Bridges, III"" Carter - ""Pop was strong. I remember just recently as pop was starting to feel worse, he came downstairs in his beanie and slippers with his fist up ready to go 12 rounds. It made me feel good by him telling me what a sharp dresser I am. But Pop was really the sharpest dresser."" Blake - ""Poppa was always nice to me and cared about what I was doing. He always gave me a big hug."" Cole - ""He is the best poppa ever. I love him."" Rest well, Dad! We will all see you again one day! We love you! A visitation will be held Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., with a Recitation of the Rosary at 3:00 P.M., both at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 East County Line Road, in Centennial, Colorado. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 11:00 A.M., at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 8035 South Quebec Street, in Centennial, Colorado. Graveside Service follows at 2:00 P.M. at Ft. Logan National Cemetery ~ Pavilion ""A"", 3098 South Sheridan Boulevard, in Denver, Colorado. Memorial donations may be made in Curtis' name to the University of Colorado Hospital Cancer Clinic, 12401 East 17th Avenue, Mail Stop F485, Aurora, Colorado 80045; or online at www.uch.edu/donate. Please share your condolences and memories of Curtis by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button.