Curtis Elmer Wright

Curtis Elmer Wright, son of Elizabeth Helen and Elmer Wright, passed away Sunday, June 19 at the age of 80. Curtis was born February 22, 1931 in Hebron, Illinois. Curtis often recalled visits as a child to the farms of his uncles Charles and Silas for enjoyable family gatherings. Curtis moved to Colorado in 1954 to attend the University of Colorado, spending extracurricular time climbing various mountain peaks as a member of the CU hiking club. After his first year at CU, Curtis was drafted for military service in the United States Army during the Korean War. Curtis' basic training at Fort Ord developed in him a particular fondness of Monterrey and Carmel California. Curtis graduated with a bachelors degree in accounting from the Univery of Colorado in 1958 and shortly after attended the American Institute of Foreign Trade in Glendale, Arizona. Curtis was then employed by Price Waterhouse in Chicago, Illinois. In 1960, he began work at the Colorado School of Mines, during which time he met his first wife, Phoebe Wright (Koomes) and welcomed the birth of their son Barth Wilkinson. Curtis was also one of the first Coloradans to purchase season tickets for the Denver Broncos at the start of the franchise while they still wore vertically striped socks and played at Denver University Stadium. In 1965, Curtis worked as an essential team member toward the establishment of Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado where he served as the Vice President of Business and Finance for 20 years. He also served as acting president at ""Metro"" for one year. The establishment and success of ""Metro"" was a source of great pride for him and his family. In 1973, Curtis married Henrietta Kay Elwell, who would remain his loving and devoted companion for 38 years. After retiring in 1986, Curtis spent enjoyable years as a docent as the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Natural History, and at Roxborough State Park. Curtis' other favorite pastimes included stamp collecting and reading about all facets of the Civil War. Curtis will be fondly remembered for his love of history, his family, and his cats. Happily, Curtis welcomed the birth of his grandson, Fenner William, on March 22, 2011 three short months before his passing. Curtis, a beloved father and husband, is survived by his wife, Kay Wright, of Westminster, Colorado and his son Barth Wright, daughter-in-law Kristin Wright, and grandson Fenner Wright of Parkville, Missouri. A Committal Service will be held Monday, June 27, 2011 at 12pm at Arvada Cemetery, 5581 Independence Street, Arvada, Colorado 80002. Memorials can be made in honor of Curtis to Civil War Trust, 1156 15th Street NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005. Please share memories of Curtis and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button.