Curtis Colyear Patrick was born to Howard and Elizabeth Patrick on October 25, 1937, and passed away November 30, 2024, having reached his 87th birthday. Between those two dates Curtis lived a full and vibrant life. Well educated with a tremendous vocabulary, it was a joy listening to Curtis as he so clearly enunciated his words. With his fine voice and good looks, he could have had an enduring career in radio or television.
However, Curtis found politics working for the Goldwater presidential campaign of 1964. This led to Curtis working on Ronald Reagan’s 1966 gubernatorial campaign and then taking a position on Governor Reagan’s staff. Curtis would write two books about his time with “Ron and Nancy!” I believe they loved him as much as he loved them.
Despite his family’s long connection with California, Curtis moved to Northern Nevada. It was here that he met and married the former Joan Airy on April 15, 1984. Both she and Curtis had been married previously, but this was a love which fulfilled the rest of Curtis’ life! In Nevada, Curtis would serve on the Tahoe Douglas Fire District Board of Directors, become a real estate agent specializing in the historic Glenbrook area and serve as a dedicated volunteer for the Sheridan Acres Volunteer Fire Department. The number of state and local Douglas County politicians who benefited from Curtis and Joan’s expertise in their campaigns is too numerous to list. Curtis also served as State Chairman of the Nevada Republican Party and as Chairman of the Douglas County Republican Central Committee.
Curtis and Joan could have become high powered lobbyists in any area but they both loved the “real people” and quality of life in Douglas County. In many ways they dedicated their lives to making our area a better place with “good government.”
Curtis and Joan had many wonderful adventures, but their greatest journeys included a trip to the Holy Lands as Freedom Alliance members, organized and led by Oliver North, their participation in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum and the Commissioning of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), ninth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Nevada benefitted greatly from Curtis being a citizen here, but he would say that the benefit was all his. He had a caring heart, a gentle soul, deep loyalty to his beloved wife Joan and his many friends. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and fellow citizens.
A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Fork Fire Protection District, volunteer association, 1694 County Road, Minden, NV 89423.