Curtis Summers Astin
November 16, 1944 - December 27, 2020
Curtis Summers Astin passed away December 27, 2020 of pneunmonia and complications from a stroke he had many years ago. He was born November 16, 1944 to Rufus Bolton Astin and Phyllis Summers Astin. He graduated from Highland High School and continued his education at the University of Utah, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He married Carolyn Bowers and together they have one daughter, Kimberly.
After a 25 year career in the financial industry, he moved on to a career as a manufacturer's rep for several lines of industrial tools.
Curt had many interests and enjoyed the outdoors. For many years he was a member of the Salt Lake County Search and Rescue and enjoyed the group's activity and comaraderie. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a keen knack for telling jokes and stories. He loved spending time at Ute games, playing golf, skiing, canyon picnics, and discovering new restaurants.
After suffering a stroke, he met new challenges with determination and amazed everyone with his accomplishments. He even learned to fish and play golf one-handed, using his non-dominant hand. His affable personality led to being recruited by the University of Utah to be a “guinea pig” for research (especially for stroke and brain injuries), as well as in other medical areas.
Curt was always a gentleman, and had an incredible memory and inquiring mind. He was an expert, of sorts, in Utah history and war history.
More of his favorite things include: family and friends; football and tailgating; golf; skiing; all things cowboy (country music, boots, hats and, of course, John Wayne); Italian and Mexican food; travel, especially Italy; wine tasting; cruises; picnics up Millcreek canyon; Discovery and History channels; The Godfather; gadgets; digital devices; and jokes.
His love and spirit will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife Carolyn and daughter Kimberly. Also survived by brothers Lorin (Carol), Alan, Duane (Jill) and their families, as well as, many beloved friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please share your condolences, memories and photos with the family at www.starksfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please support a local charity of your choice.
In Loving Memory
Oh Carolyn, what a great loss. What a wonderful man, I have lots of wonderful memories with the both of you, one of the things I miss the most. All my love is with you. Would love to get together. I got your number from Ken, I will call
Curt was my hunting babysitter. I don’t know why Curt was always the one stuck at camp with a 10 year old girl. He taught me that the best way to light a campfire is with a road flare, that if you are still long enough you can catch a chipmunk in a peanut jar, and that elk will walk right through camp only when you are not prepared for them. Love you Curt!
Carolyn and Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of you and Curt at Ute football games, golfing together, our gourmet dinner club, trips to Lake Powell, Bear Lake, Seattle, and most of all the many fun picnics, stories, and laughs we shared in Millcreek Canyon. He always kept a perfectly manicured yard and I still have great gardening tools from when he was a rep. Curt may be gone but he will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as a truly nice guy. Love to both of you and may your memories of him as a husband and father sustain you in times of need.
The world will be a very different place without Curt in it. We will miss him!
Carolyn, So sorry to hear of Curtis's death. I have fond memories of our High School days. Love, Janet
So sorry Carolyn and Kim for your loss. Our loss, Curt is already missed. I loved his emails that always brought a laugh with them. You didn't have to be in the same room for Curt to bring a smile to your face. He mastered his ipad. Memories go back a long time to our working days with Sandvik of Sweden when Curt was a master at ending long hardworking days with a great fun evening. We will miss him at our yearly get together when skiing in Utah. Hakan and Ylva
Carolyn, So Sorry to hear Carolyn Curtis was my friend I will miss him. Gordon, RMSG.
Carolyn, So Sorry to hear Carolyn Curtis was my friend I will miss him. Gordon, RMSG.
Curt was one of the best. He and I shared many paths during life and I always thought he was one of the best guys I have ever known. My best to the family
Carolyn: I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Carolyn and Kimberly, We were devistated to hear of the passing of our dear and cherished friend. Our times together were the best and provided innumerable and cherished memories. Curt will be missed. Rest in peace. Ron and Sue Beckman
Carolyn, I am sorry to hear of Curtis's passing. He will be missed by anyone who knew him and that will be many. It seems to me that he knew almost everyone in the senior class reunions and could and would talk to them all. He had a great personality and smile. Prayers to you and Kimberly.
Carolyn, I’m so sorry to hear of Curt passing. I’m hoping the love from friends and family will help get you thru this. I’ll be thinking of you. Love Suzi
Dear Carolyn and Kim, We are so deeply sorry for your loss, we are grieving for you and with you. Your lovely obituary really describes Curt perfectly - he was a gentleman and valued his family and friends above all else and boy was he a story teller! We enjoyed our many visits with you guys in our front yards and out on your deck. You took such good care of us when we were new neighbors with little ones - we especially owe Curt for keeping a watchful eye one fateful night! You will be in our thoughts as prayers as you grieve this lovely man. We are still just a few hops away and will be checking in on you often. With love and deepest sympathy, Jen, Jason, Oliver, and Elliott Cockle
Carolyn, I’m sorry to learn of Curtis’ passing. I still have memories of sitting next to him in the back row of Mrs. Anderson’s 6th grade class! I missed seeing Curtis at Highland reunions after his stroke, but am glad he is now at peace.
Carolyn. I am sorry to read of the loss of Curtis. Curtis always had a smile and a great sense of humor. I appreciate the time I worked with at the UU clinic. He taught me about living, despite difficult times. Wishing you and your family peace and health.
Dear Carolyn and Kim, we were so saddened to hear of Curt’s passing. He was an honorable man with a great sense of humor with a skill of telling great jokes and stories. His warmth radiated to friends. We grieve for your loss and send our love to you. Karen and Barney
Carolyn, I'm very sad that Curt left us so early, he had so much living to do and he did it so well. Fun guy and very giving he was alway a bright spot whether golfing, gourmet club dinners and picnics or just hanging out. I'm so sorry for your loss, we'll never forget.
Dear Family, I’m really going to miss Curt. We worked together in the canyons and search and rescue. We also worked together when he was a Reserve Deputy. I am going to miss his emails. He always sent stuff that made me smile. He was a great man and great friend. Till we meet again my friend.
In Loving Memory
