Obituary of Charles Osbourn Curtis

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Charles Osbourn Curtis of Fredericton, NB, husband of Marvella (Reed) Curtis, on June 17, 2023 at Hospice House Fredericton.  Born on March 15, 1939 in Newcastle, NB, he was the son of the late Charles and Gladys (Gifford) Curtis.   

Having spent his early years on the banks of the Miramichi river, Charles developed a love of nature very quickly and it stayed with him for the remainder of his life wherever he went. He was raised as a Pastors son and lived in various places throughout NB and NS. Charles met Marvella Reed from Springfield NB in 1957 and he married her the following year on Sept 13th 1958. Due to a rare genetic condition, they sadly lost 4 full term babies between March1960 and June1965. However, in Oct 1966 they adopted Brent and in March 1969 Melody was adopted. Having left his job as a member of the Oakville Police Dept Charles moved his young family back to NB where he worked at various jobs in the Fredericton area and soon became a journeyman auto body technician. He opened his own shop just outside Fredericton and became one of the only private companies to convert single cab pick up trucks to extended cab trucks and was recognized by General Motors Canada for his accomplishments. After a brief illness, Charles helped co-found Specialty Maples in 1995 with his son in law Richard and together they quickly became one of the most sought after producers of instrument tone woods in the world. Charles retired in 2013 but continued to play an important role within the company. He repeatedly stated that nothing was more important than family and he showed it in his devotion to each of them. Special thanks to all of his faithful care workers who looked after him during his illness. Terry Hunter, Janet Miller, Yewande Akalusi, Marilyn Peterson, Connie Smith and Rose LeFleur.    

Charles is survived by his wife Marvella; son, Brent Curtis (Marissa Macaranas) of Fredericton, NB; daughter, Melody Paul (Richard) of Fredericton, NB; sister, Violet Cunningham (John) of Bocabec, NB; brother, Campbell Curtis (Johanna) of Fredericton, NB; grandchildren, Richelle (Keeghan)Fenerty, Aric Paul, Mary Paul, step Grandchildren Jelline and Karl Mathew; great grandchild, Millie Fenerty; several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Sullivan; four infant children, Cynthia, Virginia, Christopher and Matthew.

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Dr. Fredericton, NB on Wednesday June 21, 2023 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. Funeral service will be held on Thursday June 22, 2023 at 2 pm from Hope City Church. Interment will take place in the Scotch Settlement Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Hospice Fredericton. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com