Obituary

Curtis R. Smalling, age 71 of Goodyear, AZ, passed away December 13, 2018, after a sudden illness. Curtis was born on January 24, 1947, in Turlock, CA, to Marion and Mary Jean Smalling. He was raised in the cities of Chino and Upland, CA. He worked as a cabinetmaker for Tessier Cabinets after graduating from Upland High School, and again after he served four years in the Air Force. While in the Air Force he was stationed in Guam as a jet engine mechanic. It was in 1973 that he found the career he would embrace and love for the next 30 years. He joined the Upland Police Department as a reserve officer and after completing the San Bernardino Sheriffs Academy became a sworn officer. He later went to work for Simi Valley, CA Police Department. He enjoyed his assignments in patrol, narcotics, background investigations, and Patrol Sergeant. In 1983 he moved to Issaquah, WA, and for the next 20 years worked for the Renton Police Department. Upon his retirement in 2003, he had attained the rank of Commander. He worked in many divisions and held many titles, but his passion was always for patrol in any capacity as an officer, Sergeant, or Commander.

Curtis is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 37 years, Carla; his daughters Heather Orsos, and Dana Kartchner (Don), son Andrew Smalling; sister Marian Masterson; brother Rob Smalling (Sheila); five grandchildren, Lindsay Colson (Casey), Alex Kartchner, Holly Lackey, Thomas Lackey, Julianna Orsos; niece Crystal Moore; uncle Jerry Smalling (Joan) and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth Smalling.

Curtis was a true patriot who fiercely loved this country and all that it stands for. After serving abroad in the military, he was only interested in discovering the beauty and grandeur of the United States when he traveled. He and Carla took many family vacations and romantic getaways around the country with Hawaii, Washington DC and the Upper Peninsula noted as his favorites.

He actively pursued his love of golf for many years by playing beautiful and challenging courses all over the country. He regularly played the Desert Rats Tournament in Laughlin, NV with his friends and brothers in blue, enjoyed his weekly play with the Rat Pack of PebbleCreek and loved teaching and playing with his grandsons. Other favorite pastimes included swimming in the ocean and camping the beaches of California, fishing, watching John Wayne movies and riding motorcycles. He rode through all 48 continental United States and was most proud of his “Four Corners” trip with his buddy Alan which is one continuous ride beginning at Key West, FL, to Madawaska, ME, to Blaine, WA, and finally to San Ysidro, CA, all in 18 days.

He was a hero to his family. His life experiences gave him the ability to give really good advice and teachable moments. Time spent with his grandchildren was precious to him, whether it was playing board games, video games, going to Disneyland, or just having an ice cream cone together.

Curtis was a man of great faith and loved serving our Lord with his brothers and sisters of Harvest Baptist Church. Everyone who knew him could attest that he really lived life on his own terms. He believed in truth, fairness and keeping your word. Curtis, God be with you ‘til we meet again.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019, at 10:30 AM at the Harvest Baptist Church, 535 N Sarival Avenue, Goodyear, AZ 85338.

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6 responses to Curtis R. Smalling

Dana Kartchner says:

December 19, 2018

Dad, Thank you for loving me unconditionally as your daughter and later embracing my husband and children as your own as well. Don, Alex and I miss you already and cherish all the fun we’ve had together. Thank you for loving Mom with all of your being and taking such great care of her. I appreciate your example of fine character, strength, honesty and love of God, country and family. We will all be reunited again in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father but until then, I will do my best to live a life you would be proud of. Love you Pop.

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1. Heather Orsos says:
  
  December 24, 2018
  
  Dad, you truly are a hero. You have always been the man I look to for advice, trust and unconditional love. You have been a wonderful example and a glimpse of what God is like. A fierce protector, wise counselor, comforter, true servant, loving provider, tender yet strong, fun loving, adventurous, honest, funny, respectable, always looking at the bright side, and the one person I always wanted to be with. My memories with you and of you will have to sustain me til we see each other again. I really thought we would have so much longer together, Dad. I’m thankful for the precious months we had in Arizona with you and Carla and for all you taught me and the kids. You will always be the treasured Papa, Grandpa, and Dad. I just love you so muc. I just know you’re enjoying your time walking and talking with Jesus. I will see you again. Love as always” your daughter Heather
  Psalm 91
Ron and Barbara Gerber says:

December 23, 2018

Curtis, I hope you knew how very important you (and Carla) have been to me. At the most difficult time in my life…you were there for me. You helped and supported me…and when you talked to me, I don’t know how else to say it but it was as if Alan was talking to me. I feel sad now that I am living in a world without Curtis Smalling. It’s heartbreaking for me to think about it. All I can say is you were special….and I will miss you everyday for the rest of my life. One calming thought…I know Alan was probably waiting for you with golf clubs in tow.

Ron and I certainly cherished all the times we shared with you and Carla. Always, know she will continue to be in our lives…even as we continue to miss you.

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Jim and Pat Lohmiller says:

December 25, 2018

Rest in peace good friend. We will meet you at the next tee.

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Augustine Abram says:

January 4, 2019

Curtis…Thank you for your kindness in my days of uncertainty in the Department. You were one of a few people I could talk with and always get an honest answer. I know you are now helping to keep the angels in line. I will miss you.

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Diane Bates says:

January 7, 2019

Curt, thank you for being such a good friend and I thank you for your years of service to our country and our Renton community.

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