It was announced on Dick Curtis’ facebook page that he has passed away. Comments are coming in from luminaries such as Steve West. At this time we have no further information. The following is only one of several posts on Dick’s page.
Presently editor and historical writer with QZVX.COM in Seattle. Former radio broadcaster and radio station owner, 1970-1999. Journalism and speech communications degrees. I enjoy researching articles and online reporting that allows me to meld together words, audio and video. P.S. I appreciate and encourage reader comments and opinions. View other articles by Steven Smith
As a “listener only” fan of Dick, going way back into the late 50’s…I always preferred his less aggressive, more reasonable on-air persona, compared to say, the more ebullient Pat O’ Day….those two guys really stepped up in to the big leagues of promotion, when they formed Concerts West!…and they took on Jimi Hendrix, as their very first client!…I am guessing that Dick had a few stories about handling Hendrix…Pat certainly did!….the icons of my youth are dying–and that means my time will be coming around in the not too distant future…Life goes by way too fast!
I don’t think anyone knows more about the radio and entertainment life and times of Dick Curtis than Eric Dawes. Eric had been spending much of his time, visiting, taking Dick to doctors appts and more! Eric you are and were a real a Godsend for Dick. Hat ‘s off to you Eric. Personally, I feel blessed to have worked with and for Dick! We had our ups and downs, but I loved it all. Dick was a one of a kind that I personally put right up there with Pat O’Day, another great mentor for many of us. Thanks Dick, my life is so much better for knowing you!! God speed!
Dick was the first jock to invite me into the control room to watch him work his night shift on KJR. I remember him making calls to check in the Pat O’Day and Associates dance business. He and Jerry Kaye were the first really influential KJR night jocks predating Larry Lujack.
When I was considering taking a job in Atlanta at WQXI in 1975, Dick was running the Concerts West operation there. I called him to ask about Scott Shannon WQXI’s program director. He had good things to say about Scott. So, I packed up and drove to Atlanta. I remember Dick inviting me to his place for Thanksgiving. It was an unforgettable day and was a quick cure for a mild case of homesickness.
I’m thankful for the hours I spent listening to him and for being able to get to know him. He was always an inspiration.
I knew Dick from his radio days in Seattle, then was paired with him in 2000 for a golf outing. It turned out we became good friends playing golf once or twice a week, going out for lunch frequently and occasionally having an adult beverage.
Dick never held back, wore his feelings on his sleeve, but the one aspect that he had was the fact he was an honest man, someone with integrity, intelligence and you could always depend on him, he always was willing to help out.
My wife and I moved to Arizona in 2012, but always on my annual visits to Seattle I made a point of visiting and going out for lunch.
Seattle has lost a treasure, Dick will be sorely missed.
PSM articles about Dick Curtis https://www.qzvx.com/?s=dick+curtis