Vale Captain Jack Curtis

[Norman Wells]

16th November, 1924 to 10th January, 2015.

We hoped that he would go on for ever. John (JACK) Richard Curtis passed away on Saturday, 10th January, 2015. Ex 250 Squadron RAF, ex 450 Squadron RAAF & sixty years with TAA/Qantas & Dakota National Air.

Funeral details to be published in the SMH on Tuesday 13th January, next.

He was firing on all 14 cylinders right to the end.

[BPA]

Ran into Jack numerous times in the 90's when he was flying the DC3 out of Bankstown, RIP Jack.

[zanthrus]

Did my CPL with Jack in 1996.

A real gentleman. RIP Captain.

[LeadSled]

So very sad.
We have lost one of the few remaining "characters" of Australian aviation.
It was only a few weeks ago that there was a small function in his honour at Roseville RSL, he was in fine form then.
Tootle pip!!

[RedCup]

"Where's the checklist??, You're sitting on it Jack!" Thanks for your guidance many years ago Jack. VH-MIN

[junior.VH-LFA]

Will never forget as an 8 year old, being out with my dad at Bankstown airport refuelling aircraft, sitting on top of a wing of DC-3 with Capt Jack, thinking this was extremely cool.

Even for my relative youth back then I can remember him being very patient while showing me around the old girl, but also extremley passionate. Small things like that have led me down the path to where I am now.

Rest in peace mate.

[garrya100]

I remember running into Captain Jack at Mudgee when he had delivered a load of travellers on a wine tour. Gave me a tour of the DC-3 and proceeded to regale me with stories about flying the 3 in New Guinea.

Facinating to listen to. Thanks for your time Jack

[Ultralights]

Capt Jack Curtiss was one of my initial ab initio Instructors along with Brian Wetless. i consider myself to be very privilleged in having two great experienced pilots and great men as my guides in my early aviation career.

I will never forget the lessons, and the fun had with Capt Jack. RIP. :(

[Pseudonymn]

CURTIS
John Richard
(Jack)

16.11.1924 - 10.1.2015
Dearly loved husband of Marion, loving father and father-in-law of John and Barbara, Lisa and Andrew, and Sharon. Adored Grandpa of Jesse, Sam, Rachel, Rebecca, Emily and Cassie. Dear brother of Robert (deceased), Elaine and Howard. Sadly missed by Jean.

Following a private family Cremation, all Jack's many friends, colleagues and associates are warmly invited to celebrate his life at ICMS, St Patrick's Estate, 151 Darley Road, Manly on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 1.30pm.


Ann Wilson Funerals
An Australian Company
9971 4224

Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Jan. 13, 2015

- See more at: John CURTIS Obituary: View John CURTIS's Obituary by The Sydney Morning Herald (http://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/obituary.aspx?n=john-curtis&pid=173819671#sthash.jb6xugkk.dpuf)


Vale Jack

[Grogmonster]

Jack was what I call a true gentleman and he will be sadly missed. There was nothing that he didn't know about DC3 / C47.. Fly high mate !!!!!

Groggy

[Desert Flower]

Met him many years ago - another legend gone. Fair skies & tailwinds Jack.

DF.

[PA39]

Gem of a man and an ace of a pilot.

[BPA]

Would be nice if there was a Dc3 fly past on Friday.

[Desert Flower]

Would be nice if there was a Dc3 fly past on Friday.

Yes indeed it would - let's hope it happens!

DF.

[sms777]

Yes.....the wine tours. I have followed Jack many times on these tours in my aircraft and flew with him just as many times in the old Gooney Bird. There was always a fascinating story to listen to between and during flights.
You will be sadly missed old friend....:{
RIP Jack.

[TrailBoss]

As a young TAA F/O on Fokkers I flew with Jack many times back in the early 60s. Without a doubt he was both a gentleman and a pleasure to fly with who lived a full and productive life.

My thoughts go out to Marion and family.

[roundsounds]

If you're in the vicinity of the function for Jack on 16/1 in Manly, look skyward around 3:30pm. There will be a few appropriate aircraft types, including a largish, low wing, twin radial powered machine salute Jack.
Update to this post:

YMMM FIR NOTAMS:
C294/15
FLYPAST OVER MANLY, NEW S WALES
APRX PSN BRG 020 MAG 10NM FM SYDNEY AD DME
ACFT INCLUDE A SPITFIRE/KITTYHAWK FORM AND DAKOTA C-47B
FLYPAST ENTERING SYDNEY HEADS FROM VICTOR 1 AND TRACKING OVER MANLY
FROM SYDNEY HARBOUR. ACFT WILL BCST AND MNT FREQ 120.8 AND AVOID
ENTERING R405B TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PRACTICABLE
FLYPAST WILL BE REPEATED UP TO THREE TIMES
OPR CTC TEL 0413 281 106
SFC TO 1000FT AMSL
FROM 01 160230 TO 01 160530

[TinKicker]

I had the privilege of being endorsed on the DC3 by Captain Jack Curtis in the early 1990's.

He was an extremely knowledgeable pilot who would always answer any question about the aircraft, no matter how trivial, in a very approachable and easy to understand manner.

Following the endorsement my logbook shows that we spent many a trip together in numerous aircraft (VH- EDC, CAN, MIN, SBL). He was always a pleasure to fly with and I always learnt something on every trip.

One of aviation's true gentlemen and will be sorely missed.

Clear skies and tailwinds Capt. Jack.

Rest in peace.

TinKicker

[Fris B. Fairing]

http://www.adastron.com/aviation/vault/RIP-Jack-Curtis.jpg

Photo by Phil Vabre with his permission

[BPA]

Nice photo and great to hear there is a fly by happening.

[megle2]

Anybody got a photo of Jack, be nice if we could put a face to the name

[Ultralights]

http://www.airplanegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Captain-Jack-Curtis.jpg

[Flygirl__37]

Haha! I also laughed when he said to me, "can you read that checklist? ..me "ahh yes sir" His reply " oh that's good, cause with my eyes I can't!"

Such a character and what a sense of humour. I'll always remember Mr DC3

[megle2]

Thanks for that UL