Cecil Amos Curtis, known as "Tyke", of Hay, Washington, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2016 in Wenatchee, WA at the age of 94.

Tyke was born to Charles and Bessie Curtis on August 24, 1921 in Hay. He grew up in the Riparia area on his father's ranch. He attended Riparia grade school and later graduated from Hay High School in 1939 where he was active in basketball and baseball.

After high school, Tyke joined the Air Force during World War II. He was stationed in Italy where he completed 50 missions over German occupied territory as a Right Waste Gunner on a B-24 bomber. After the war he married Pauline Tetrick in 1945 in Seattle, Washington and they were fortunate to have celebrated 69 years of marriage before she passed in 2014. They lived in Seattle, Colfax and Kennewick before moving to Hay where they owned and operated Curtis Grocery for 35 years.

Tyke was a jack of all trades and held many jobs and roles simultaneously. He ran the store and post office, operated the grain elevator, was a volunteer fire fighter, drove the school bus, farmed wheat, raised Black Angus cattle, and coached youth basketball.

In retirement, Tyke and Pollie spent 22 winters down south. They wintered in Palm Springs for 7 years before purchasing a second home in Yuma, AZ where they spent 15 years.
Tyke treasured his role as father, grandfather, and great-papa and was active in each of their lives. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed bowling, and was an enthusiastic sports fan attending local high school sports. He also enjoyed spending time outside.

Tyke is survived by his daughter Christi (Gordon) DeKraai of East Wenatchee, his two granddaughters Amy (Blake) O'Brien of Renton and Megan (Andy) Lusk of North Bend, Washington as well as three great-grandchildren, Patrick O'Brien, Avalyn Lusk and Tucker Lusk. He is proceeded in death by his wife Pollie, his sisters Helen Ramsey & Doris Swanda, and his brother Chuck.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 23rd at the Hay Baptist Church with Pastor John Cross officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow at the Hay Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Tyke's honor are suggested to the Hay Cemetery Fund, c/o Jeannine Larkin, 52 John Henley Road in Hay. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.