Curtis J. Peart

Curtis J. Peart, age 62, died of complications of renal failure at home on March 17, 2018. Curtis was born on December 17, 1955, to Harry and Wanda (Certain) Peart in Wenatchee, WA. He became deaf shortly after birth from unknown causes. He attended special classes at Washington Elementary School in Wenatchee from 1959 to 1966, and then transferred to Washington State School for the Deaf, where he lived and attended school until he graduated. After that, he went to work at the Thunderbird Restaurant in Jantzen Beach Center in Portland, OR, for a brief time. He then went to work for Yours Truly Caterer in Southwest Portland for several years. He returned to Wenatchee in 1981, where he went to work for Pine Canyon Fruit Company in Orondo, WA, for the Griggs family for a few years. After that, he went to work for Wells and Wade Fruit Company for 11 years. In about 1993, he moved to Snohomish, WA, where he went to work for EATON (OPCON) for ten years, in Everett, WA, as a receiver clerk. He decided to move back to Wenatchee in 2004 because he missed the "four seasons" and Wenatchee Valley. He got a part time job in 2006 as a caretaker for Wells House at Wenatchee Valley College, where he was employed at the time of his death. This job was a perfect job for him, as Curtis had a deep love of preserving history and antiques. He took particular care of Wells House and loved seeing it restored and working with the Wells House Committee ladies and later, Kris Bassett and the museum. Curtis was a member of the Washington School for Deaf Alumni Association and worked on the annual Alumni reunions for the past several years. He was also the historian and worked tirelessly to track down information for the archives and records of all former students of the school. He wrote many articles for the monthly newsletter, worked on many special projects and made up several books about the history of the school. He enjoyed working on genealogy (the whole family relied on his vast knowledge of family history), shopping in the many area thrift shops to collect 1950-60 things, and decorating his home. His home was decorated in all 1950-60 style from the curtains to the dishes. He delighted in explaining the history behind each item and showing off his vast array of collectibles. He also enjoyed watching old movies and westerns. Being deaf was never ever a handicap for him. He could write faster than most people could speak and he always found a way to communicate what he wanted or needed with everyone. He was known by many as "Arkie", a name he chose for himself to honor his Arkansas heritage, and by "CJ" to his many friends at the Washington School for the Deaf (WSD). Curtis is survived by his brother, Duane Peart of Wenatchee, WA; his sister, Nancy Gibson (Chuck) of Roseburg, OR; sister-in-law, Sue Gutzwiler Barr of Wenatchee, WA; nephews: Brad Scott and Eric Gutzwiler; niece, Jennifer KaiserElser; great-nephews: Chasen Peart and Noah Gutzwiler; aunts: Willene Peart, and Medra Reilly; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by both parents; a brother; and his beloved grandparents. His family will miss him beyond words. He will also be greatly missed by everyone at the Washington State School for the Deaf/Washington State School for the Deaf Alumni Association; his many deaf friends, especially David Born, Jodie Melcher, Brian Jensen, and Gary Powe, and all those he considered his "other family". A special thank you to Chasen Peart for his special care and attention. At his request, there will be no services at this time. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to: Washington School for the Deaf Alumni Association or Deaf Education Advocates Foundation, 611 Grand Boulevard, Vancouver, WA, 98661. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee, WA.

Curtis J. Peart

December 17, 1955 - March 17, 2018