Sad news from Janet Curley...

[Nemo667]

Hello Ben and Tory,

This is Janet. I very much regret having to tell you that Don passed away on February 12th due to a pulmonary embolism. It was very sudden and a big shock, and I still cannot believe it. Don enjoyed sharing and trading "words of wisdom" with many people on several forums. Don was a very special person and I know he will be missed by many. We had been married for 33 years and I have a wealth of wonderful memories. Don grew up in Southern California and I plan to take his ashes there at a later date.

Janet Curley


Tory & Don at Yankee Boy Basin this past September


Tory & Janet


Don Janet and Steve in 29 camping off Salt Vally Road Moab UT


Tory Don Janet & Shin Arches NP


Don & Steve discussing a geological feature at Arches NP


Steve Shin Tory Lynn & Dave night before starting the White Rim Trail with Don & Janet in the lead. Dave & Lynn were off to Top of The World Trail the next morning.

Thanks for the memories Don...

White Rim Trail

San Juan Mountains trip report...

Ben & Tory

[_DJ_1]

I am also in shock!!! I only knew Don from this forum but he was one I had wanted to meet and maybe do a trail with.

RIP Don. Thoughts and Prayers to the Curley family.

[Powerdude]

Wow, that really sucks.

Sorry for your loss.

[fla-gypsy]

Our condolences for your loss.

[orourkmw]

I was looking at an old post on the Outfitter forum, and came across this from Don:
"In fact, the "plan" to resign my job, sell almost everything to our name, and move to the hinterlands of southeastern Utah occurred in a shockingly short period of time (all the while, with our friends thinking that we had totally lost our minds).

After moving on from Genentech in 1989 to Syntex/Roche Bioscience/Oread BioPharma (all at the same location in Palo Alto), I had been consistently putting in 80 to 100 hour weeks for a 10 year period, while my wife was routinely putting in 60+ hour weeks at Genentech (she was there for a total of 18 years). During this time, one of our colleagues at Genentech dropped dead on the job from a heart attack, and after a one-on-one meeting in my office at Oread BioPharma, the director of Engineering collapsed on his way back to his office and died later that same day. Then after one of my wife's brothers died at 52 from cancer, we both started looking at each other and wondering if we were heading for the same fate with our kamikaze work schedules and never having time to smell the roses.

So, when it was becoming obvious that the wheels were coming off at Oread BioPharma as they were heading towards bankruptcy, I resigned in March 1999, and instead of doing the usual thing of looking for a new biotech/biopharma job in the Bay Area, I instead executed the plan B "head for the hills" scheme."

Don had the mind of an engineer and the heart of a adventurer. He insisted on creating the world he envisioned, always modifying his camper to suit his desires, and building his spread in La Sal. I envy his decision to move there, and it is wonderful that he was able to spend the last 13 or so years of his life according to his own terms. I never met him face-to-face, yet my heart has been heavy all day. It's guys like him that make this a community, and he will be missed.

[Camper_Jeff___K]

We are very sorry for your loss of Don. I enjoyed reading his posts and picked up some good ideas along the way. I'm glad he had and used a spirit of adventure. May God be with and bless. Jeff and Kelli.

[Led_67]

Sorry for your loss but if I may offer some words that have helped me...Keep Don in your heart and he will never be far from your thoughts.

[69cayo]

So sorry for your loss

[1stgenfarmboy]

Praying for you and that the loving memories you have will always be in your heart.

[bigfootgrey]

Our condolences to Don's family.

Bob & Cathy

[kbaum]

My condolences as well, I have also been fortunate to learn
from Don's experiences and posts on rv.net and the outfitter forum.

[flaxi]

My condolences to Don's family.
Best regards from Germany.
Felix

[Tiger4x4RV]

Don and I never met, but I enjoyed his stories and the mentions of him in the reports of others. My condolences to you and the family.

[K_Mac]

Sorry for your loss,you'll be in my prayers.

[dadwolf2]

I am sorry for your loss Janet. Don & I shared many emails before and after we got our Outfitter. We also discussed Dodge truck issues. He will be missed.

Janet if you find yourself in the Henderson, NV area and need help or a place to stay, feel free to look us up.

Mike

[Hodag1]

We are sorry for your loss. Don was one of the forum members who helped get me into truck camping. It was great to have him share his experiences and opinions!