Curtis Keith Randles of Nelson BC passed peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 6:00 pm in Kootenay Lake General Hospital at the age of 78.
Curtis was born in Radville, Saskatchewan July 25, 1937 to parents Forest Neil Randles and Beatrice (nee Forshee) Randles.
During the course of his life, Curtis worked on farms, oil rigs, as a milkman, underground mine worker, and eventually found his calling as an electrician.
He worked in the mines as an electrician until he was hired as the electrician for the municipality of the Crowsnest Pass.
In the fall of 1979, Curt met Gordon Pickard of Nelson BC and they became business partners in Pic’s Electric. Curtis would eventually become the sole owner servicing residential homes.
After closing Pic’s Electric, Curtis still wanted to work so he went to Fort McMurray, Ab to continue working right up until November 2014 the age of 78.
While in Fort McMurray, he became mentor and teacher to many tradesmen who valued not only his wisdom, but his stories of life which have been described by his co-workers as epic.
Curtis courageously battled cancer and refused to let it stop him from doing the things that were important to him.
He is predeceased by two brothers: Allan and Garnet, who both passed at fairly young ages. Curtis is survived by his loving wife Ethel and 3 sons Tim (Susan), Darren(Kathy), Michael,and daughter Michelle and step children Kevin,(Jenny), Wendy(Ian) and a total of 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He also has two sisters Oce(Max) and Carla (Don)
Curtis was a member of The Luthern Ascension Church, the IBEW and The Eagles Club for many years and a former member of the Elks Club.
There will be no viewing prior to cremation. A memorial service with a small luncheon to follow, will be held on Saturday May 16, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 321 Silica Street Nelson, BC @ 2:30 PM. In Leiu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kootenay Lake General Hospital (KLHF.org) in appreciation for the kindness and outstanding care they gave our father.