Arley Gordon Curtz

Arley Gordon Curtz (May 21, 1941-May 5, 2025). Arley Curtz, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away on May 5, 2025, due to complications from COPD. Arley was the youngest of four children, born in Murray, Utah. From a young age, he was drawn to the arts, which led him to earn a B.A. in Art History from the University of Utah and an M.A. in Museum Practice from the University of Michigan. His passion for the arts extended to oil and watercolor painting, photography, and music. While at the University of Utah, he played trombone in the school marching band.

After college, Arley pursued a career in arts administration, working for state agencies and private organizations. He served as the Assistant Director of the Utah Arts Council and the Director of the Wisconsin State Arts Board. His final position was as the Director of the Bountiful, Davis Art Center, from which he retired. His family cherishes the memories of time spent at the annual Bountiful, Davis Arts Festival.

Arley also had a love for sports, excelling in tennis and basketball during high school. Later in life, he took up distance running, squash, and golf. Arley had many hobbies and would immerse himself in a particular interest, master it, and then move on to the next. His interests were diverse and unique, ranging from raising Killifish to growing African Violets. When he developed an interest in photography, he built his own darkroom and captured the world through his lens. His photographs adorn the walls of many. He was the reluctant family photographer at Christmastime. His most recent passion was tobacco pipe carving, where he became a master craftsman, transforming blocks of briar wood into beautiful pipes that were sold in high-end tobacco shops. Arley was humble about his achievements - his grandchildren had to search online to learn about his pipe-making prowess!

Arley is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Diane Tibolla Curtz; by his children Mark Curtz and Renae Curtz (daughter-in-law); Paula Ortolani and Antonio Ortolani (son-in-law); by his grandchildren Nicole, Lauren, Ryan, and Dario; and by his two brothers Richard and Robert. He was preceded in death by his mother Luvern, father Fay, and sister LuAnn, and his dogs Linus and Lucy. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held for family and friends later in the year.