Cloudy, 54° F
(Sept. 14, 1975 - March 28, 2016)
Shawn Eugene Curtis, 40, of Cody, died March 28, 2016, at home with his loving wife Jennifer, parents Stan and Nan Curtis, sister Dawn (Curtis) Beaudrie and nephew Danny Beaudrie. Shawn left this world after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Shawn was born Sunday, Sept. 14, 1975. His smile and warm heart touched everyone he met and his enthusiasm for life was contagious.
He loved spending time outdoors, snowmobiling, boating, working cows, riding horses with his family and going on adventures with his sister. Growing up on Heart Mountain, Shawn hunted and fished with his dad and uncle.
Shawn graduated from Cody High School, where he played football, basketball, and ran track. After high school Shawn went to work for his uncle, Bob Curtis, at Breteche Ranch on the North Fork and later worked as a plumber’s apprentice with his dad. He ventured into bull riding at the Cody Nite Rodeo.
On Sept. 15, 1995, Shawn suffered a spinal injury in a single-vehicle accident. Although his life was altered, he didn’t allow his injuries to slow him down. His positive attitude and love for life carried him on to new adventures where he continued to ride his horse, Apache.
Shawn started at Northwest College and later transferred to University of Wyoming, where he earned bachelor degrees in political science and history.
While in Laramie, Shawn met the love of his life, Jennifer Paxton. They moved back to Cody in 2009. Shawn worked as the office manager for Wrangler Plumbing and Heating.
He surprised Jennifer with an engagement ring Christmas morning 2010, and the couple had an outdoor wedding.
Shawn was involved with the Elks, Cody American Legion, and supported the Wyoming Disabled Hunters Association. Shawn was deeply patriotic, enjoyed helping others and served his community with pride.
Shawn deeply loved his nephews. His gift for facing adversity will continue to impact those who loved him. He was loved and cherished as a son, brother, uncle, husband and friend.
He is survived by his wife Jennifer; parents Stan and Nan Curtis; sister Dawn (Joe) Beaudrie; nephews John, Danny, Charlie, Grayson; and niece Maddie. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been set up at Pinnacle Bank to help defer Shawn’s medical expenses.
