Curtis J. Hezeau was born in New Orleans, LA on January 7, 1942, to Marie B. and Curtis H. Hezeau. He died at the University of Washington-Montlake Hospital in Seattle, on December 28, 2024, after valiantly battling acute leukemia (AML) for nearly three years.

After the surprise diagnosis of AML in April, 2022, Curtis was treated first at Island Hospital in Anacortes, and then by the "cocoon of care" at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center/UW Hospital in Seattle. Curtis fervently believed he could get well, and with his wife Celeste, moved temporarily to Seattle to be close to treatment, and fought a mighty battle. Curtis achieved remission twice, participated in two clinical trials, and donated specimens for long term leukemia research. He died peacefully with his wife by his side, in what had become a "home away from home" under the expert compassionate care of the staff of Hutch/UW. Now he soars with the eagles!

Curtis was a kind, warm, loving, patient, generous, and courageous man; a consummate gentleman and positive thinker; a quiet leader and great friend; known for his ready smile and commitment to helping others. He was a profoundly devoted, steadfast, exceptionally supportive husband, and loving father. He was very much loved and will be deeply missed by all.

Curtis' mother became disabled when he was very young, so his father, maternal Grandparents, Aunt, and extended family all helped raise him in New Orleans. Curtis attended St. Vincent DePaul Grade School and Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, and for short time, St. Joseph Seminary near Covington, LA. He then attended Southeastern Louisiana College in Hammond, LA, graduating with a degree in Chemistry. Curtis had many dear friends from his school days with whom he remained in contact for the rest of his life.

Curtis' entire working career was devoted to public service. Curtis was hired right out of college as a Chemist in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Laboratory in New Orleans. During his career he served in four different FDA labs, in New Orleans, Atlanta, Dallas, and Seattle. After several years as a bench chemist, he became a Supervisory Chemist, and ultimately retired from his position as Quality Assurance Manager in the Pacific Regional Lab Northwest. Curtis received many awards during his 36-year FDA career, including the Distinguished Career Service Award.

Curtis also enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard shortly after college. After basic training, he applied for a Direct Officer Commission and went on to serve with honor in Coast Guard Reserve units in Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas. He retired as Commander of the Dallas Reserve Unit, after 20 years of dedicated service.

Curtis met Celeste when she joined FDA in Dallas as a new hire Investigator. They married and went on to celebrate together the best 40 years of both their lives. After several years in Dallas, they were fortunate to both find positions in the FDA Seattle District Office. Relocating to Woodinville, WA, they found their "heart home" in the Pacific Northwest and were lucky enough to both complete their careers without moving again. After multiple fishing trips to the area, Curtis found their ideal retirement home in Anacortes, WA, a lovely small town on an island in the Salish Sea, where they enjoyed life in the slower lane.

Throughout their marriage, Curtis and Celeste loved "glamping" in their trailer, taking trips through the western United States and Canada. Over the years, they also had five beloved companions in their Shetland Sheepdogs, two of whom became certified for Animal Assisted Therapy. Together, they all volunteered for many years at Seattle Children's Hospital. Curtis was also active in volunteer activities in Anacortes, working with Celeste on projects benefiting Ukrainian Refugees and the Anacortes Family Center.

Even though often separated by many miles and states, Curtis treasured his connection with his son Todd. They would call each other frequently and discuss working on their trucks, and the latest news in each of their lives. Todd is a long-time participant, with his horses, in the sport of Endurance Riding, traveling to events around the country. Curtis loved the times he was able to travel to the events and join the "ride support crew" and even do some riding himself! Over the last few years, Curtis was delighted to get to know Todd's wife Kathy, and also follow the progress of Camryn, his "MBGD" (my beautiful granddaughter).

During his retirement, Curtis and his friends engaged in many different sports and hobbies, including hiking, biking, skiing, sailing, and most frequently, catch and release fly fishing! The fly-fishing gang took many trips to beautiful lakes and rivers in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and western Canada.

Curtis is survived by his wife of 39 years, Celeste; son and daughter-in-law Todd and Kathy; granddaughter Camryn (Brody); sisters-in-law Cathleen (Thomas), Cynthia and Janet; former wife Elizabeth; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by both his parents, his parents-in-law: Wendell and Maureen; and in-laws: Claire, Christopher and Michael.

The family is very deeply grateful to have had the privilege of the outstanding medical care Curtis received throughout this time, as well as the continuing faithful support of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Curtis' memory to the: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Or to the Island Health Foundation

Throughout his adult life, Curtis was a dedicated blood donor, and throughout his illness, blood products donated by others helped keep him alive. If you are able, please consider donating blood to help save more lives.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on September 20, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Evans Funeral Chapel in Anacortes.

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