Jack Curley - in memoriam. 1957 - 2015
I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead—. He is just away!
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand
He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be, since he lingers there.
This poem by J. W. Riley was read to us by the humanist celebrant as a fitting conclusion to a celebration of the life of Jack Curley, Spa Hotel 25th February.
John Adrian Curley (Jack to all who knew him) was born in Rotherham 28th February 1957. He was one of 6 children to a GP father. Jack was educated in Carlisle, then Glasgow where his grandparents lived. This was followed by a stint at Leeds University studying engineering, not really Jack at all so he transferred to graphic design at Leeds School of Art. He retained a great sense of colour and composition through his love of art, throughout his life.
There were over 150 people at the Spa Hotel which is a reflection of Jack the great polymath. His interests and career were so varied, which is why he made so many friends and colleagues on his journey through life. His interests included ornithology, fishing and cooking but never with a written recipe! Jack loved travelling but particularly touring in his Camper Van which became an increasingly important part of his life. Jack also took up Ball Room Dancing with his usual enthusiasm as a result of meeting Helen. We were told how meeting Helen in 2000 had put Jack’s life back on track again; she became his partner in 2007.
Jack was proud of the fact that he had pursued many different careers, a sometime builder he retained great DIY skills. On his return to Ripon Jack successfully took up jewellery design and fabrication. However he was probably best known as a highly successful “Kiddie Catcher” for the City School. Jack was a well respected member of the Social Services Youth Team which meant apprehending truants and returning them to class.
During the humanist service many people and family members gave tributes based on their contact with Jack whether through university, the City School, dancing or as a sometime resident of Studley Roger. It was during the 1990’s and early 2000’s that Jack became well known to many of us as a successful Ripon Runner. How fitting therefore that Ripon Runners was represented by tributes from Tim Tribe and Andy Matheson. Andy’s telling of the great Snake Lane 10 epic of 2003 where he and Jack fought neck and neck to beat each other had the audience in stitches but then the service was meant to be a celebration of a life. Jack won that particular duel.
We will all miss Jack, the dry wit and words of wisdom but his life exemplifies the Epicurean view that life should be lived in peace and freedom from fear by living a self-sufficient life surrounded by friends.
Tragically Jack died 9th February 2015, only 57 years old. Our thoughts and memories are with Helen and Jack’s family.
CJB – 28th Feb 2015
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