With heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce that Curtis Bartlett Watkins, 72, passed on January 31, 2022. He was born to Alma F Watkins Jr and Virginia Lloyd Thayer in Stamford, Connecticut on April 21, 1949. He was predeceased by his brother Steve.
He lived with his partner Cheryl Palmer on the edge of the woods in Carmel, New York. In addition to his partner, Curtis is grieved by his son Andrew, his two siblings Judith Watkins-Ahrens and Mark Watkins, and his five nieces and nephews: Luke, John, Naomi, Abiyah, and Obadiah. He embraced the role of connector across the family and kept his finger on the pulse of what was going on in everyone’s lives.
Curtis graduated from Darien High School in 1967 and received a degree in History from Emory University in 1970. Throughout his life, Curtis had been a super curious life-long learner, attending countless workshops and retreats over the years. There would often be a new book laying on his kitchen table, or he would have just listened to a new podcast he was eager to share and discuss. Curtis worked as Executive Coach up until his final days with us. He was passionate about affecting the most positive change in people- with his clients, his family, his friends and within the broader community.
Curtis was active for many years with KCC, a community focused on bringing Spirit to our work and to our lives. He also participated in local community groups including Kent Recycling, Sustainable Putnam, Tompkins Corner Cultural Arts Center (where he led efforts to create meadows), Brewster Theater Company, and his new passion with Pollinator Pathways (focusing on the teaching and planting of species which attract bees), to bring the Earth back to its natural state.
Curtis passed peacefully in his bed, with his laptop open and his glasses perched on his nose. We miss him mightily.
You can to the family or in memory of Curtis Watkins.
Tompkins Corner Cultural Center, 729 Peekskill Hollow Rd, Putnam Valley, NY
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Clare Myatt
Mar 02, 2022
I met Curtis only a few times but was struck by his way of being, sharing such care and curiosity with the world. I know he deeply touched many lives, leaving a lasting impression. He will be greatly missed. Deep condolences to his family and closest companions.
Sally Bradley-Golding
Mar 01, 2022
Curtis, it was always delightful to walk into a room and see you there! Your warmth, curiosity and passionate commitment to a better life and better world drew us in. We will always remember your smile, and dancing eyes!
Emily Anne Scalise
Feb 28, 2022
Curtis… I have only the sweetest .. most gentle & loving memories from him… I was always struck by his composure & intellect. & I loved how we loved my aunt Cheryl and our family. He will be greatly missed. Thinking about you all. ❤️
Charlene Gier
Feb 27, 2022
Such a sad loss for all of who love Curtis and are left to carry on without him.... Curtis was a force to be reckoned with and I was drawn to him because of this. His wisdom. His giant openheartedness. His passion for creating a better world. His beautiful smile & his deep hearty laugh. His gentle, kind spirit. His is cherished. He is missed. Love you my friend, Charlene
Vicki Dunning
Feb 26, 2022
I'm very sorry for your family's loss. I'll do my best to support some of your spiritual and environmental endeavors. As has been mentioned, yours was a life well lived. My heart goes out to those you left behind.
Jean Fahey
Feb 26, 2022
I admired your poise and confidence as you interacted with our family - leaving a positive impact on many of us - a life well lived.
Susan Kelly
Feb 26, 2022
I’m going to miss your big smiles and great hugs. RIP
Santa DeNella
Feb 26, 2022
I only got to know you briefly, but I enjoyed our witty banter and the intellectual challenge you provided. This world has truly lost a great soul. Rest In Peace, Curtis…
—Santa DeNella
john Watkins
Feb 14, 2022
I love you Uncle Curtis and will miss your big beautiful smile, witty sense of humor, and deep echoing laugh (followed by a quick gasp). I will miss the way you hugged me and looked me in the eyes to find out how life was treating me. Thank you for listening. Thank you for being wise yet cool. Thank you for challenging my perspective on things big and small. And thank you for loving my family the way you did.
-Johnny
Guestbook
I met Curtis only a few times but was struck by his way of being, sharing such care and curiosity with the world. I know he deeply touched many lives, leaving a lasting impression. He will be greatly missed. Deep condolences to his family and closest companions.
Curtis, it was always delightful to walk into a room and see you there! Your warmth, curiosity and passionate commitment to a better life and better world drew us in. We will always remember your smile, and dancing eyes!
Curtis… I have only the sweetest .. most gentle & loving memories from him… I was always struck by his composure & intellect. & I loved how we loved my aunt Cheryl and our family. He will be greatly missed. Thinking about you all. ❤️
Such a sad loss for all of who love Curtis and are left to carry on without him.... Curtis was a force to be reckoned with and I was drawn to him because of this. His wisdom. His giant openheartedness. His passion for creating a better world. His beautiful smile & his deep hearty laugh. His gentle, kind spirit. His is cherished. He is missed. Love you my friend, Charlene
I'm very sorry for your family's loss. I'll do my best to support some of your spiritual and environmental endeavors. As has been mentioned, yours was a life well lived. My heart goes out to those you left behind.
I admired your poise and confidence as you interacted with our family - leaving a positive impact on many of us - a life well lived.
I’m going to miss your big smiles and great hugs. RIP
I only got to know you briefly, but I enjoyed our witty banter and the intellectual challenge you provided. This world has truly lost a great soul. Rest In Peace, Curtis… —Santa DeNella
I love you Uncle Curtis and will miss your big beautiful smile, witty sense of humor, and deep echoing laugh (followed by a quick gasp). I will miss the way you hugged me and looked me in the eyes to find out how life was treating me. Thank you for listening. Thank you for being wise yet cool. Thank you for challenging my perspective on things big and small. And thank you for loving my family the way you did. -Johnny