Harold Curtis Ridgway's Obituary
Harold Curtis Ridgway was born on New Year's Day in 1939 in the town of Alva, Oklahoma, to parents Eli Hostetler Ridgway and Marjorie Reily Ridgway. Known to all as Curt, he passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in Dallas, Texas, with his rescue dog, loyal companion and best friend, Manny, by his side.
After graduating from high school in Alva, Curt attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University, then transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career with Geotech, followed by Collins Radio, and later spent many years at Telsco Weathermatic in Garland, Texas.
Curt was an ardent student of Christian Science and, along with his wife of 35 years, Mary Weldon Ridgway, faithfully attended Third Church of Christ, Scientist in Dallas. He and Mary shared a happy, loving, and deeply spiritual life journey together until her passing in March 2019.
An inventor at heart, Curt held numerous registered patents. He had a keen and curious mind, always questioning the conventional and tinkering with ways to improve the world around him. Among his many passions was a lifelong love of music. At one time, he played the clarinet with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. Curt also had a love for sports. During his school years as an Alva Goldbug, he was on the basketball, football, baseball, and gymnastics teams. Well into his seventies, he amazed and thrilled his grandkids by walking on his hands.
He was a faithful donor to many organizations, including the Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Symphony, Sierra Club, Salvation Army, Smithsonian Institute, North Texas Food Bank, and SPCA to name a few. To all who knew him, Curt was forever humorous, forgiving, generous, and kind. He had an open heart and mind and always saw the best in people. His sparkly blue eyes and joyful laugh will be missed by all who knew and adored him.
Curt was preceded in death by his wife Mary, parents Eli and Marjorie, brother Max, and sister-in-law Alycen.
He is survived by daughter Jennifer Moreno, daughter Sharilyn Marks and husband Tolbert; step-daughters and husbands, Cynthia and Lee Balparda, Anna and John Blaine; grandchildren Madelyn, Jacqueline, Jack, Berghan, and Brock; many loving nieces and nephews; and first wife, Sharon Lancaster Andrews, mother of his daughters, and lifelong friend.
A memorial will be held Sunday, May 25th, 1:00 pm at Third Church of Christ, Scientist, 4419 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to Third Church of Christ, Scientist or Operation Kindness Animal Shelter.
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