Curti Benso Deather , September 25, 1952 — September 27, 2018

Curtis Benson Deatherage, 66 of Creswell, Oregon passed away September 27, 2018. He was born September 25, 1952, in Roseburg, OR to Benson and Ethel (Harrison) Deatherage. Curt had recently retired after 30 years of operating his business, Curt Deatherage Auto Electric, in Creswell.

He was a talented photographer who won many photography awards. He was a published author, and he wrote a column called “It Happened in Oregon” for the Creswell Chronicle. He also published a book, “Lumber Icons,” which documented his extensive research and photography of wigwam burners in the Western United States.

He was a lifelong fan of auto racing, serving as a historian for the Cottage Grove Speedway and sponsor for several local drivers. He operated the Cottage Grove BMX track for many years as well. Curt was interested in many things of the paranormal and conspiratorial variety–he took annual trips with family to the gates near Area 51, and he had a huge collection of literature regarding the assassination of JFK.

He was a member of the Cottage Grove Historical Society and put on several presentations for that group. In his youth, Curt was a Boy Scout, and he reached the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a lover of dogs, especially his ever-present dalmatian and dachshund companions.

Curt was widely known in the community for his generosity and kindness. His biggest joy in his later years was spending time with his only grandchild, Ian. Curt is survived by his life partner Susan Bullard of Creswell, OR, mother Ethel Deatherage of Cottage Grove, OR, daughter Velvet and son-in-law Alexander Miscione of Irvine, CA, sister Marie Deatherage of Seabrook, WA, sister Sarah Koss of Longview WA, brother Dennis Deatherage of Cottage Grove, OR and grandson, Ian Miscione of Irvine, CA.

He was preceded in death by his father (Bernice) Benson Deatherage. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Commons at www. cancer.org A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on October 9, 2018, at Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel, 123 S. 7th Street, Cottage Grove, OR 97424.

Please wear your favorite racing T-shirt. Arrangements by Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel.

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