Orel "Curt" Courteau, of Pasco, WA, died April 30, 2017. He was born in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota, March 16, 1916, to George and Margaret Courteau with his eldest sister, Lillian, acting as mid-wife. Although he never complained, he was not born to an easy life. With 11 children in the family, sometimes it was difficult to find enough food to feed them all. He quickly learned hard work. When he was 9 his father found work for him at a farm and dropped him off. He worked the summer and then walked many miles back to the main road after a day's work, when the farmer told him he was no longer needed. The Great Depression occurred and he joined many in the search for work. He entered the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked in the forests constructing roads, building fire watch towers, etc. He credited the CCC's with taking him off the streets and away from a downward spiraling life. After a baseball game, at which he pitched, his brother, Darwin, introduced him to Cherry Esther Wise. They fell in love and were married March 25, 1939. He always knew that this wonderful woman gave him a life and love that he would have otherwise never known. They were together over 69 years. He worked in Washington on the Hanford Project supporting the war effort from 1943-1945. Later that year he was inducted into the United States Marine Corps and was sent to Southern California to await a troop ship bound for the Pacific. While in port, VJ day was declared and his family, which now included a little girl, joined him while he awaited his honorable discharge in August 1946. Orel's sense of humor and friendly nature made him a natural salesman. He plied his wares in everything from Rena-Ware cookware, to clothing, to Rolen Star sound systems, and natural fertilizers. He used skills from the CCC's, where he first operated a caterpillar tractor, to work construction/maintenance crew, from which he retired in 1980. Orel truly personified the adage "no one is a stranger." He was out-going and thoroughly enjoyed people. His hard work ethic kept the home in Pasco running for years and he, also, was the properties manager for First Lutheran Church, where his know-how completed many of the congregation's projects. Orel is survived by his children Cherry Ann Wiest, Adrian Courteau and innumerable friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Cherry Esther Wise Courteau, 5 brothers and 5 sisters. The graveside service will be Friday, May 5, 2017 at 12:30pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Immediately following a Celebration of Life will be held at Pasco First Lutheran, 530 W. Bonneville at 1:30pm. If you choose, a memorial for Orel in lieu of flowers can be made to Pasco First Lutheran 530 W Bonneville Pasco, WA 99301 or a charity of your choice.