On the evening of October 15, 2021, Curt transitioned from his earthly service to his family and the Helena community to serve as a warrior for our Lord after a valiant fight against cancer.
Curt was born November 5, 1971 in Havre, MT to Howard “Gene” and Sharon (Johnson) Stinson. He grew up in Havre, attending the Havre Public Schools and graduating from Havre High as valedictorian in the spring of 1990. He spent his youth in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. During high school Curt participated in the Explorers program, which established in him a passion for law enforcement, setting the stage for his future career.
Curt attended Montana State University where his life-long love of Bobcat football was cultivated. While at MSU, Curt worked as a Resident Assistant (RA) and as an Assistant Resident Director. It was while working as a RA that Curt met his future wife, Christine. Both RAs, the two met in September 1992 when Curt’s first move was to try and toss Christine into the fire pit. They started dating soon after and were married in the summer of 1996.
Curt graduated with honors from MSU in the spring of 1994 with a degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. He began his professional career in January of 1995 when he started with the Helena Police Department, a department he stayed at until his death. Curt rose through the ranks of the Helena Police Department; from Senior Officer, to Corporal, to Sergeant, to Lieutenant, to Captain and finally as Assistant Chief of Police. Curt served as a Field Training Officer and trained new officers coming onto the Department. He assisted with the acquisition of the first two K-9s and oversaw the Dispatch Center remodel and move. Curt was proud to be an officer and took the responsibilities of his profession very seriously.
The joy of Curt’s life was his family. Curt and Christine were blessed with three incredible children, Brandon, Danielle, and Taylor. To say that Curt was a proud father is an understatement. Curt lived for his kids and spent hours watching them in their sporting endeavors from baseball to gymnastics to cross country to track to volleyball to softball. He was the parent yelling at the bad calls and being shushed by his family. He was always ready with a not-so-clever dad joke and spot on advice for any situation. Curt taught his children to stand up for what they believe in, to be strong in their convictions, and to love unconditionally. He was fiercely proud of his children and their activities and the choices they have made in life.
For Curt, time with family was sacred and they could be found during the summers camping somewhere there was no cell service, where Curt would cook way too much food and kick back in his camping chair and read all day. He loved to sit under the camper’s awning and watch it rain through the trees. Camping time was also cribbage time; endless, and competitive, hands of cribbage were played while camping. The family also went along on his many adventures to ghost towns and baseball games (Go Cubbies). Curt was an avid Bobcat fan and on Saturdays in the fall, he would be at Bobcat stadium or watching the Cats play on TV. Curt was forever finding home improvement projects. “Garage days” were epic, primarily because they involved working on everything from repairing vehicles to outdoor projects, anything Curt didn’t want to pay someone to fix. But these were times spent with the kids, telling stories, discussing life, and just hanging out together.
Although Curt didn’t like attention focused on him, he worked tirelessly to make this community better. Curt served as a Cub Scout Den and Pack Leader as well as a Boy Scout Leader. He greatly enjoyed the adventures to camps with the boys every summer, including being very proud to attend Boy Scout Camp with his son Brandon. Curt served his community in other ways as well, from reading to kids at the library to helping raise awareness for breast cancer. The Explorers program was something very important to Curt and he was proud of his work to establish a successful program in Helena, one his son was able to participate in. Curt’s faith was important to him and he was very active in his church. He was a long-time member of New Life Lutheran Church, serving many years on the church council and wherever he was needed.
Curt was preceded in death by his father Howard “Gene” Stinson.
Curt is survived by his wife, Christine (Rachor); children, Brandon, Danielle and Taylor all of Helena; his mother, Sharon (Johnson) Stinson of Havre; brother, Chad (Tracy) Stinson of Havre; niece, Megan Rachor of Sidney; and nephew, Trevor Stinson of Havre.
The funeral will be held on Monday, October 25th at 11:00AM at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue or MSU Bobcat attire. Internment will take place in Havre, MT at a later date in a private family service.
The family would like to thank the St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center staff, the surgical team and the ICU team. The care that they provided was amazing. They would also like to thank the Helena community for their support. Special thanks to the Helena Police Department and families for their support and care.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11 a.m.
Monday October 25, 2021
Lewis and Clark County Fair Grounds
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11 a.m.
Monday October 25, 2021
Lewis and Clark County Fair Grounds
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sheri Sullivan says
Our family sure loved Curt, he was a wonderful father and so supportive of his family. Thank you so much Curt for your service to this community! You will be missed!
Darrell Keim says
A lovely tribute to my lifelong friend. He is missed.
Pete Hartman says
I’m so sorry about Curt’s passing. He was a great officer to work with, one that you could always depend on. If Curt was with you on a call, you knew that the call was going to go well. He is going to be greatly missed and I am very proud to have known and worked with Curt. I can’t tell you how hard this has broken my heart, much to young to be leaving us!
Jeff sherlock says
A good man gone far too soon. Peace to his family.
Kathleen Broussard says
We are so very sorry about Curt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Lisa Figueroa says
I had the pleasure of knowing Captain Curt Stinson while I was a volunteer for the Helena police department. He was very involved in the volunteer program and gave us a lot of training. He can not be replaced. Curt, you have your eternal promotion but it was way too early for those that knew you.
Lisa Figueroa
Boy Scouts of America, Montana Council says
On behalf of the Scouts, Leaders and Friends of BSA, Montana Council, we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Assistant Chief of Police and Eagle Scout Curt Stinson. His outstanding leadership as Scout leader and law enforcement officer is very much appreciated and will be greatly missed. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Nelson says
I am so sorry to learn of Curt’s untimely death. He left behind a beautiful family and an outstanding legacy for all. I treasure the times I was able to spend with him and all of you, his family, while I was a member of New Life Lutheran. I especially treasure all those hours nurturing young minds at Logos. Curt will be missed by all of us. He left behind some pretty big shoes to fill. May God continue to hold all of you in the palm of His hand.
Bob Fischer says
I just read Curt’s obituary. He lead an exemplary life. A privilege to have known him. God’s peace to his family.
Richard Glover says
I have known Curt since he was a young boy and had the great pleasure of working with his father; Gene Stinson who was a Havre City Police Officer .
Curt also was an intern working with us for the U.S. Marshals in Great Falls. He was an outstanding employee and a great pleasure to work with.
Following in his father’s footsteps I had no doubt of his great talent and abilities.
I know he will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to the family with my most sincere thoughts and prayers.
Ginny Winters says
Curt was a wonderful man who helped me with some police things when I first moved to Helena. Chris used to babysit my kids when they were little and although I haven’t seen her lately, I still think of her and her wonderful family. I know they were both excellent, loving parents and I am deeply sorry for his loss. Love Ginny, Maegan and Hannah Winters.
Randy Ellis says
Sincere Condolences to all … May you be comforted and strengthened by The Almighty during this difficult time. He truly will be missed yet never forgotten.
Karen Bryson says
I am so saddened by Curt’s untimely death. May you find comfort in the days , weeks and years ahead. Know my prayers are with you.
Peter says
I am sitting down to address the sympathy card to Cirt’s family & it is emotionally draining & sad.
I remember when Curt started. I’d pick him up or bringhim home for shift or meal breaks. Curt was total professional. Fun to be around, reliable, sincere and when need very serious & focused on his profession & service to the citizens of Helena, to all. Curt, I know you are above, looking down,keeping an eye on your family, your HPD officers/all fellow officers & all.
Peter T. Rehmann (HPD 1981-2002/Retired)
Lance R says
So sad. Curt was a wonderful person, full of Character and integrity. Good memories of high school football, track and college days at MSU. Condolences to his family.
Stuart Howard says
Curt took my Den of Tigers (1st graders) on a tour of the police station. The first thing he did was let the kids sit in a police cruiser. They loved that! They then got to see the 911 center, the evidence room, and then met the sherif. Curt finished up by taking their fingerprints. It was a fun and memorable event. He did not hesitate to volunteer his time when I asked him if he could it. Thank you Curt. My condolences to his family.
steve Marden says
So sorry to hear of Curts passing. His entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. He was a great Police Officer as was his dad. May he rest in peace.
Dave and Sharon Miller says
Our blessings and best wishes to the family of Curt Stinson. We had many great times in Scouting with them and he was a great individual. God Bless, Sharon and I will miss him.
Elaine Myles says
To Curt’s family, friends, and co-workers.
I am so sorry and saddened for your loss. I worked with Curt at the City of Helena. I worked in Finance and would talk to him periodically regarding different issues. Curt was a proud but humble person, friendly, easy to talk to, helpful, and always straight forward. He loved his job and his family. With Sincere Sympathy and prayers.
Heidi Sampson says
Christine and family-
We were deeply saddened to hear of Curt’s passing. He was always welcoming to us at New Life. He always made sure to talk to us even outside of church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jarod, Heidi, Weston, and Bryson Sampson
Todd Rickman says
Rest Easy Sir. God Speed.
I pray that your family finds peace during this difficult time.
Harmony says
Curt was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Wishing you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
Scott Remy says
Rest in Peace Brother. Godspeed. Prayers for your family and Helena PD. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Linda, Molly and Marcus Rideout says
Dear Taylor, Christine and family, I am so saddened and shocked by the news of your dad’s and husband’s passing. So young. I remember meeting your dad at Target where he had brought you to get a birthday present for a friend. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family for healing. Sending our ❤