Robert "Robbie" Lamason Curry's Obituary
Robert “Robbie” Lamason Curry died peacefully at his family home Sunday, January 6, 2019. Born in Greenville, North Carolina on March 20, 1976, Robbie moved to Gainesville, Florida when he was 6 months old. This began his life-long journey as a Gator. Robbie attended Oak Hall School, and as a Boy Scout in Troop 515 earned his Eagle Scout Award, an achievement he cherished. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he shared in the Youth group, Sunday school and continued as an active member. Robbie graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Journalism in 2002. He subsequently received his UF masters degree focusing on sports management. During his UF student years, he enjoyed working for WRUF Sports Talk Radio, and later joined the University Athletic Association in their student ticket office. Robbie also liked volunteering in several Alachua County elementary classrooms where he encouraged students learning to read and was an assistant coach with an Upward flag football team.
Robbie was selected to work with two Canine Companions for Independence service dogs, one of whom survives him, Alister. Throughout his life, Robbie was passionate and remarkably knowledgeable about his beloved Gator sports teams. He was able to quickly assimilate team, player and coaching facts, often helping many of his family and friends understand what was happening during an exciting event. Robbie also enjoyed swimming in the pool and ocean as well as family trips to the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains where his family carried or pushed him so all could trek together.
Robbie’s mobility was limited by his cerebral palsy but his spirit soared and his sense of humor, honesty, and intelligence moved all who knew him. In quiet but powerful ways, Robbie championed accessibility issues throughout his life. With an infectious laugh and steel resolve, he graciously highlighted access challenges often overlooked or taken for granted in a kind way. His legacy is written on the hearts of the many health care practitioners, advocates, and teachers he drew to these respective professions and inspired them to think inclusively and with a nimble mind.
Robbie is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Barbara and Robert Lamason, his paternal grandparents, Bob and Jessie Beth Curry and his first service dog Nalco. He is survived by his parents Robert W. “Whit” Curry, Jr. MD and Ruthanne L. Curry; his sister Mary K. Curry Wimsett and her husband Gary D. Wimsett, his nieces Emma, Charlotte, and Lily Wimsett all of Gainesville, FL; his aunts and uncles Tom and Mary Curry, Steve and Henrietta Curry, Larry and Marion Curry, Jim and Bev Lamason, and Bill and Pam Lamason; his cousins Lea, Heather, Jessica, Nathan, Paul, Alex, and Brian Curry; Heather, Stephen, Rosser and Blair Lamason, and many extended family who shared his life.
The family wishes to thank the medical and nursing staff at UF Health, his life-long physical therapists at Kids on the Move, and the many friends who helped him smile. A Memorial Service for family and friends to celebrate the life of this wonderful man will be Saturday, January 19th at the Trinity United Methodist Church Sanctuary at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends Friday, January 18th, at Robbie’s home at 1132 NW 58th Terrace from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Robbie requested donations in his name to Canine Companions for Independence Southeast Regional Training Center. For mail, please send to: Canine Companions for Independence, P. O. Box 680388, Orlando, FL 32868-0388. For online, please go to cci.org and click on donate. You can then select “Honor and Memorial” gifts.
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