Gary Robert Curry

March 3, 1943- January 23, 2005

            A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salem, on Thursday, January 27, at 4:00 pm, for Gary Robert Curry, who died Sunday evening of multiple myeloma, surrounded by family and friends.

            Gary Curry lived a life defined by his love of family, work, and athletics.  Born in San Diego, California on March 4, 1943 to Beverly and John Curry and flanked by brothers Mike and Paul Curry, Gary enjoyed a childhood of outdoor exploration, hiking the hills of San Diego and skinny-dipping in the Pacific Ocean.  

            In 1961, Gary arrived at the University of Oregon on a Greyhound bus with only a suitcase at his side. He had earned a wrestling scholarship to a university he had never seen, in a state he had never visited. Gary quickly conquered his new domain, wrestling and playing rugby for the University and pledging the Sigma Chi Fraternity.  Gary earned his B.A. in business in 1966 and MBA from the University of Oregon in 1968. Gary’s most impressive endeavor during his university years was finding and marrying the love of his life, Martha Hunt.

            Gary began his business career working for Ford Motor Company, and moved to Detroit, Michigan, to work on Lee Iacocca’s “Pinto Project”. In 1978, Gary and his family moved to Salem to acquire Oregon Onions Inc., now known as Curry and Company.   Gary brought many innovations to this legendary packer of Lake Labish  onions. A pioneer of securing year-round onion supplies for retailers, Gary´s company expanded its international reach.  Curry and Company has subsequently grown to be one of North America’s premier suppliers of not only onions, but also blueberries and other bush berries.   While developing his successful agricultural business, he continued to exercise his love of running, skiing, and mountain climbing. 

            Gary’s dedication to work and athletics was surpassed only by his commitment to his family. He taught them the value and joy of hard work. He taught them respect and loyalty. He modeled for them the courage to fight for each day and the true value of accepting one’s destiny with grace and dignity.

            Gary is survived by his mother and brothers, his wife Martha, his three children Matt, Megan and Grant Curry, his daughter-in-law Kari Ryan Curry, and his two grandchildren.

                        Remembrances may be made to the Salem Hospital Foundation/Oncology Department in appreciation of Dr. William Pierce, or to Salud Medical Center, a clinic that provides health care to migrant farm workers.