Curtis Nelson Folsom

In Loving Memory of Curtis Nelson Folsom

October 21, 1953 – October 12, 2026

Curtis Nelson Folsom was born on October 21, 1953, in Provo, Utah, to Leo and Beatrice Folsom. He was the oldest of six children. Curtis spent his childhood in California's San Francisco Bay Area, where he developed a lifelong love of swimming, learning, and serving others.

Curtis graduated from high school in Mountain View, California, where he distinguished himself as an accomplished swimmer and water polo player. His passion for swimming continued into college at Foothill College in Los Altos, California, and remained an important part of his life throughout the years.

From 1972 to 1974, Curtis served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission, which included Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and North Dakota. During his mission, he developed a deep love for the people, places, and communities he served. His missionary experiences strengthened his faith and shaped a life of service and devotion to the gospel that he would carry throughout his life.

In 1975, Curtis met his sweetheart, Sandra, at a Halloween dance. Their love blossomed, and they were married in 1976. They were blessed with five daughters. Curtis treasured his family and took great joy in his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, who were among his greatest blessings.

Curtis pursued his love of learning and design, earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University in 1981. He worked as a draftsman at several architectural firms and later founded his own firm, Design House, in San Jose, California, which he ran for more than ten years. His creativity, curiosity, and dedication reflected his desire to understand the world around him and use his talents to make a difference.

Curtis had an extraordinary thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader. His interests were wide-ranging, and he seemed to know something about just about everything. His family affectionately called him “The Bank of Obsolete Facts” because he could recall all sorts of interesting, obscure information. His knowledge, quick wit, and willingness to share what he knew made conversations with him both entertaining and memorable.

In 1995, Curtis moved his family from California to Oregon, where he continued building a life rooted in faith, family, and community. He enjoyed serving at his church's pear orchard, where he took great pleasure in driving the platform. Whether serving at church, helping a neighbor, or sharing his knowledge with someone who needed it, Curtis sought opportunities to help those around him.

Curtis also loved his country and was proud to be an American. His patriotism and commitment to serving others were central to who he was.

His love of swimming continued throughout his life. Curtis especially enjoyed working at the YMCA, where he taught both children and adults how to swim. He loved sharing his knowledge and helping others gain confidence and develop skills in the water. Swimming was more than a hobby for Curtis; it was a lifelong passion that brought him joy and stayed with him until the last few weeks of his life.

For eighteen years, Curtis faithfully served in the Medford Oregon temple. This service gave him treasured opportunities to express his love for the Savior, strengthen his testimony, and share the gospel with others. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he sought to live in a way that reflected his devotion to God and his love for those around him.

Those who knew Curtis will remember his infectious laugh, his love of people, his generous heart, and his unmistakable red sweaters and jackets. Red was his favorite color, and his family could often spot him in a crowd by his signature red outerwear. It was a small but memorable reflection of a man who brought warmth, personality, and joy wherever he went.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice and Leo Folsom, and his brother, Weston.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Folsom; his five daughters, Naomi Lipper husband Gabriel, daughter Iris; Audrey Cottam, husband Adam, daughters Anna, Avery, and son Aidan; Sariah Bishop, husband Todd, sons Shawn and William; Jessica Olson, husband Brad; and Rebekah Whitacre, husband Brice, daughter Ivy and son River; and his siblings, Alycia Ballentine, Andrea Hopkins, Aimee Hansen, and Douglas Folsom, along with extended family members and many dear friends whose lives he touched.

Curtis leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, curiosity, and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Though his earthly journey has ended, the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be loved and missed forever.His funeral will be held at 10 am on Friday, October 23rd, at the Central Point chapel located at 2305 Taylor Rd, Central Point, OR 97502.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to purchase a comerative bench for the YMCA pool.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-swim-bench-for-curtis-folsom?attribution_id=sl:fd0b1eb6-7e33-4484-802f-90f7586ab6eb&lang=en_US&ts=1791931267&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-5&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=sms