‘Man of the forest’ honoured amongst the trees after fire death
Mourners gathered under the trees in Wirrabara Forest to farewell Peter Curtis, a “much-loved” firefighter with “deep, rich laughter” who died battling a blaze.
A “much-loved” man of the forest and deeply respected firefighter who died battling a blaze has been farewelled in a funeral service under the trees.
Peter Curtis, 65, died at Pinkawillinie Conservation Park in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula on November 23.
Curtis was a firefighter for 30 years and a senior member of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, holding leadership roles including strike team leader and sector commander.
The circumstances of his death are being investigated.
At Wednesday’s outdoor service, his coffin was on the grass under the trees, draped with a Country Fire Service flag, with two of his white firefighting helmets on top.
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Curtis, who had six grandchildren, was a hero in every sense and would be surprised at all the fuss over his death and the tributes to him, mourners at The Old Nursery in Wirrabara Forest were told.
Funeral celebrant Jenny Stanley said Curtis grew up in the forest and worked as a beekeeper, an orchardist and for the forestry department.
He was a keen golfer, grew native plants and knew his wild orchids.
His son Thomas held back tears as he told the large crowd his father always pushed himself and took risks but got away with it.
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“Sadly your time has come, I hope you are at peace … mum is in our hands now and we will look after her.”
Curtis’ daughter Acacia said the community would miss a quiet contributor and she would miss his “deep, rich laughter”.
Younger firefighting colleagues of Curtis told the gathering he was a good operator, “a bloke you liked to have around” who became a father figure to many and it felt good to get his praise.
At the end of the service a minute’s silence was observed.
Curtis is the first SA National Parks and Wildlife Service firefighter to die at work.
Last week, a service was held in Adelaide to honour him, with firefighters parading in tribute at the Torrens Parade Ground ahead of his repatriation home.
Following his death, SA Country Fire Service chief executive Brett Loughlin said Curtis “was much-loved and deeply respected by everyone”.
“He was admired for his dedication. He was no stranger to fighting fires in this part of the world.”
National Parks and Public Lands executive director Mike Williams said Curtis was known for his diligence and hard work in the Southern Flinders, especially in educating and mentoring younger staff.
Emergency Services Minister Rhiannon Pearce said Curtis had been deeply passionate about keeping his community safe and the SA government honoured his years of dedicated work.
