By Madison McCord
Former Idaho Vandals football and basketball broadcaster Bob Curtis passed away Wednesday at his home in Colfax. Curtis was 87.
Courtesy: Idaho Athletic Media Relations
Curtis started his career as a senior at Washington State University calling various games in Idaho, Montana and Washington. He was hired shortly after leaving WSU by Idaho to handle their play-by-play duties which he did until his retirement in 2004.
Curtis is best known for calling 540 consecutive Idaho football games including one in 2003 in which he went through a hip replacement surgery the week before. Curtis also called hundreds of basketball games for the Vandals.
Along with being a Vandal Hall of Fame member, Curtis was named the co-recepient of the National Football Foundation/College Football Hall of Fame Chris Schenkel Award in 2008 and was named the Idaho Sportscaster of the Year 33 times by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Curtis’ name was also given to the press box in the Kibbie Dome when it was remodeled before the 2011 season.
A service to remember Curtis will be held at 10 a.m on August 3 at the Baptist Church in Colfax.
Here is how Vandals everywhere reacted to the news:
“No matter who replaces him, or for how long – Bob Curtis will always be the Voice of the Vandals. The Tribe of the North shrunk by one today; we will miss him.” – Nic Nelson
“I used to love listening to him as a kid with my Dad then all the way through school with the same constant complaint, what is the score? There will be no other true voice of the Vandals.” – Sean Stickler
“Another Vandal great passes on. He was a great guy and what a broadcaster!! He was and always will be to a lot of us “The Voice of the Vandals!! RIP Bob!!!” – Kirk Lamm
RIP Bob Curtis…legendary announcer for the University of Idaho Vandals….grew up listening to him every Sat…#govandals
— Larry Hollifield (@LarryRanch) July 26, 2012
RIP Bob Curtis.Your dedication to our school was unparalleled.#govandals
— Stringer (@seattlevandal) July 26, 2012
Dammit. Pouring some out for Bob Curtis. I can still hear his voice. #govandals
— Josh Starkey (@starkeeey) July 26, 2012
Stephen T Conklin
I remember Bob's great voice during the 80's, when Vandals were on the road. He was a great reason to love Idaho sports. Go Vandals!
Todd Curtis
This is his son, Todd Curtis, and I wanted to thank you all for your wonderful comments. In addition I want to than Vandal Nation for a wonderful article. GO VANDALS!