David McCurdy

David Earl McCurdy “Dave”

Age 86, of Harris, MN, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 9, 2025.

David was born on August 13, 1938, on the family farm in Scandia, MN, to David Earl and Alice (Olson) McCurdy. He grew up on the farm alongside his siblings, Marlin (Gwen) McCurdy, James McCurdy (deceased), Patricia (Paul) Segelstrom (deceased), and Romona (Maurice) Peterson (deceased). Dave often recalled the days of walking uphill both ways to school, and his early life on the farm shaped the hardworking, independent man he would become.

After graduating from Chisago Lakes High School, Dave served his country in the United States Air Force from January 7, 1957, to January 6, 1961, working as a B-52 airplane mechanic. Following his military service, Dave started working at a Mobile Gas Station before moving on to Hallberg’s Pontiac and Buick in the 1960s, where his mechanical skills and dedication quickly earned him recognition.

In the 1970s, Dave purchased his first semi-truck, marking the beginning of a long and successful trucking career. In 1977, he transitioned to work at the Chisago Lake Busing Garage, where he remained until his retirement in 1999. Over the years, Dave became known for his exceptional mechanical knowledge and dedication to his work.

In January of 1959, while stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California, Dave met the love of his life, Mary. They were married on June 14, 1959, in Reno, NV. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two children: Brian D. (Susan) McCurdy Sr. and Debra (Todd) Wivell. He was a proud grandfather to Brian (Chantelle) McCurdy Jr., Tiffany (Craig) Ferber, and great-grandfather to Austin (Abby) McCurdy and Ava McCurdy. Dave’s godchild, Tommy (Susan) Holmquist, also held a special place in his heart.

Dave had an abundance of passions that brought him joy. He was a snowmobiling enthusiast and a member of the Moto-Ski Race Team from the 1960s to the 1970s. He was also a proud Harley-Davidson owner for over six decades and found great satisfaction in hunting, sport shooting, and flying airplanes with his son, Brian. Dave’s love for travel, camping, and Johnny Cash was well-known, and he cherished the time spent with family and friends.

Dave’s humor, generosity, and big heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was known as the life of the party, the jokester, and the “fixer of all things.” He made a point of living by his number one rule: “The dinner table is always big enough for whoever is here.” Whether sharing his honest opinion or offering a listening ear, Dave was a great protector of his family and friends, always there when needed most.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, David Earl and Alice McCurdy, and his siblings, James McCurdy, Patricia (Paul) Segelstrom, and Romona (Maurice) Peterson. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary McCurdy; children, Brian D. (Susan) McCurdy Sr. and Debra (Todd) Wivell; grandchildren, Brian (Chantelle) McCurdy Jr. and Tiffany (Craig) Ferber; great-grandchildren, Austin (Abby) McCurdy and Ava McCurdy; godchild, Tommy (Susan) Holmquist; brother, Marlin (Gwen) McCurdy; dear friends, Alan and Judy Anderson; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM, on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN. Family will be greeting friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 

As Dave would have wanted, we leave you with a quote from The Highwaymen:

“When I reach the other side, I’ll find a place to rest my spirit if I can, perhaps I may become a highwayman again, or I may simply be a single drop of rain, but I will remain, and I’ll be back again.”

Green Frog 10-7 (signing off)