Michael Curtis (17th June 1956 - 21st October 2025)
The Society is much saddened by the news of the passing of Michael Curtis, long-time friend of the Society and former Trustee.
Michael was born on 17th June 1956 at No 58 Whalley Road in Manchester. He grew up alongside his elder brother, Alan, and his sister, Lynn. His family was closely connected to the Royal Air Force, as his father served in the RAF. This commitment led the family to relocate frequently, accompanying his father on postings across the United Kingdom, as well as to Singapore and Cyprus.
During their time in Cyprus, Michael experienced a life-altering incident. Whilst travelling on a bus, a stray bullet passed through the vehicle, resulting in shrapnel being embedded in his legs—a lasting reminder of the event that remained with him for the rest of his life.
Unable to pursue a career in the RAF like his father, Michael had a varied professional life. He worked at ICI test paint, watching paint dry was not for Michael so he moved to De Beers sorting diamonds, the NHS as a plaster technician at Lewisham Hospital, in the back office of the Stock Exchange, and on earthquake early warning systems at Seismograph Systems in Keston.
In the later years of his career, Michael found immense satisfaction and fulfilment working within the field of driver education. Beginning as a driving instructor, he dedicated himself to helping others develop the skills and confidence necessary for safe motoring. His commitment and expertise led him to progress to the role of Driving Examiner, where he became known for his professionalism and encouragement of learners. Michael ultimately rose to the position of Chief Driving Examiner for South East England. For many individuals, Michael was a reassuring and influential presence during their formative driving experiences, leaving a lasting impression on all those he guided through the process of learning to drive.
Michael possessed a diverse repertoire of hobbies, including boating, piloting aircraft, and wild camping. At times, these pursuits led to challenging situations; for example, he was involved in a plane crash at Biggin Hill from which he fortunately walked away unharmed. Additionally, his yachting activities required rescue by the RNLI on two occasions, with part of one incident documented in a YouTube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alj8Z3jrKZI. He served as a co-pilot with Richard Branson, flew "booze cruises" to Le Touquet, and piloted trips to Malta. In terms of sailing, he frequently visited the Thames estuary and occasionally travelled further into Europe. Who knew he was an aficionado of Lego, the bigger and more complex the better; a NASA rocket and Land Rover to name but a few of his creations. It seems fitting that a Lego rose bouquet will be adorning his coffin enroute to his funeral service.
Michael was a member of the Free Masons and served as the Master of Knole Lodge.
His music preferences included AC/DC, The WHO, and Tubular Bells. While Country was not his preferred genre, his favourite song was "I Love You More and More" by Joe Dolan.
Later in life, archaeology became a primary interest for Michael. His curiosity and capacity for learning allowed him to contribute to the study of archaeological sites. He engaged in excavations and participated in discussions regarding interpretation. Michael's approach to archaeological interpretation was analytical and drew the involvement of others. As Michael’s health declined, he shifted from dirt archaeology to drone and site photography, though his interpretive analysis grew stronger.
Michael joined the Kent Archaeological Society and became a Trustee in 2016, a role he held until 2024. During his time as a Charity Trustee, the Society transitioned to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), a significant milestone in its development. Michael played a pivotal role in initiating two major archaeological projects: The Lees Court Estate Project and the Trosley Court Heritage Project. His leadership and dedication were instrumental in bringing these important projects to fruition, contributing meaningfully to the Society’s enduring legacy.
Michael was a passionate advocate for archaeology, dedicating considerable time and energy to advancing the discipline. He not only participated in lectures, sharing his knowledge and insights with others, but also supported community archaeology groups by offering his expertise in drone technology to assist their work.
Perhaps most significant was Michael’s commitment to educational outreach. He frequently visited local schools, where he took great pleasure in teaching students about their heritage. Michael had a natural ability to engage young people, inspiring their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about the past. During these visits, he encouraged students to explore and question their history, fostering a deeper appreciation for archaeology—a reward that he found deeply fulfilling.
Michael’s engaging approach often included hands on demonstrations and interactive elements. Notably, he created a replica xylospongium, much to the delight and amusement of his younger audiences. This inventive teaching method not only captured the imaginations of students but also made history accessible and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on all who took part in his sessions.
Michael’s enthusiasm for archaeology was not confined to his own endeavours; it naturally extended to his family. His loved ones received an informal yet thorough education in the subject, as they became very familiar with popular programmes such as Time Team and Digging for Britain.
Michael found a strong sense of belonging within his local community archaeology group, the Discover Roman Otford Project. This group became his archaeological home, providing a welcoming environment where his passion for archaeology and history and his varied skill set could be fully utilised.
The project focused on the excavation of a complex collection of Roman buildings, a challenging endeavour that brought together all of Michael’s experience and expertise. His analytical approach, technical proficiency, and enthusiasm for collaborative work made him an invaluable member of the team. Through his active participation in these excavations, Michael was able to further his engagement with the field and continue making meaningful contributions to community archaeology.
Michael embarked on a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology, demonstrating his continued commitment to learning and personal growth. Unfortunately, the progression of cancer had a profound impact on his studies. Despite his determination and perseverance, the illness prevented him from completing his degree, leaving him just one course module short of graduation.
In his final years, Michael faced serious health challenges, beginning with multiple sclerosis and ending with cancer. True to character, he managed these illnesses with stoic pragmatism and persistent determination, refusing to let them slow him down, ably supported by his family.
After his terminal diagnosis, Michael began working through his bucket list, including getting a tattoo to commemorate being a 2012 London Olympics Games Maker. He completed his last item, a gyrocopter flight, the Thursday before he died on the following Tuesday.
Michael enjoyed a traditional courtship with Catherine, marked by warmth and genuine affection. Their relationship was, for the most part, straightforward and filled with happiness. However, there was one particularly memorable episode that stood out in its uniqueness. On one occasion, Michael found himself hastily bundled into a wardrobe to avoid being discovered during an unexpected visit from Catherine’s parents to her nurses' accommodation.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine, who was not only his spouse but also his best friend and lifelong companion. He leaves behind his cherished children: Susan, Jennifer, Mark, and Elizabeth. Michael was also a devoted grandfather to his seven grandchildren—William, Phillip, Calie, Connor, Finley, and the newest addition to the family, two-week-old Archie.
The Discover Roman Otford Project (DROP) have a fundraiser to commemorate the passing of Michael Curtis as contributions towards the Michael Curtis prize award for Kent Roman Studies: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/discovering-roman-otford-drop