In Loving Memory
With heavy hearts we announce,
David Curtis Sinclair, affectionately known as Curtis or Curt, passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 68. Curtis fought cancer with quiet strength, unwavering hope and surrounded by love and support, before finally finding peace.
Born in Vancouver, and raised in North Vancouver, Curtis enjoyed his early years hiking Grouse Mountain with his mother and siblings, picking huckleberries and exploring the bush. He fondly talked of numerous camping trips with his family and spending time with his cousins and extended family. In his youth, he was often found skiing the local mountainside, or on the ice playing hockey and later, refereeing community games. He also discovered a love for horses, competing in events and taking part in a cattle drive — early signs of the adventurous spirit that would follow him throughout life. Curtis formed life long friendships during his school years in North Vancouver- connections that stayed strong and unchanged by time, distance or age.
While those early years shaped his love for the outdoors, Curtis lived primarily in Port Coquitlam with his spouse Nydia, where he built a life filled with outdoor adventures, forged lasting friendships, and where friends and neighbours were always welcome. His home was a place where people dropped in for a beer, shared stories, chatted about cars, talked about everything and nothing, and always felt at ease. Curtis thrived in the simple meaningful connections of people that surrounded him.
An outdoorsman through and through, Curtis was most comfortable in nature— fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, skiing, or simply relaxing by lakes and rivers, which always made him feel peaceful and content. He dabbled in gardening, enjoyed cooking and tweaking recipes, and loved the challenge of an extreme Sudoku puzzle!
Mechanics was his calling. Curtis had an exceptional gift for understanding and repairing engines of all kinds. Whether he was racing, rebuilding, or fine-tuning cars - often on his own timeline- he was completely in his element.
For a time, he owned and operated his own automotive repair shop, where his expertise and dedication earned him the trust and respect of his customers.
His career spanned over 27 years with City of Burnaby’s Engineering Services Department (CUPE 23), where his colleagues became family and dear friends — forming lasting bonds - while doing the odd Sudoku challenge!
He retired in 2019, carrying with him, a lifetime of stories, pride in his accomplishments, many deep friendships - (extra parts from “some machine”) and the freedom to enjoy more time doing what he loved: camping, fishing, and exploring the outdoors.
Curtis was deeply loyal to those he loved, with a kind heart and a gentle spirit tucked beneath a bold and rugged exterior. Fiercely devoted and always ready for the next adventure, he was known for his legendary stubborn streak and outspoken fearless nature.
He carried a strong confidence and unshakable sense of optimism and a determination that never wavered even as his time grew short. He gave the kind of hugs that made you feel safe and never said goodbye without saying, “I love you.”
He made friends easily and had a remarkable way of connecting with people wherever he went. Curtis had an incredible memory — whether it was names, faces, or engine part numbers — and he was always quick to lend a hand, and was generous sharing his time, knowledge, and skills.
Curtis lived life on his terms, his love for the outdoors was inspiring, his character and charm unforgettable and left an indelible mark on the lives of those who met or knew him. The skills he passed on and the stories he shared from under the hood, will remain woven into our lives, like well worn tools passed from one hand to the next.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his spouse of 26 years, Nydia Urban. His children, Stephanie Machado (Matt), Jessica Stang (Chad), and son, David Sinclair. Grandchildren, Sophie, Claire, Charles, Sutton, and Reese.
He is also leaves behind his siblings: Sandra Sinclair, Christina Hansen (David), Brad Sinclair (Sue), and Craig Sinclair (Gail).
Curtis was predeceased by his mother, Beverly Joyce Sinclair (1970); his father, David William Cordnor Sinclair (2019) and Georgina “Rose” Sinclair (2005) his father’s second wife.
In honour of Curtis’ wishes, there will be no formal service.
As he said — “I’ll be around. I’m coming back as an eagle!”
We invite you to share your memories, photos, or stories of Curtis in the comments below. Whether it’s a moment that made you laugh, something he taught you, or just a time you’ll never forget, your words will help keep his spirit alive and soaring, just like the eagle he inspired to become in his next life.
September 16th, 2025
My condolences to the Sinclair family. I had met Curtis in the mid 90's and had the pleasure to work with him for many years. We had many stories to share about fishing, work, hunting, drag racing and just living life. The stories became new memories as we shared times of fishing, working, playing free cell on the computer and challenging Sudoku puzzles. Curtis spread his joy of the outdoors with many people, including my son coming fishing with us. He had a lot of love and joy to share and there was never a dull moment being around him, there was always laughter followed by another story to share. I will miss our times of the outdoors, stories and memories, that were shared together, you will not be forgotten my friend, I always look for Eagles, but now I will look even harder.
August 26th, 2025
Curt
Time marches on, hard to believe that it's been a month since you left us. After more than 50+ years as a true friend words cannot describe what we did together over the years from camping to fishing and all kinds of adventures that we had been through. Those are the ones I will look back on and remember forever with a smile and say to myself how did we do that. Sleep well my friend and rest in peace. Keith
August 21st, 2025
One Month Without You
It has been one month since you left this world, and the weight of your absence is with me every single day. I am still grieving, and I know I always will—because love does not end. It lives on, even when the one we love is no longer here.
My heart will always carry you. The memories we shared, the laughter, the love—we built a life together that time or distance can never take away.
I miss you deeply, and I will continue to honor you with every step I take. You are forever a part of me.
August 13th, 2025
Well we have lost another great individual in our lives,Curtis was one of the smartest mechanics I probably have ever met. I was changing a power steering pump & he came over within a 10 minute call & I asked him am I doing this write & next thing you know he was under the car & says give her. We had that out in no time, he was very positive to work with because I’m not a mechanic but Curtis knew always what to do & how to help. We will miss you brother & we will have a pint for you. You’re friends Ed,Nick,Marty & Tony rest in piece 🍺
August 12th, 2025
I met Curtis around 1990 working for the City of Burnaby. So for the next 25 year's working almost side by side we had many conversations about family, holidays and just everyday living. One thing I remember is for the first few years every morning Curtis would come in with a brown paper bag with a chocolate long jotn in one hand and a pint of chocolate milk in the other.As the crew went from 3 to 6 and the shop got busyer Curt, started to call me Chief. Even when he called me at home it would be Chief, but Bruce if he wanted a day off.
Curtis had done a lot , from building cars, to racing cars to hunting and,,fishing He was an outdoors type of person and his knowledge in the mechanic field was untouchable. He was a smart man. Even a few days before his passing he was still positive about going fishing and camping and cooking a nice big steak
I had a good crew and Curtis was at the head of the class
He will be missed by me and my family
August 7th, 2025
I'm Craig sinclair a cousin, not the brother we have similar names, it was
Curtis who first got me interested in repairing cars, he had this mustang Cobra he loved that car so much, I remember clearly visiting the family one year at Christmas and all he wanted to do is put a stereo he got in his car. He was great at explaining things and was always enthusiastic about showing of his skills and his car
August 7th, 2025
Curt was my big brother. When we were young and lost our mom he stepped up and looked after us as best he could even making our lunches! As we grew he loved me unconditionally and challenged me in ways I don’t think he understood! He always made us laugh and was always there when I needed him. We share a love for the water and spent many a good time at the lake or ocean. He tried to get me up but, I never did conquer water skiing! I didn’t get the daredevil gene! Fly free big brother and I will look for your messages in the future! I love you and will miss you always! Love Sandra💕💕
August 7th, 2025
Curtis was my big brother—my guide, my protector, and my forever friend. He had a tough shell but a heart full of love, and he always showed up when it mattered most. His strength, his humor, and his quiet loyalty left a mark on everyone who knew him.
I’ll carry his memory in every laugh, every lesson, and every moment that reminds me of the bond we shared. I miss him deeply, and I’ll love him always.
Until we meet again.
August 7th, 2025
Condolences to the Sinclair Family!! I have wonderful memories of Curtis. I considered him a big brother. He always had a smile on his face and a great laugh. A very loving Father, Son, Brother and Grandpa - Family was always so important to him. Rest in Peace Dear Curtis! Love, Jacob, Debbie, Gord xoxo
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