2015 RHS Distinguished Alumni Award:
Curt King
by Bob Darling, president, RHS Class of 1965
Immediately upon graduating, I spent a month with a missions group, in
Mexico. As a young boy I had felt the "call" to help those less
fortunate than me, and after I became a born again believer in Christ,
it began to tug at my heart.
I
worked for Drew's Berry farm for awhile, then Boeing for 6 months, then
got my draft notice. I worked with Pat Slusher (another RHS graduate
and Navy recruiter at the time) to let me join the Navy Reserve, and he
helped me join. I was active duty for about 2 years, just before
leaving I met my wife (Mary) in San Diego, and 6 months later we got
married and moved to Centralia, since I could not find work in San
Diego. I was half owner of King Drilling Company for awhile, then was a
communications officer with the Washington State Patrol for awhile, then
Assistant Manager for Rogers Machinery. I eventually ended up back with
the family well-drilling company.
However, helping the poor and traveling was in my heart. There was a drought in Haiti, and through the local Free Methodist church in Centralia, spent a month in Haiti where I found an old drilling machine. I came home, raised funds, and went back with my wife and our 3 kids ages 2, 4, and 6.
All credit goes to my Savior Jesus Christ, and to my wife and kids for the accomplishments. A long time ago, when we were living on the little island off the coast of Haiti, working, the 5 of us were living in a little 26' travel trailer, trying to help, since there had been no measurable rain for about 3 years, I had a special moment with God. I came back down the mountain trail in our old surplus army truck, and found my wife and 3 kids all crying. It was extremely hot, things were not going well, and I felt so bad for them. Later that night as I walked out to lock the gate, the moon and stars were bright and clear. I told God I couldn't do this anymore, it was too much work, and I couldn't stand to see the family suffer. If ever I heard God, it was at that moment, I heard, "Curt, if you take care of what is important to me, I will take care of what is important to you." And so, as I continued on with my work, God has been faithful. I have an amazing family of my beautiful wife, three awesome kids, seven grandkids, and one great grandkid. God is true to his word.
Curt King, approximately age 3
Curt King, Rochester High School, Class of 1965
Curt King drilling a well in Haiti
Mary and Curt King drilling a well in Haiti
Another Curt King drilled well providing safe drinking water for Haitians