Help Memorialize Timothy Curtis' Life and Work

Tyler Curtis is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

I'm seeking support following the loss of my father, Timothy Curtis, who passed on Oct. 17th, 2024, from complications due to Lewy Body Dementia. I'm seeking financial assistance to properly honor his memory, while also preserving his remarkable photographic legacy.

My Pop never asked anyone for anything. He just gave as much as he could - so the ask is from me and me alone. I loved my Dad and his passions and am utterly heartbroken at the idea of having to discard his decades of work. He's probably frowning at me from the Racetrack in the Sky right now. But that was his vibe - give everything, expect nothing. I want to give something back as I never got to buy him that Ferrari I promised him. His kindness is the best gift I could have ever asked for, and I would love to give his passions a place in time.

Immediate Needs:

Expenses for my personal arrangements this week (as I won't be able to work for a bit of the month) and return trip for spreading of the ashes in Summer 2025 (Travel expenses & lodging $1500.00)

Initial organizing and packing of his home, art, photography, and die-cast car collection. Shipping estimate is $2500.00 but could be as high as $4000.00.

Legacy Preservation:

My father devoted decades to documenting international motorsports, creating an extensive archive of Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. While he couldn't afford the fancy cars, he never stopped loving them, especially through his lens. His photographs capture the evolution of racing at this legendary 4-mile circuit - from historic vehicles to modern racing machines, preserving countless moments that tell the story of American and imported racing culture.

My goal is to ensure his collection finds its permanent home at the International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen. To achieve this, I need support for:

Professional packing of delicate photographic materials. ($300)
Safe transport from Chicago to California. ($2500-4000)
Archival supplies (light box) for review and documentation of over 300 lbs of slides and developed photos. ($1000.00)
Time and storage, Digital archiving of Slides ($2200)
Final transportation of organized collection for donation to Watkins Glen. ($2000)
Return trip for myself to Chicago in Summer 2025 to spread his ashes at Corner 5 of Road America - his favorite place on earth for 70 years. ($1500.00)

As a thank you for supporting this journey, donors contributing $150 or more can select one of four signature prints from my own photography career or a print from his own collection, continuing the photography legacy I shared with my father. (I will send options upon receipt). Donations of $500 or more get all four prints.

Paying It Forward:

Any funds received beyond the costs of arrangements and preservation will be donated in my father's name to the LBDA (fighting Lewy Body Dementia) and Misericordia , supporting their vital work providing continued care for developmentally disabled children and adults. This way, his memory will live on not only through his art but also by helping others in need. My dad selflessly always wanted the best for everyone.

Every contribution, whether helping with immediate arrangements or supporting the preservation of his work, honors my father's memory and ensures his unique perspective on American motorsport history lives on while potentially helping families facing similar challenges.