It is with enormous sadness that the BC Schizophrenia Society announces the passing of Curtis Duval, the son of former executive director Jane Duval.
Curtis passed away in Vancouver on October 02, 2020. He leaves behind his mother, Jane Duval; his sister, Renée Duval (Dennis Ekstedt); his aunt, Annabelle MacDonald (Stephen Crozier); cousins Scott MacDonald (Megan) and Sean MacDonald.
Curtis was born in Burnaby, BC, on September 27, 1959. He attended primary school in Calgary and Montreal, and secondary school in Verneuil-sur-Avre and Paris, France, and Vancouver.
Growing up, he excelled at swimming and diving and enjoyed skiing and playing hockey. Inspired by vacations in Jamaica and Spain (and by his hero, Jacques Cousteau), Curtis planned to become an oceanographer and had obtained his deep diving certificate by the time he was 16. But while preparing to register at UBC to study earth and ocean sciences, he became ill with schizophrenia—a devastating brain illness that would tragically derail his life plans, causing a spiral down into dereliction in his twenties, and thus robbing him of his health and future wellbeing.
Curtis’s bravery in eventually finding proper medical help to deal with the disabling symptoms of his illness was remarkable. A courageous hero, Curtis never gave up, and he taught us so much about what it was like to struggle with the serious and ongoing cognitive difficulties caused by schizophrenia. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and by friends and staff at Highland Manor, his home for more than 22 years.
The family appreciates expressions of support and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the BC Schizophrenia Society.
Due to public health COVID-19 protocols, a memorial service will be held at a future date.
Messages of sympathy can be shared in this online book of condolences.