Walter F. Currie, a respected figure in the engineering community and a devoted family man, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 91. He fought a courageous battle against cancer for over a decade, surrounded by family during his final moments.
Born on February 11, 1934, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Floyd and Stella Currie, Walter, affectionately known as Walt, grew up as an only son. His life took a pivotal turn in 1950 when he met Catherine Louise Shelburn, a fellow student at Atherton High School. The two began dating, culminating in their shared journey through high school and later at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where Walt pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering.
While at the university, Walt joined the Air Force ROTC and pledged to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree. His enduring allegiance to the University of Kentucky was evident throughout his life, as he consistently supported the institution, donned its colors of Kentucky Blue, and passionately cheered for the school’s athletic teams.
In 1961, Walt founded Currie Aerospace Associates, an independent sales organization that represented national electronics manufacturers. The company began in the spare bedroom of their rented home in Lake Conway Estates, with Walt serving as the sales engineer and Catherine as the secretary. Under his leadership, the company evolved into Currie, Peak, and Frazier, Inc., growing to employ 36 individuals.
Walt is remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his role as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He took immense pride in his family, always eager to follow their achievements and support their educational endeavors. Walt believed in the importance of knowledge and was quick to share his understanding of how things worked with those around him.
His private yet durable nature endeared him to many, and his absence will be deeply felt by those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Currie; two sons, Scott Currie (Liz) of Mosier, Oregon, and Beau Currie (Mary) of Windermere, Florida; and five grandchildren: Trevor Currie (Annie) of Missoula, Montana, Lucas Currie of Playa Grande, Costa Rica, Charles Summers (Anastasiya) of New York City, New York, Nathan Currie of Hailey, Idaho, and Amanda Summers (Geri) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Currie family plans to hold a private memorial service at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, where Walt’s cremated remains will be interred alongside his parents, Floyd and Stella Currie. This section of the cemetery was originally arranged by Colonel George E. Currie in 1894, further cementing the family’s legacy in the area.
Walt Currie’s contributions to engineering and his unwavering commitment to his family will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to know him.
