RAPID CITY - Curtis Frederick Lee, 89, Rapid City, died peacefully Tuesday morning, June 2, 2009, with family by his side. Curtis was born on June 12, 1919 in Bismarck, ND, to William and Janie Lee. When he was six years old, the family headed for Florida but stopped in Rapid City to see an old friend. They never went any further and lived in Rapid City the rest of their lives. It was at a dance hall in Rockerville, where Curtis first met and then later married the love of his life, Elaine Gilbert. Curtis and Elaine were married Feb. 16, 1946. To that union twin sons were born (who died shortly after birth) and three daughters, Barbara Lee (Thomas "Red" Searles) of Black Canyon City, AZ, Connie Beckstrom (Eric Thorstenson) of Rapid City, and Patricia (Jeff) Danielson of Casper, WY. Curtis and Elaine celebrated 63 years of marriage. In his early years, Curtis was a baker at Bakkens and Swanders Bakeries. He and Elaine owned and operated Lee's Blue Ribbon Bakery until a medical issue forced its closure. He was self employed in the custodial field for many years. He had a life long passion for collecting and dealing in antique cars and parts. He completely built and restored a 1914 Ford Model T. Curtis and Elaine endured many hardships during their years together, one of the most trying being the 1972 Rapid City flood. They had three homes flooded, two completely lost, while their third primary home was moved and Curtis rebuilt it on property previously owned by his parents. He was truly a "jack of all trades" and one of the original "trash to treasure" masters - turning salvage and scrap into something beautiful and useful. He took great pride in building their home on Minnelusa Drive and rebuilding it on Canyon Drive after the flood, using all of his talents and creativity. He always enjoyed the simple things in life, realizing that money doesn't buy happiness. A kind, caring and gentle man, he loved all animals and they loved him back. From chickens, geese and pigeons to bunnies, dogs and cats, all brought him great joy. Curtis never knew a stranger, having the "gift of gab" he could make friends instantly. For 23 years, Curtis and Elaine traveled south to Mesa, AZ to enjoy the winter months with other south-going Rapid City friends and daughter Barbara. In addition to collecting antique cars, Curtis also enjoyed dancing, gardening, collecting miscellaneous antiques and was always taking pleasure in working on something in or around their home. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and is survived by his wife, Elaine; three daughters, Barbara, Connie and Patty; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his wonderful caregivers Vicki Kennedy and Tammy Tobacco. His beautiful smile and loving spirit will live forever in our hearts. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Randy Phipps. Viewing will be one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. A memorial has been established.