Curtis Nicholas Van Alfen
October 30, 1935 — October 10, 2024
Curtis Nicholas Van Alfen, age 88, passed away on Thursday morning, October 10, 2024, surrounded by family. Equipped with deep humility, a hunger for truth, a sense of humor, and a lifetime of dedication to the value of every soul, Curtis joined his parents, Nicholas and Jean, and his wife, Jeanette, in Heavenly Father’s greatest work: to bring all His children to a knowledge of the great Plan of Happiness and Eternal Life. Curtis married Jeanette Bieler Van Alfen on June 3, 1955, in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Curtis is survived by his sister and brother, Sherlayne and Brent, his five children and their spouses: Lynne (Rick), Brad (Karen), Doug (Katherine), Scott (Dana), and Greg; 24 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.
Early in his career, Curtis had key experiences that taught him the value of the individual and the importance of individual growth and authenticity for organizations to thrive. He became known as someone who could take struggling individuals, school districts, and organizations and, within a year, have them recognized as leaders in their industry.
After receiving his Doctorate in Education, Curtis served as the superintendent of schools in Tooele, as the Vice President of BYU-Hawaii, and for 12 years as the Dean of the College of Education at Brigham Young University, where he transformed education in Utah and across the country. The College of Education became a national and international model for developing educational systems that promoted common values and a shared vision. He recently had the privilege of attending the 40th anniversary of the BYU-Public School Partnership, which he initiated with John Goodlad, prior to being called as a mission president.
Curtis served as Mission President in the California Anaheim Mission, where every missionary knew their soul was just as important as those they were seeking to teach. These bonds of service remained strong, with missionaries continuing to stay close to him from their time of service until days before his passing.
He leaves behind a legacy of making a significant difference in everything he did–from his friendships to his church callings in presidencies, as a CES missionary, and as a temple sealer. He quietly inspired others to become the best version of themselves and helped others to pass on the same legacy in their lives. Curtis believed in the goodness of people and in the power to make a positive difference as an authentic, value-oriented individual. He sends his love and prayers to all with whom he interacted and seals his life with his testimony of deep dedication to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Thursday, October 17, from 6-8 PM at the Edgemont Chapel, 4056 Timpview Drive, Provo, Utah 84604. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at the same Edgemont Chapel in Provo. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 AM prior to the service. Interment will take place at the East Lawn Cemetery.
A live webcast of the funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 18, 2024, at www.walkersanderson.com, where condolences and memories may be shared with the family online.