Curto Dikes came to final rest on November 11th, 2023, surrounded by good music, close friends and family, and an overwhelming amount of love. He passed away from grade III anaplastic astrocytoma – a type of primary and central nervous system brain cancer. He was 36 years old.
Curt Austin Dikes, born February 17th, 1987, in Oklahoma City, OK, was the youngest child and only son of Glen and Sharon Dikes; brother to Lindsay and Cara. He will be remembered as a loving son, a pesky and vibrant brother, and as the playful “Uncle Jerk”. He was 8-year partner and love of Aubree Vaughan of Oklahoma City, and beloved dog dad to Hattie Mae.
While 36 years is not a lot of time, Curto packed it full of adventures, travel, exploration, and curiosity. Curt found a way to turn his love of the outdoors and recreation into a passion and career. He earned a B.S. in Kinesiology: Outdoor and Community Recreation (2010) and M.S. in Environmental Science: Water Resource Management (2017). He enjoyed his time working for Vittoria Industries, Bike One and District Bicycles as well as serving on The MidSouth Board of Directors. Curt worked as a graduate assistant in the ESGP program and was very proud of his work on both the watershed management plan for Stillwater Creek and the Chickasaw wellhead protection plan. Curt worked as an Environmental Specialist for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board since 2018 in the Lakes Monitoring section of the Water Quality Division. No matter the job, Curt is remembered fondly as a hard working guy with attention to detail, a genuine connection to people and nature, and a fun-loving spirit with a great laugh.
A favorite quote of Curt’s was “Decide What To Be And Go Be It” – Avett Brothers, and “I Ain’t Dead Yet!” – Woody Guthrie. He lived the life he was given right up to the end. He loved bands, bikes, lake life and beer but more than that – he loved his friends and chosen family, often referred to as the glue that held a group together. Curto would want you to ride your bike, drink good beer, walk your dog, play dominos, cheer for the Cowboys, care for the environment, protect water rights, donate to conservation efforts, keep learning something new, advocate for your health and listen to your body, and always wear your helmet.
We invite you to honor Curt with us on Sunday, November 26th, 2023 at COOP Ale Works Taproom (4745 Council Heights Rd, Oklahoma City) from 5pm-8pm for BEERS & CHEERS. Beer and tacos start at 5pm, Cheers start at 6:30pm. All are welcome.
If you would like to give to a legacy fund for the education of future students pursuing outdoor recreation or environmental science, you can give here:
https://www.centralconnection.org/curto (UCO Foundation)
https://secure.osugiving.com/s/giving/annual?dsgt=20-03700 (OSU Foundation) *Please write Curt Dikes in the ‘notes’ section.
