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In Memory of Kenneth C. Curtin.
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To honor, recognize and celebrate the life of Kenneth "Ken" C. Curtin and to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his death on Monday, September 15, 2003.
Ken was born on August 14, 1943. A native of Kennett Square, PA, Ken earned his undergraduate degree from Villanova University and his law degree from Cornell University. He came to Columbus as a VISTA volunteer, working at the South Side Settlement House. Ken served over 10 years on the South Side board of directors.
For 29 years, Ken was an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. For the last three years, he was instrumental in developing Legal Aid services to its clients in the neighborhoods where they lived. Each week, Ken and a small group of Legal Aid lawyers would meet with clients at Southside Settlement House, Central Community House, Clintonville Community Resource Center, Gladden Community House, Godman Guild, Neighborhood House and St. Stephen's Community House. Ken viewed this program as a small step toward the type of social and economic change needed to ensure all members of the community equal access to justice and legal services.
It was part of his tireless commitment to represent "those who are in most need and least able to reach out for help." Ken was a Medicaid specialist with a statewide reputation. Over the years, he handled important litigation protecting the rights of people receiving Medicaid. He successfully litigated a number of significant Medicaid cases in federal court.
More recently, his dedication to helping those in need resulted in a successful outcome for an immigrant client in desperate need of a kidney transplant. With the assistance of a U.S. Congressman, the Franklin County Commissioners, and a host of concerned citizens, Ken advocated to expedite the visa application process for his client's brother from Ghana, who was identified as a kidney match, ultimately saving her life.
Ken was the recipient of the "Spirits of Volunteerism Award " in appreciation of his endless hours of service. He received the first Denis Murphy Award given annually by the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation "For outstanding efforts to provide justice for all through a civil legal services program."
A humble community servant, Ken dedicated his life to serving the legal needs of the poor. He was a mentor and friend to many, teaching through his actions the importance of helping others. Ken Curtin left an indelible impression on the many people whose lives he touched, and he will be remembered for his generosity, talents and seemingly inexhaustible energy.
Clearly, the world is a richer place for Ken having been in it. He will be sorely missed.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby pay tribute to the memory of a truly honorable man, Kenneth C. Curtin.