SIOUX FALLS, SD (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Russ DeCurtins, executive director of the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center died last month after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 50.
DeCurtins had been a fixture at the arena, starting there in 1989 as the food and beverage director before assuming the position of general manager of the facility in 1993.
DeCurtins was battling cancer for several years, but did not let it impact his work schedule.
"He never complained. He never wanted sympathy. He just kept wanting to go, go, go. He wanted to be at everything and he wanted to help people," Teri Ellis-Schmidt, Executive Director of the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau told local NBC affiliate KDLT.
"It's a huge loss…Russ was like concrete there for so many years working away, .he always made sure the building was the best it could be." Greg Heinema told ABC affiliate KSFY.. Heinema is the owner of Skyforce, the NBA development team which calls the arena home.
Terry Torkildson will take over as the interim general manager at the arena while a replacement for DeCurtins is sought. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
