Rex Curtis: Remembering Royal Cornwall Show’s Vintage Visionary
A Life Dedicated to Preserving Cornwall’s Agricultural Heritage
The Royal Cornwall Show community is mourning the loss of Rex Curtis, an 83-year-old vintage enthusiast whose five decades of dedicated service helped define one of the county’s most cherished annual events. Rex, from Roche, passed away at Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro on May 12, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that shaped generations of visitors to the show held each year at Wadebridge. For over fifty years, Rex was the beating heart of the Vintage Section—a familiar figure driving across the showground in his golf buggy, overseeing exhibitors, stewarding visitors, and maintaining the high standards that made the section nationally recognised. What began as a modest collection of vintage machinery and agricultural equipment evolved under his meticulous care into one of the finest steam fair and vintage displays in the entire country. Rex’s commitment extended far beyond simple organisation; he built a thriving community of enthusiasts united by shared passion for preserving engineering and farming history. His knowledge was legendary, his humour infectious, and his dedication unwavering—even as health challenges mounted in recent years. The Royal Cornwall Show described him perfectly: Rex embodied the belief that “the show must always go on.”
The Man Behind the Legend: Rex’s Unique Spirit and Generous Heart
What truly set Rex Curtis apart wasn’t just his organisational prowess—it was his infectious personality and remarkable zest for life. In 2012, facing his own mortality with characteristic humour and determination, Rex made the bold decision to organise his own wake while still alive. He gathered hundreds of people at the Wadebridge showground for a celebration that raised significant funds for charity, perfectly encapsulating his philosophy: why wait until you’re gone to be remembered? “I’ve been one foot in the grave for years really,” he told the BBC at the time, “so I didn’t want to wait until I’m gone to have the party.” This moment crystallised everything people loved about Rex—his generosity, his refusal to be defeated by circumstances, and his determination to squeeze every ounce of joy and purpose from life. Throughout his journey, his wife Marilyn remained his constant support, a partnership that inspired those around them. Recognising his own mortality with grace, Rex also ensured the Vintage Section’s future by mentoring his successor Martin Caddy, passing on the vast knowledge and experience accumulated over decades. Friends and colleagues remember him as an amazing gentleman and true Cornishman whose absence will be deeply felt across the showground.
What’s Next: Honouring Rex’s Legacy at This Year’s Royal Cornwall Show
As the Royal Cornwall Show returns this week, organisers acknowledge that many will instinctively look across the fields expecting to see Rex in his familiar golf buggy. Though he won’t be there in person, his spirit will undoubtedly permeate the Vintage Section he built with such care and devotion. The show organisers have pledged that when the engines start up this year, they’ll be celebrating Rex—acknowledging the steward, showman, fundraiser, and great friend who gave so generously to the Royal Cornwall Show and to Cornwall itself. If you’re planning to visit Newquay or explore the wider Cornish community this season, the Royal Cornwall Show offers a fitting tribute to one of the region’s most cherished characters. Rex’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of community-driven heritage preservation and the power of passionate individuals to shape our shared culture. Donations in his memory can be made to Children’s Hospice South West (Little Harbour), the charity Rex championed throughout his life. Rex leaves behind his wife Marilyn and stepdaughter Marie. As the county reflects on his passing, the message is clear: Rex Curtis was truly one of a kind, and his influence will continue to inspire generations of vintage enthusiasts and showground visitors for years to come.
Source: Royal Cornwall Show legend and true Cornish character dies
