LIVE SIMPLY ~ GIVE MORE ~ EXPECT LESS

On September 17th 2010 my Father in Law passed away after only a few weeks at the George E. Wahlen Veterans home to receive some rehab, to regain his strength after hurting his back and losing his appetite. The night before his passing we had become encouraged that he was improving. After telling our son Josh earlier that morning that Grandpa was doing better, a few hours later he passed away. We wondered how we could get the word to Josh serving in the Air Force, the veterans home told us to contact the Red Cross to notify him of his grandpas passing. Later that evening, after a mix up in which country Josh was actually in, we were able to  talk to him again. Josh is very close to his grandpa but he chose to stay and finish his deployment, of just a few more weeks, to honor his grandfathers name. Since Art always requested "No singing, only crying" when he died, Josh could honor his wishes by crying for grandpa on the other side of the world. On September 21st after a short service he was laid to rest next to his first wife Julie. Art was a veteran of the US army and an avid Harley Davidson rider until a short time ago when he gave them up for his new ride (a Jazzy). He was honored and escorted to his final resting place by the Patriot Guard Riders. It was an amazing site when we exited the funeral home and this group lined the path to the hearse and then led the way to the cemetery from Roy to Ogden.

They blocked intersections and lined the way to the burial plot as well. It was quite the site to behold and very much appreciated.

Art's grandson were casket bearers, Aaron and Ben (our son's), Braxton and Curtis (Cherylanne and Wayne's son's), Seth (Krista and Jared's son), Tim (Gene's son), and with Josh (also our son) as honorary casket bearer. They wore red ties in honor of their grandfathers favorite color.

Many year ago Art built his own casket. He was a master builder of businesses, homes, cabinets and boats, and this casket was one of his most prized possessions. He took pictures of himself in it and passed it around at his doctors office. His Doc came out and took a look at what he was passing around and told Art, "that is disturbing and not great for his business." It definitely was a work of "ART".



After flowers were placed on top by his grandsons and family



Later that evening the family gathered at the cemetery and then headed over to Farr's ice cream parlor, since Art enjoyed having ice cream there. 

 

He will be missed terribly because he kept life interesting! He was "terrible good" to the end. We love ya! Rest in peace, Art!