Art, age 81, passed away on September 30, 2020 in his home surrounded by family after a lengthy illness. Art was born in Utica NY on June 2, 1939 to the late Arthur J Greene, Sr. and Emma S. Greene, He graduated from Holland Patent Central in 1956. Shortly after graduation he joined the US Air Force, traveled many places including New Foundland, Goose Bay Labrador, and eventually ended up in Spokane WA at Fairchild AFB. It was during this time that he met Sandi , and they were married in her parents home in Spokane WA on December 15, 1962. They were blessed with 2 children, Carrie and Steve. In the late 1960's Art took a job in California with Jones Kelly, and Sandi and the kids joined him in California until 1977, when he took a job with Nor Pac in Portland OR. In 1978, Art and Sandi bought their current home in Vancouver, WA. He worked for Nor Pac, received several awards while working there, and retired in 2000. Art loved all sports, and was an avid bowler. One of his first jobs was as a pin setter at a local bowling alley in NY. Art also loved camping and the outdoors. As a child, he spent a lot of time camping with his parents and siblings in a tent in the Adirondaks. He and Sandi also took many trips to the Oregon Coast, a place he dearly loved, For 30 years, Art and Sandi had a camping spot at Taylor Park near Salem OR. They spent many weekends and holidays during the summer there, enjoying the outdoors, visiting with fellow campers, and sitting by the bon fire. Art was also involved in the Slocum House, a local theater in Vancouver, WA for 17 years, and acted in numerous plays over that time. He also directed several plays and received awards as a result. Art was also a member of the American Legion and the Forty & Eight for many years, and made many friends. In the last few years, he became a volunteer with the local fire department promoting fire safety. He and fellow volunteers would hand out smoke detectors, and other fire safety materials. A big highlight for Art about 5 years ago was going zip lining in Coeur d’Alene, ID. It was on his bucket list and he loved it! Another highlight for Art was becoming a proud great grandpa to Austynn Grace in 2012! He loved her, and carried numerous photos of her in his wallet, showing them to anyone and everyone! Austynn loved her Poppy Art!!!
Art is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Sandi, daughter Carrie Gibbons (Reece), grandkids Danni, Sammi and Ben; son Steve Greene; his precious great granddaughter Austynn Grace; brother in law Rick Hayward (Shirley) and their family. Also survived by his sisters Bev Siefriend (Dan) NY, Susie Bowe (Jim) TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins both in WA and NY. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bobbie Bartholomew NY, and in laws Bert and Mart Hayward.
Special thanks to Hospice for their help to Art and family during this time, and also to Katherine Moon who went above and beyond as a medical practitioner and friend to Art and family.
Memorial serivces were held in Vancouver WA on October 23rd, and will be held Tuesday, October 27th at the Thornhill Valley Chapel in Spokane WA on October 27th at 4pm. Burial in Spokane at Pines Cemetery at 2:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation in Art's name to his favorite charity, The Wounded Warrior Project.
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