Arthur Fried

Arthur “Art” Fried, 78, of Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, at Deaconess Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 14, 1946, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to William Sr. and Tillie (Mertz) Fried, Art married the love of his life, Linda (Forderer) Fried, in 1970. Together they built a life and family rooted in faith, love, and service. He owned and operated Opportunity Body Shop for more than 30 years and faithfully served as an Elder at Gethsemane Lutheran Church.

Art was a friend to all and was known as “Art from Opportunity Body Shop.” His business was his identity, and he ran it—as he lived his life—with passion, integrity, determination, and a fearless spirit. These qualities, along with his drive to innovate and improve anything and everything, formed the foundation of his success. From growing up on a farm in North Dakota to becoming a successful and savvy businessman, Art never stopped dreaming, striving, and achieving.

Fearless and adventurous, Art set out at just 22 years old to drive across the country, taking auto-body repair jobs along the way and embracing every opportunity to learn. His craftsmanship earned him several awards on both cars and a motorcycle he built, which ultimately led him to establish his own successful collision repair business. Everything Art did, he did to the best of his ability, guided by his personal motto—“Anything worth doing, is worth doing well”—a guiding principle he inherited from his father.

Beyond work, Art found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed bowling, billiards, and especially golf, where his competitive spirit and love of camaraderie shone through. He loved watching movies, checking out the latest and greatest gadgets and indulging in a pint of Maple Nut ice cream. He also traveled all over the world with his family, but not for the joy of exploration as in his younger years, but for the joy of being with his wife, children, and grandchildren. During these travels, he loved capturing memories through pictures and videos, and he enjoyed looking back on them to relive the memories. Whatever he was doing, he always put others first—whether clearing snowy roads for family and neighbors or taking a friend to lunch to lift their spirits, Art was always ready to lend a hand.

His legacy lives on through his work, his family, and the countless lives he touched.

Art was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Herb, Willard, William “Bill,” and Roy Kozitsky. He is survived by his wife Linda; daughters Lisa Osborne (Ryan) and Amanda Martoken (Bryan); grandchildren Wyatt Osborne (Stephanie), Colton Osborne, Olivia Martoken, Morgan Osborne, and Annaliese Martoken; great-granddaughter Leila Osborne; siblings Dennis, Gary, Arnie, Lorraine Eckman, and Florence Hoovestol (Duane); and many extended family and friends who will miss him deeply.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35