Art was born 11-3-1925 in Indiana where he had what I would call every young mans dream childhood growing up there. He told so many stories of his time as a child there trapping, hunting, swimming, tobogganing (God only knows what else) with his brothers and sisters (yes, I am sure they got into some trouble) that I could write a very large book. His family moved to California in 1941 when he was 15 1/2 years old. They lived in Linda Vista where he stayed and worked with his dad at Consolidated Aircraft as a Tool and Die Maker until he joined the Navy. Art was 17 when he joined the Navy during the war where he spent three years and received an honorable discharge. I remember him telling me that his uncle had to slip the toe of his shoe under my dads heel so he would meet the height requirements to get in. He married Josephine Louise Baker shortly after returning home and had 68 memorable years together. They had three children that they both worked hard to take of. He loved o spend time with his family, going to race the quarter midgets, camping, fishing and hunting. We are all very grateful for that time and will always remember those cherished memories. He was an accomplished scuba/free diver and I remember many afternoons where he would bring fish, lobster and abalone home and we would share with friends and neighbors (or both just to have everyone over for a party) and there a few. Art had a few jobs during this time, machinist, plasterer and I am sure some others, but what he loved the most was being a mason. He became a union brick layer and later obtained his masonry contractors license. Some time later he became a building contractor and built a reputable contracting business that has lasted through three generations and is still going strong today. He loved to fish and hunt (not sure which one he loved more), prospecting and travel. Later in life he loved to spend time reading, loading his own ammo to skeet shooting, and collecting just about anything. Art was a thankful man that always said that he felt very lucky to have his family close by and was able to do so many wonderful things in this life that he was blessed with. He tried gardening for a few years (oh well, we will move on now). He was a great friend that would help anyone out and did on many occasions. Art loved to eat and if we didn’t have dessert afterwards he may have not showed up. He was sometimes stern with us kids when we were younger but as we grew up we realized what it all meant. He was getting us ready for what our life ahead would bring. He was a very proud to be an American and was honored to serve his country. Art leaves behind to carry on his ever lasting legacy, his brother and sister, two sons, a deceased daughter, ten grandchildren and fifteen-great-grandchildren who always loved to spend time with dad, grandpa and papa. He lived a long, full and happy life with so many great times, more than most could ever dream of. Think of him often in good times and bad and he will be there for you. He has gone now to join the rest of his family. He has now been reunited with his beautiful wife Josephine, daughter Gloria, and many other loved ones he has missed. But be assured he will always be with you as you travel through the rest of what life brings you here on earth. Until you meet again, God Bless.
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