Arthur A. Ives

Art grew up in towns around Hartford, CT with his father, who shared with him his lifelong interest in railroads and the out of doors. As a senior at East Hartford High School, Art won the State championship in the 400-meter track event.

During WWII, Art served as Quartermaster, a naval right arm rating, responsible for both navigating and communicating with other vessels, on PT 144 in the Coral Islands of the Pacific. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 3 stars, American Theater Ribbon, Squadron 8 Unit Commendation, Victory Ribbon and a Good Conduct Ribbon.

After the war, Art graduated from University of CT and then went to work for Flying Tiger Line, an air cargo carrier established in 1945 by military pilots with The American Volunteer Group (AVG) fighting the Japanese who were invading China. The AVG pilots named their all cargo airline "The Flying Tiger Line, Inc." which became known as the world's largest all cargo carrier with a unique world-wide operating certificate.

He married Phyllis Merrill in 1951 in Somers, CT and they moved to Seattle, WA where Art opened the first Flying Tigers Air Freight Terminal. Eventually his career with “Tigers” brought him to Los Angeles where he served as a senior Ground Operations manager overseeing and managing all line and staff ground operations personal training and personnel development. His special people skills were respectfully accepted both domestically and internationally. He had many life long friends in Japan, South Korea, Republic of China, The Philippines and Hong Kong. His personal reputation produced countless Flying Tiger friends including the airline founder AVG pilot Robert Prescott.

On retirement he and Phyllis joined son Art M. in Boulder, CO. Art A. became an active volunteer with Boulder County Open Space and served as President of the Central Optimist Club. A lifelong “railroad buff”, Art also assisted with a trolley car restoration for the Railroad Museum in Golden, CO. He also volunteered for the reading program at Running River School in Lafayette by reading to young children.

His parents and his wife of 50 years predeceased Art. His sons, Arthur Merrill Ives of Boulder, CO and Douglas Edward Ives of Arroyo Grande, CA along with Art’s two grandsons, Noah and Sam Ives, survive him.

The family wishes to especially thank Art’s personal assistant and primary caregiver, Margaret Kane and the “team” from Dignity Care for the care and companionship they provided for Art in his later years. They also extend thanks and gratitude to the staff at Hospice Care of Broomfield and Boulder Counties.

A Life Remembrance Service was held on June 1, 2012 the day after Art’s 90th Birthday and Art passed away the next morning shortly after hearing from son Doug about the occasion.

It was Art’s wish to be cremated and have his ashes scattered in Niantic Bay as were those of wife, Phyllis.

Donations in Art’s memory may be made to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, 1855 Plaza Dr. Louisville, 80027. Please share thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family at www.cristmortuary.com. Cards and condolence messages can also be mailed to 6888 Countryside Ln. #254, Niwot, 80503.