Edward "Eddie" Arter

Eddie was raised with his two brothers, Billy who is two years older and Gary who is five years younger. The brothers were close and protective of each other growing up although Eddie's passion for horses caused him to go his own way early on to seek a horseman's life. Eddie's childhood home was located near the Sunset Stables in Hollywood and once discovered, he spent every free moment there, working with the horses. Jude Smith, the owner of the stables, took nine year old Eddie under his wing, becoming his mentor and like a second father. Jude shared his vast knowledge of horses and horsemanship with Eddie that was the cornerstone of Ed's life for all his remaining years.

Eddie began by saddling the horses for the 'dudes' and then quickly became the top trail guide, leading groups of riders down to the beach and around the hills. By the time he was twelve, he was an 'ole' hand and drove the hay wagon rides. He gave riding lessons and helped Jude break and train the race horses.

Once Eddie was old enough to get his driver's license (well, actually quite a bit before that) he and his best friend Clifford "Butch" Squire would compete in any and all Junior Rodeos they could get to. Eddie won many trophies and belt buckles in Bareback and Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Roping and Wrestling, barrel racing and other rodeo events. Later on, he and Butch made their living by competing in rodeos across the country during the season and working as cowboys on big ranches the rest of the time. It was a happy period in his life. Eddie was bright and intelligent with good common sense and 'street smarts' but thought school was a waste of time for a cowboy. He worked on ranches, the race horse circuit, trained horses and rodeoed during the season of each.

Although Eddie was rather shy, he liked people and got along with most everyone he met. He enjoyed helping others and sharing any good fortune he had in his life with family and friends. Eddie was known as "Steady Eddie" for his quiet, dependable and caring ways. He was also known as a 'champion of animals' and nothing could upset and anger this big bear of a man more than to see someone mistreat or abuse a helpless animal. Many stories have been told of how this gentle, loving man would turn into a raging bull and jerk another cowboy off his horse for handling it too rough.

In 1964 Eddie met a lovely girl named Adrienne Evans at the local A&W Root Beer and fell in love. They married and were soon blessed with a daughter, Tina Marie and five years later a son, Edward Duncan. Eddie enjoyed fatherhood immensely and made a point of teaching his children all sorts of activities and skills…especially horsemanship. Eddie was only able to enjoy his son "little Eddie' for six short years when he died in an accident. Their son's loss was too much for the couple and they eventually separated. Eddie continued to lavish his love and attention on his daughter Tina, taking her with him when ever possible. He taught her about horses, race cars, motorcycles, guns and other 'girlie' hobbies, each in which Tina quickly excelled and quite delighted him by making him hustle to keep one step ahead or her.

Tina and her husband Guy Duquette gave Eddie two treasured granddaughters, Samantha and Brittney.

Eddie spent 40 years working for all the major film studios as a Transportation Coordinator. He traveled across the country and around the world and became known as a 'legend' for his ability to acquire, handle and coordinate the huge quantities of cars, trucks, trailers and specialty equipment required for each show….often times handling two and three major productions at a time. Ed's daughter Tina was usually right by his side, helping to coordinate and run the shows. They were quite a team!

In 2003, just as Eddie's enthusiasm in his studio work was starting to wan, he met his wife, Debby…..who encouraged his desire to retire and get back to horses. They moved to Bear Valley Springs, an equestrian community in Tehachapi, California. There Eddie was able to devote his time and energy to enjoying his horses, trail riding, NASCAR, old classic cars and sea going boats. Ed and Debby went on many memorable horse camping trips with their friends in Bear Valley Springs. Later, because they wanted to be closer to family, they moved back to Acton, so he could visit more with Tina and his granddaughters.

Eddie loved his animals. He out lived several special and best 'friends' like his horses Dusty, Cortez and Buddy and his dogs Rascal, Tweed and his very special Pookie who was his constant companion for almost ten years.

Eddie passed away on April 29, 2012 at his home in Acton, California. He was out back with his horses when he had a massive heart attack. He was a month shy of seventy years old. Surviving him are his wife Debby; his daughter Tina; his granddaughters Samantha and Brittney; and his brothers Billy and Gary.

Services were held at Eternal Valley Mortuary Chapel of the Hills on May 20, 2012 and his cremated remains went home with his wife, Debby.

Eddie Arter was a great man and a loving husband and father. He left behind many, many friends who loved him dearly.

Eddie, you will be missed!