Arthur Arnzen Obituary

You would have been 70 years old today. I can't believe you've been gone for almost 8 years. For Mike's sake I wish you were still here.

Happy Birthday Art.

"Yes sir, I've been waiting for you".... It was just a few minutes after 8pm when I heard those words. They were the tolling of the proverbial bell... the passing of the point of no return. The security guard unlocked the glass double doors, followed us in, then stood at a distant silent vigil, assuring both our safety and our privacy was kept.



8pm…Just barely past dusk that on that April Las Vegas evening. The evening was perfect, calm….serene. The sky was a deep shade of almost but not quite blue as it tried to go on its natural journey into night while at the same time still holding on to the distant shimmers of neon and glass that bounce off everything close to the strip on any given night.



The pool area was closed for the evening, lit not by the sun now, but by an array of dim ornate light posts. Empty, quiet, peaceful… tranquil. The pools filled, but not in use this late. The flowerbeds, cabanas and cots all stood empty, but still inviting…. Inviting a couple new guests into their midst’s, ones that like them, would stay forever to ogle, tan, drink, laugh, and play with those that saw fit to use this area forevermore. The spirits of all the things that made up this area, this space in the world, were joined by two more that evening, and they accepted them willingly.



I opened the box and looked down at them for the last time, wondering if their spirits were already escaping to be free once more or if they were in there yet, patiently waiting for the last ritual on their long journey to run its course. Patiently waiting to be set free for the last time.



I watched from the corner of my sight and the corner of my mind as she placed the first handful of ashes, and as they fell on the leaves of the flowers in their beds and the ground underneath it was almost as if I could hear the sigh of relief in my head. Was it my sigh, or his, theirs? For it wasn’t just him that she was holding in her hands, but also his companion… his sidekick. More then once I’ve heard it referred to as man’s best friend, and in this case, I believe it was true. Perhaps her journey came to an end because she just couldn’t take not being with him after he had gone away. Perhaps it was her will, her wanting, that made it happen like it did even though I tried to stop it. I think that in the end, the dog just missed him so much she had to join him.



How long did we spend walking from flowerbed to flowerbed? From area to area, leaving alittle bit of them in each place? Dipping our hands into the ashes and then tossing them here and there and hoping they were liking the final resting place we chose as much as we thought they would. I don’t know, it felt like I was walking in concrete, every step labored, every movement forced, every word I spoke almost choked out. It probably wasn’t very long, but it felt like an eternity, and somehow, like no more then a second, at the same time.



I wish they could have met, this she and he. This lady and my father. In many ways they were a lot alike, even if that “alike” was on different planes. Their love of life and living it every day for all it’s worth, their thought processes, their ways.



In the elevator I remember the feel of her ash covered hand in mine…. small, soft, gentle, reassuring, hopeful, smiling, understanding, comforting, protecting. I don’t know how I felt all those things from just the touch of her skin, the warmth of her hand in mine, but I did. I know they were there, I could feel them too strongly for them not to be.



And later….after…. Sitting back in the room in the semi-dark she put her arms around me, held me tightly against her…. and I fell to pieces while she talked to me, listened to me… While she did everything she could to comfort me and hold me together. I couldn’t think of anyone in the entire world that I would have rather had at my side that evening. I couldn’t think of any woman in the entire world that would have willingly been there to go thru that with me…. To put up with me in that state, when she could have just as easily been anyplace she wanted that night.



And what possessed this beautiful woman to join me on this odyssey? To chose to spend these days with me while I struggled and fought against what was at times overwhelming emotion on so many levels when she could have easily been anyplace else where there was less to deal with? To walk thru that storm so willingly? I don’t know, and in some way, I understand that I never will. Not often, but from time to time, she’s just more then I can wrap my brain around, and this is one of those times. I just thank god she was there. I thank god for her strength, understanding, caring, and beauty. For who could willingly walk thru something like that when they didn’t have to and be anything less then absolutely beautiful in every way?



Thank you sweetheart, for sharing in my journey thru this life. You make me that much richer, and I am forever yours should you need me.



I hope you like the place we cpicked for you Art... I think you will.

Happy Father's Day Art.



I love you.... I miss you.

It was Art's fun personality and love of life that attracted me to him all those years ago. For some 21 years he was the "love of my life". Even though we parted many years ago, I too will miss him. He left me the most important thing in his world. That's you, Mike.

All my love always, Mom

It was Art's love of life that attracted me to him all those years ago. For twenty-one years he was the "love of my life". Even though we parted many years ago, I too will miss him.

Mike, I'm sorry I could not attend your dad's service, and please except my deepest sympathy. I really liked Art and I'm sure going to miss our conversations at the pharmacy. Need anything just call.

Michael, sorry to hear about your Dad, we all love you & wish we could be there for you , take care of yourself. Brandi

Mike,



I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. He always made us laugh and knew all the 'hot spots' to go to! I'm sure he's watching over you and making sure you're okay! Even though he was stubborn at times, he sure loved you!

Let me know if there's anything I can do!

Do not stand at my grave and weep,Iam not there,I do not sleep". I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on the snow." I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn's rain." When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.' I am the soft star that shines at night." Do not stand at my grave and cry.I am not there; I did not die.

My heart goes out to the loved ones left behind. I never met Art personally except through a microphone online & yet i loved him, he was funny, caring & a sweet man, he will truly be missed. Love ya, Lora

Mike, My heart go's out to you, your dad was a great man. It was a shock when Mickey told me.... Hope everything for friday so's smooth. You dad loved living in our apartment being so close to the car wash. If there is any thing we can do for you please let Mickey know. Our deepest sympathy .

Art was a lively and caring man. That is how I will always remember him. He treated our family, like his very own. He will be missed!