Born and raised in Richer, Manitoba, Art grew up in a French speaking bush camp. At the age of 16 he ventured off to Winnipeg where he learned to weld. His first marriage was in Winnipeg in 1956 and he had two children, Simone and Lee. In 1963 he moved to Dryden for employment with Hansen’s Welding. He was offered a welding job in the Woodlands Division at the Dryden Mill where he worked until his retirement.
In 1983 he met the love of his life, Ella. They renovated and built their life and home at Thaddeus Lake, enjoying the great outdoors, blueberry and mushroom picking, hunting, fishing and trapping minnows and leeches. They had many great camp friends, working/fishing family parties from Manitoba and a number of annual friends from USA. Ella’s large family soon became Art’s large family with multiple family celebrations, fish fry’s, fishing and hunting parties.
Art was very creative and innovative – he designed and built a Walking Beam Bushing for large trucks that was subsequently patented. His ability to be inventive was demonstrated in the building of many items, just to name a few projects were his Pine Cone Picker, Cone Cleaner, Ice Cutter, Sod Cutter, Sulky, Woodstoves, Wood-splitter and a number of Moose Antler benches.
After retirement, his winter hobby was woodworking at the Dryden Go Getters where he constructed many tables, rummoli boards, bird houses, cedar chests, baskets, etc. He was always willing to teach and lend a hand.
Art had a very competitive streak, mastering Pole Archery and Darts. He enjoyed travelling for Legion Sports and went on many a “dart honeymoons”. After 5 years of winning silver at the National Senior Games for Darts, in 2016 he brought home the Gold!
Art was a very generous and kind man and will be greatly missed and survived by his best friend and wife Ella. Simone (Joel), Samantha (Taylor, Ava-Lee & Ella), Brandon (Amanda, Jude), Inga (Doug), Mark (Donna, Maddy & AJ), Dan (Sheri), Jim (Lorraine), Jamie (Melissa, Gracie & Claire), Angie (Steve), Tanya (Brad, Collin & Brayden), Marj (Bob), Becky (Bill), Anna (Richard), Aaren (Adam & Ryan), Mike (Melissa, Ritchie, Owen & Luke), Mary (Leo), Johnathan (Jordan, Emily & Ella), Nephew Rick (Lise), Sarah (Seb, Emilie & Danika), as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Manitoba. Art was predeceased by Lee Brisson (2021) and John Larson (2004).
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Tom says
December 5, 2021 at 5:20 pmThis is sad news. Comforting thoughts and electronic hugs to all. Joyce was a beautiful soul
DAVID J. McKie says
December 8, 2021 at 5:08 pmI had the priveledge of meeting Art at a dart tournament about 40 years ago. Right away I liked him. His contagious smile and sense of humor made him an instant friend. Over the years at tournaments or Legion Command Darts playoffs, we kept in touch.
Art always spoke fondly of his family . He was an amazing man. His invention of the Spruce Cone Picker amazed me as an engineer.
Over the years we played against each other many times. We always talked about playing doubles together. I guess that will have to wait. He was the kind of player, that after he beat you, made you feel good.
Rest in peace old friend, it was an honor to have known you .You made the world a better place.
Eileen Williams says
December 13, 2021 at 4:29 pmI was saddened to hear about Art’s passing. He was such a sweet man. Loved his smile.
Donations can be made to the Dryden Go-Getters or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63 through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3