Art passed peacefully at home in January, his family near and his heart and mind clear.Born in Honolulu, he attended Saint Louis High School, receiving college degrees from University of Hawai'i - Manoa and Central Michigan.
A fan of many sports, Art was also a very good softball and basketball player, retaining many friendships from days long gone. His forever-loyal favorites were any Hawai'i team, the Pirates, and the Lakers, Celtics, and Raiders; his retention of sports statistics was impressive. Art was equally skilled at remembering names and memories associated with them. Friends and classmates from any period, teams he played on, students, professional peers, he remembered names and times spent together. It always pleased him to be remembered and approached by former students.
Art found his career niche during his college years, forming more lifelong bonds with friends made on and off campus. He started part-time teaching as a way to earn money for travel, and unexpectedly found his professional passion. Over time he got the necessary degrees, teaching at high school level at both private and public schools, and loving all of it. Married now with two young sons, our family had moved to the Big Island, where several years later he made the transition from classroom teaching to administration. He proudly served as Vice-Principal at Waimea School, and Principal of Waikoloa School and Honoka'a High School.
Art's dedication, humor, gift for story-telling while conveying meaning to the message, and his sincerity always came through. Wherever he worked he made friends and established himself as a committed educator. In time he became West Hawai'i Complex Area Superintendent, and was CAS for nearly 20 years, using the skills, qualities, education, caring, and career experience honed from his earliest days. He served on several education and public health-related boards, and delayed retiring because he truly loved what he did, the people he worked and collaborated with and, above all, the students to whom he was so dedicated.
He loved to travel, independently and with family, and visited a goodish part of the globe over his lifetime. Our family treasures many road-trip memories visiting National Parks and other amazing places across the country and Canada. Hawai'i, though, was always home.
Art valued and treasured family and friendship, all held special places in his heart. Cancer shortened his life but not his spirit. He was firm in not wanting services of any kind; our family will honor his wishes with a private ceremony. However, he would be happy to think those who knew him would raise a glass, share memories, laugh and enjoy a moment. Mahalo to all who enriched Art's life in love, family, and friendship.
He'd be honored by donations made to Teach for America Hawai'i, Hawai'i Island Community Health Center, Friends of the Future in Kamuela, Mala'ai Garden at Waimea Middle School, North Hawai'i Hospice, or Hawai'i Island Food Bank. Mahalo nui loa.
