Monday, July 1, 2024
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My condolence to the family, in particular, Allison and Josh.
I met Art when I joined the RA Sailing Club in the late 70s. As I met him again and again on the water or on land, at social events, we got to know each other, we got along, and eventually we sailed together.
He was a proud Newfoundlander, and like others from that province that I have met, he fits a unique mold and follows his own path. (You have interesting talks while sailing, in particular, when the wind dies down and there is nothing but uninterrupted time, on a slow-moving boat.)
He was also a good friend of a roommate of Carole, the woman who eventually became and has been my wife for many years. That was another connection we had.
We became neighbours, when Carole and I bought the house across the street from Art, on his recommendation. Several years later, we bought elsewhere and so did not see him, Allison or Josh as often, but we would typically go sailing together, now both at the Nepean Sailing Club, a few times a year.
I would often help him get his boat launched for the summer, on its trailer for the winter, and I even helped him prepare his boat when he finally sold it.
He was a good sailor and I enjoyed sailing with him. His health deteriorated and he sold his boat. Then the pandemic struck, so I saw him a lot less. I would contact him, but he was never up to getting together.
In late June 2024, I phoned and emailed him about my bringing coffee to his home and having a chat, but, unusually, received no response. I thought he might be visiting Josh out of town, but just in case, went online and discovered his obituary.
Fair winds, Art; I will miss you.
(I have provided two photos of Art that I took while sailing on his boat.)
Jean-Pierre (JP) Dion
