(Art)
Dec. 6, 1919-Sept. 30, 2011
Art passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 91, just 34 days shy of his 65th wedding anniversary, after a hard and courageous battle with cancer.
The third child of Theodore and Flossie Cantlon, he was predeceased by his brothers Ev and Alvin. He is survived by his beloved wife Pat, son Jim (Carol), sisters Aimee (Harold) and Dorothy, brothers Darrel( Jessie) and Lynn, grandsons Seth (Christy) and Brad (Mandy), granddaughter Angie (Kevin), great-grandsons, Jake, Max, Cody and Ryder, and great-granddaughters Lexi, Mya and Taite.
In 1941 Art enlisted in the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps and served in the European theatre for the duration of WWII, rising to the rank of Armament Staff Sergeant. He was decorated with the 1939-45 Star: Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp; War Medal 1939-45; The Canadian Forces’ Decoration and Clasp.
Upon his return from the war he met Pat Wallace and they soon married and embarked on a long, adventurous and loving journey together. Art got his Electrician’s papers and started working as an electrician, but soon reenlisted in the Army and served in the RCEME Corps until retiring with the rank of Major in June 1969.
Upon leaving the army Art put his skills into practice in the forest industry, working as a vehicle and mill maintenance superintendent in Houston, B.C., then Goose Bay, Labrador, and finally in Liberia, West Africa. He left Liberia in the middle of a revolution and said he was retiring.
He then started Dart Services and undertook the rather large project of renovating the old Chilliwack Community Arts Centre. Art was passionate about the outdoors and loved hunting, fishing and river running. Art was an avid curler and loved participating in helping the community. He has been a long term member of the Legion and the Elks and became a Mason shortly after he moved to Chilliwack. Art served as Worshipful Master of the Mt. Zion Lodge #120 from 2004 to 2005.
He will be missed for many reasons, not the least of which are his many stories, sense of humour, and his song writing and singing.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Chilliwack General Hospital, 45600 Menholm Road, Chilliwack V2P 1P7 where he was given much care and compassion, would be appreciated. Special thanks to those who visited Art and brightened his days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 16th at 1:00 pm at the Mason’s Lodge, 45905 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack. He will never be forgotten by those who loved him.