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Arden Flom Obituary
Arden Flom
Arden was born on June 9, 1942 in Grafton, North Dakota. Following a move to Tacoma, he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960 and Pacific Lutheran University in 1965. He earned an MA in Theatre from the University of Oregon in 1967, and did additional post-graduate work at the University of Denver in 1971-1972.
Arden was the Director of Theatre at Everett Community College for 31 years, from 1967-1998. He directed over 173 productions at the College Playhouse in downtown Everett and additional plays at other venues. During his tenure, the EvCC Theatre Department grew to become the largest community college theatre program in Washington State. He was a dedicated educator who loved seeing those "light bulb moments" in his students.
In addition to his work at EvCC, Arden served on numerous local and theatre-related organizations. These included the Everett Civic Arts Commission, the Everett Cultural Commission, Everett Performing Arts Center Board, and the Historic Everett Theatre Board. For his longtime contribution to the American College Theatre Festival, in 1988 Arden was awarded the Gold Medal of Excellence from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Arden was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Thelma Flom; brother, Dean Flom; and sister, Connie Filcher.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Cathy; his children, Eric (Angie) Flom, of Milton, Georgia, and Kristen (Chris) Romero, of Pikesville, Maryland; in addition to grandchildren, Katie, Tyler and Max Flom and Ethan, Jocelyn, and Alexander Romero; sister, Audrey (Fred) Bates, of Port Orchard, Washington; and brothers, Richard (Lynn) Flom, of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Randy (Cindy) Flom, of Spokane, Washington.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 29, 2010, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 9320 Meadow Way in Everett.
Donations may be made in Arden's name to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alzwa.org).
The family wishes to thank the friends and neighbors who have been so helpful. Special thanks go to caregivers, Dee and Margaret, for the loving care they provided over the past few months.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arden Flom
Becca Martin
October 25, 2021
Just now hearing of this My dad Gary Martin would have had something poetic and meaningful to say. RIP to you both. I know you meant a lot to each other and shared many laughs.
MJ Craig
August 7, 2010
To Cathy and family I extend my heartfelt sympathy upon hearing about Arden's passing. I was out of the country at the time of his memorial but was informed of the many tributes to him and his legacy. He was truly an inspiring person and dedicated to theatre arts. His spirit continues to inform and teach us to respect the craft to which he devoted his career. May peace replace the loss you feel and may the passing of time be kind to you and yours. Arden will be remembered.
Deanne Bracamonte
August 6, 2010
Over the past 30 years I have occasionally driven by the Playhouse just to look at it and remember. When you were there, that was your world. Discipline was just one of the many lessons we learned from Arden. I am honored to be just one of the lives that he influenced.Just imagine the stage and cast in Heaven!
Tricia Countryman
August 2, 2010
Arden was a wonderful director, actor and friend. He taught me so much about acting and maybe even more important, to respect the theatre. I hope that Arden, Jack and Mike are having a blast together! My deepest sympathy goes out to Cathy, Kristine, and Eric.
Tricia Countryman
M. McHarg
July 30, 2010
Yesterday many people including theater folks, some from as far back as almost 40 years gathered to say goodbye to Arden. The old College Playhouse was a wonderful place for young students and Arden drew us back there so many times over the years. He was a master teacher. He made it all so magical. Thankyou so much Arden...MM
Lloyd Weller
July 30, 2010
I was very fortunate to have Arden as a colleague for many years at the college. For much of that time, we shared stories about our work and life over lunch. His love and passion for theater was always an inspiration to me. I've missed those many conversations, but will always carry his sense of dedication and the care he held for others. He is missed by many. His memorial on Thursday was a wonderful tribute to a man with a sense of humor, dedication, and humility. We are all better for having shared his presence.
Victoria Walker
July 29, 2010
Today we said goodbye to you, and so ended an era.
We wish you a safe journey, and love.
Trapper (Pat) Graves-Lalor
July 29, 2010
Arden was an amazing director, a passionate teacher and a gifted actor. He not only taught in the classroom, but by example every time he walked on the stage. The greatest lesson he taught me was to be passionate in the practice of your art, whatever that may be; to close your eyes and make that leap; to throw yourself in whole-heartedly and not hesitate. There were no half measures with Arden. He demanded everything from you, but it was one of the most rewarding times of my life, because of one truly great teacher.
To his family, you have my very deepest sympathies. Thank you for sharing him with us.
wayne olsen
July 29, 2010
Cathy: It has been such a long time since we have worked together. I remember you very well and I pray this time will be strong for you. Such a loss; many times there are not words that can give all the support needed. Please know that Sharon and I have you in our thoughts during this time.
Wayne Olsen
Arden in "When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder"
Melissa Hanbey
July 28, 2010
I honestly don't know what to say. He had an enormous influence on my life (I wanted to direct films when I first met him - I can't even imagine doing anything other than theatre, now :). He touched so many lives either by familial ties, friendship, teacher, mentor, director, actor, or the person who provided such amazing theatre to countless audience members. He certainly will not be forgotten.
I hope that Cathy, Eric, and Kristen can be comforted by that thought. You are an incredible family, and he was so lucky to have you.
Larry Hunt
July 27, 2010
Arden was quite the inspiration to this young actor wannabee. He shared his enthusiasm, energy, insights, passion and techniques. He was the influence that started my journey in the arts world and I am still at it and still reflect on his kindness. Twas good. Very good.
July 26, 2010
Cathy, I am so terribly sorry to hear about your loss. Words cannot convey my heartfelt sympathy for you and your family at this very sad time. You're in my thoughts.
Sheryl McIntosh
July 26, 2010
Dear Cathy, My condolences to you and your family. I'm so glad that you had all those years to enjoy each other and the life experiences that you created. Just know that we are all thinking of you.
Your classmate,
Marie Foley Petrykowski
Michael Oliver
July 26, 2010
I remember Arden as being a professor and director who got results with an iron fist in a velvet glove. He could be hard but when the day was through we would relax and laugh. He gave more than he took and I am thankful that I knew him. My prayers and sympathies are with his family and loved ones.
Ronald Sydow
July 26, 2010
I cannot begin to express my mixed thoughts of Arden's Final Curtain Call. Where do I start? As a tribute to Arden I made a few notes (as was his style).
Arden continued to inspire me with his lengthy struggle with this dreadful disease. My condolences to Cathy, Eric, and Kristen. You all gave it the good fight. Nothing can prepare one for these eventualities. I admired Arden for the depth of his Integrity. Having worked with Arden for nearly 25 years was an honor and a privilege to serve with him as we battled the pitfalls and funding of Academia Educational Theatre Arts. On other hand, in some ways, the years at the Playhouse were the best of times and we agreed that the students that filtered through the years made the effort worthwhile.
In the last few years I came to see how he was doing, but found it hard at the time to thank him for his direction of being so instrumental in challenging me to do much of my best work of our careers. Who 'da Thunk we could do so much with a rundown and camped Warehouse. Arden was not only a Director and Colleague - but also a mentor to me. He had that effect on people. The bar was always high and I love him for it. I will never have another friend and partner like him. His clever wit, his dedication to all areas of the Craft, and his love of being a excellent Theatre person is a shining beacon of what dedication to the Art is.
He was a star in his own right and it shined in his devoted students. I just discover a new Star in the Heavens that I had not noticed before. It is there, if you look high to the NorthEast. The memory of Arden shines in all of us he tutored and influenced. Life is Eternal, Love is Immortal, and Death is only a horizon - save the limits of our sight. Thank you Arden what you gave me as a person.
July 25, 2010
Cathy, I was very saddened to hear of Arden's passing. The thing I remeber about him most was his quiet but sharp since of humor. My prayers are with you and the children.
Linda Davis
July 25, 2010
Cathy, I am so sorry about the loss of your husband. 43 years is a lifetime. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patty Slettvet Fleming
Carolyn Morisette Jenkins
July 25, 2010
Dear Cathy,
I am soooo sorry for your loss. Arden was one-of-a-kind and I will always be grateful for having known him. He was sooo very compassionate to everyone and so talented too. I am in AWE of his wonderful career and of the many lives he touched along His Journey.
I know the angels are Singing and Rejoicing of his Coming Home.
God Bless you and your Family.
Carol Oversvee Johnson
July 25, 2010
Cathy, I think of both you & Arden as you were when we were on the staff at Augustana Academy--young, in love, bright and with ambition to serve others. My heart goes out to you in your loss of this exceptional person.
Susinn MacMerchys
July 24, 2010
Arden was a remarkable person, patient, kind, creative, and fun to work with. He will be greatly missed. I am fortunate to have been in two of his productions, along with two of my children, Martha, and Paul.
Many Blessings to his family and friends.
Shirley Bradford
July 23, 2010
Cathy,
I was so sorry to hear about Arden. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at this sad time.
Your old PUD friend
Aric-James Darroe
July 23, 2010
Arden taught me so much as an artist. I remember and use those lessons even to this day. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I will always remember Arden with great fondness and respect.
David DeWitt
July 23, 2010
Mr. Flom was a fine actor, too. He was not afraid to do what he taught others. Always inspiring and possessed of a quick wit and a grin when he realised his point just sank in to his listener, he was as full of energy as any of his students at the time I was one of them at the old College Playhouse. I was saddened to discover he has left us too soon and suffered a number of health issues. He was like a pebble dropped in calm water, the ripples reaching far, far and wide and touching everything in their path in a gentle way. I am grateful to have known him as a teacher and learned from him about the arts and sometimes about life. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends...
Tanya Olson
July 23, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Arden when I worked with his wife Cathy, and marveled at the beautiful home they designed and built at Priest Point. It saddened me to see his deterioration over time. Cathy is to be commended for her dedication to Arden. My deepest sympathy to the family and a special hug for Cathy from old Toni.
July 23, 2010
I remember Arden as being a professor and director who got results with an iron fist in a velvet glove. He could be hard but when the day was through we would relax and laugh. He gave more than he took and I am thankful that I knew him. My prayers and sympathies are with his family and loved ones.
chuck Walker
July 23, 2010
My deepest sympathy to all of Mr. Flom’s family and friends; his teaching provided me much of the artistic framework and the creative context for much of my professional career. I know many of his student share the same feelings and I am so thankful that so many of us can share that understanding in our lives. His inspiration and encouragement has been a profound blessing in my life and for that I am eternally grateful.
Beth Tamayo
July 23, 2010
My Uncle Arden was a gentle soul and a loving husband and father. It is humbling too know he brought so much joy and passion to his students and community too. Aunt Cathy, Eric and Kristen, my heart is heavy for you and my deepest sympathies during this difficult time. Much love, Beth
July 23, 2010
Cathy, I am so sorry to hear of Arden's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Josephine
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