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Arthur Bottman Obituary
Arthur Irving Milton BOTTMAN Art Bottman passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 9 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington. Art was born on May 9, 1918 in Lake Bronson, Minnesota. One of eight children, he was raised in large part by his older sisters after both his father and mother died early in his life. Art worked his way through business college, then took employment with Pacific Gamble-Robinson, a wholesale fruit and produce company, as an office clerk in 1940. On June 19, 1943, Art married Thelma Sandsmark in Valley City, North Dakota. He stayed with PGR for 42 years, and retired as Vice-President in 1982. He filled his retirement of 24 years with travels, family, golf, and generally enjoying life. An outdoorsman, Art enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He also became an avid golfer, and played with friends and family well into his retirement. Art was best known for his sociable, cheerful and generous nature. He was always concerned with the welfare of his family, and thought of others first. Whenever a relative visited from out of town, or a place was needed for a barbeque or reunion, it was Art and Thelmas place that came to mind. Art was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth and Esther; and brothers, Obed, Joseph, Reuben, and Philip. Survivors include his wife, Thelma; his sister, Judith, of Duluth, Minnesota; his daughter, Laurel Stahlke (Eric) of Fairbanks, Alaska; his sons, Robert (Sue) of Shelton; John (MaryAnn) of Billings, Montana; Tom (Paris) of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Jeff (Liz) of Seattle. He leaves 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. At Art's request, there will be no memorial service, but a family gathering will be held in the fall to spread his ashes. Donations in remembrance of his generous spirit should be made to the charity of your choice. The family offers sincere thanks to all of Art's friends and family for their support, visits, cards, flowers, thoughts and prayers. Art was a good man in the deepest sense. He will be missed.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Bottman
3 Entries
Brad Running
June 18, 2006
I'm very sad to here that Art has passed away. I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with him at Pacific Fruit & Produce Company from 1972 until his retirement. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word of encouragement! He was truly one of the finest gentlemen,I have ever had the distinct pleasure of knowing and calling him my friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Tereza Topferova
June 17, 2006
I am so glad to have gotten to know Art over the last ten years that I have been a part of the Bottman family as the girlfriend, and later wife of his grandson Tim. I have fond memories of Art and his wife Thelma presiding over the Bottman family gatherings and celebrations, which have always been such a joy for me to attend. Since I come from a very small family, scattered over two continents, the Bottmans have become a second family to me, readily accepting me and opening their hearts to me, and for that I am grateful.
It warms my heart to know Art got to spend time with his great-grandson Jonah, our son, who I am proud to say bares his great-grandfather Art's family name.
My last memory of Art is of him saying goodbye to several of us as we were leaving his and Thelma's house after recently visiting for lunch. Art said with genuine disappointment, "You are leaving already?" And I know that's how all of us who knew Art feel about his leaving us.
My thoughts are with everyone who was close to Art. I am sorry he is no longer with us.
Pam Martinez
June 16, 2006
I worked for Art at Pacific Fruit & Produce as his Secretary when he was the District Manager in Salt Lake City. He was fine gentleman and an inspiration to all he met. I share in the sorrow of your loss.
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