Arthur David Vogel

Arthur David Vogel was born May 12, 1925, to Romie and Ruth Vogel in Olympia, WA. Art reluctantly left us December 30, 2017. He was NOT ready or willing for it to be over. He was a strong and determined man. Gravely injured in WWII, he was left on a dock to be loaded into a box to board ship for the U.S., however…he was not ready to go and stubbornly survived. Anyone who knew Art knew that he was always ready to grabble and wrestle and do fun stuff to you and with you at a drop of a hat. He loved every age group. Giggles and shouts erupted anywhere he went. He was fortunate to marry Betty Jean Pritchard on March 1, 1946. They had a full life together, celebrating 70 years before she died. They raised two children, Jim and Judy; and have six grandchildren, Jamie (Lisa), Jody (Heather), Matt (Roz), Jennifer, Shannon, and Juston (Kerri); and 15 great grandchildren. Art was an avid hunter, fisherman, mechanic, and gardener. He loved bikes, cars, trucks, boats, and his motorhome. He was a man’s man: owned a gas station, worked in the plywood industry, grew Christmas trees, and worked as a roving and stationary guard. He “retired” three times…but wasn’t ready. He was a much loved neighbor (“grandpa” to a neighborhood of people he loved). He was always available to help you, but not as accepting when you wanted to help him. Art was predeceased by his son, Jim; and wife, Betty. He was the last of a generation, proud to have outlived them all…and still not ready to die. He will be missed. The stories we can all tell will go on for a long, long time. It is a tragedy to lose this generation of veterans who lived life to the fullest. At his request, there will be no service. His daughter is open to all visits and cards/letters from you all. As we ended every Christmas letter, “Be sure to drop by and see us” because it is how he lived his life. Please leave memories of Art or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.