Art was born on June 5th, 1928 on the family farm north of Birch River, where he spent most of his life except for a brief stint working in the mine at Flin Flon. He married Janet Bailey in 1965 and together they raised five children.

Art was predeceased by his wife, Janet; his parents, Robert and Adeline; and by his brothers, David and Douglas. He is survived by his sisters, Edith (Mike Chlan of Flin Flong, Elaine Edwards of Winnipeg, and Betty (Barry) Chalmers of Swan River; his children, John of Red Lake, Mary of Red Lake, Helen (Barry of West St. Paul, Wayne (Penny) of Swan River, and James (special friend Laurie) of Brandon. As well, he is survived by his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Katrina, Nikki, Conway and Shania; a large network of nieces and nephews who added fulfillment to his life, and Bobby Chlan, who in his youth, spent every summer with Art on the farm.

Art lived his life by his firmly held beliefs in honesty, hard work, and the importance of family. He was at his happiest when working on his farm and visiting with family. When his declining health forced him off his farm, Art took great pleasure in trips to Cindy and Gerry's farm, or having Wayne drive him around his old homestead. Despite his physical pain, Art maintained his sense of humor until the very end, and never tired of visitors, coffee, and strawberry sundaes.