Arthur J Shadbolt, 78, of Mesa, AZ passed away Thursday May 22, 2008. He was born Jan 2, 1930 in Lehigh, Iowa, the son of the late Arthur J. and Elvina (Markle) Shadbolt Sr. There were 12 sisters and brothers and Art was #13, all deceased.
Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Laurel; four daughters; Laura Wallace of Auburn, WA; Karen K. (J. Clifford) Parr of Blaine, WA, Kelly Jean (James) Sluiter of Marion, IA and Alice J. Cooper, Renton, WA; step-son Bruce (Mary) Anderson of Kent, WA; step-daughter, Vivian L. (Gene) Crock of Issaquah, WA; also 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Shadbolt was a member of the American Legion Post #0027, Korean War Veteran of the "Arden A. Rowley" Chapter in Apache Junction, AZ. He served as an Honor Guard and Volunteer Veterans representative at the Prescott (AZ) Veterans Hospital with donations of clothing, games, books, toiletries, videos, etc, from his Chapter members. He also was a "Lifetime Member" of the Mesa Buckhorn Elks #2656 and Security Guard for Apache Wells in Mesa. Always giving of himself to others, Art volunteered in many clubs and organizations throught his life. He was very Patriotic and loved his country 100%.
At 15, Art left home to work as a lumberjack in Idaho to help his mother, who widowed and needed money to pay her bills since Art was but 5 years old when his father died. Art loved country western music. He had his own Gibson guitar and had a super great baritone voice to sing along. He also enjoyed Ballroom dancing with wife, Laurel, as well as cowboy moves and traveling in their motorhome. His broad winning smile was infectious as were his light blue twinkling eyes.
Art worked for Boeing Co, Seattle, WA for 37 years in the Finance Dept. and retired in 1992. He then decided sunny Arizona was the best place after rainy Seattle.
Art enlisted in the U.S. Army 1950 - 1953, participating in the Korean War Conflict as a member of the military Police.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 31, 2008, at 1:00 pm, at the Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa. A visitation will take place one hour prior to service. Interment to follow at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park.