I found out this morning that Arthur died yesterday and am so terribly sad. Arthur worked for Anthony’s family as a dairy hand for decades and lived in the worker’s hut. He first came here when he was a teenager (well before my time). Less than two years ago, when Anthony had already begun living in the nursing home, Arthur began to seem very frail and ill and the hut was falling down, so I helped to arrange his transition to a nursing home (not the same one as Anthony’s). It was a heartbreaking decision because Arthur loved it here. After the dairy folded, he simply lived here, did a few odd jobs and, in latter years, just loved to sit on his veranda and watch the birds.
But Arthur thrived in the nursing home, to begin with. He had company, friends, and he was popular with the staff because he was such an unusual character. Ming and I visited him as often as we could, and just two weeks ago I took Anthony to visit, but we could see that Arthur was very ill.
When I rang to tell Anthony this morning, I was hit with such a wave of sorrow and nostalgia that I wept clumsily into the phone and, once again, Anthony had to comfort me. Arthur was part of the fabric of this place, this farm, our lives, for so long. He watched Ming grow up, he kissed me gently on the cheek last time we visited, and he and Anthony shook each others’ frail hands.
jmgoyder 
I believe in life after death and so Arthur will be in a better place. Don’t worry about him. Perhaps this is bringing up emotions that are difficult to deal with. Your having a tough time. Hang in there Julie, people are rooting for you.
I got such a shock – very shaky still.
It always brings mortality so much closer to home.
Yes.
Oh no 😦
So sad.
oh, i’m so sorry for your loss, what a part of your family and the farm he was. the nursing home saw what a special person he was as well, that is obvious. i love the picture of him, too )
He was a one-off, a real individual.
Julie Arthur loved the farm and your family ..thank you for caring for him when I couldn’t .. sadly going to miss his cheecky smile
Me too and his thumbs up! Sending you all love.
So sorry to hear about the loss of dear Arthur. I can only imagine how this would affect your family and especially Anthony, for whom he worked.
Sad, but it’s only a reminder of how impermanent this life on earth is and how much his presence will be missed. How lovely to hear that his unique character added a little to the lives of those in the nursing home in his later years.
Vicki
xx
I have been so shaken by this – the funeral is Friday and I am going to take Anthony (that’s gonna be hard).
Very sorry for your loss, Julie…
Thank you.
I hurt for and with you Jules – these losses add a heaviness to the heart that is so hard to accept. I hope his memory is forever a blessing for you and Ants and Ming. Certainly he knew much joy in his life by being a part of your farm family. And for that I am grateful..
He was a blessing.
I’m sorry to hear this Jules. My heart is with you.
Much love,
R
Thanks Rhonda.
I’m sorry for your loss Jules. The way you described Arthur reminded me of Piccolo, the handy man at my uncle’s place, he too had a hut andwhen he pased we were all saddened by the loss. They might not be related to us, but their constant presence in our lives makes them just as important. I am ending you hugs and kisses.
Yes – very similar situation.
Love and peace to you, Julie. You’ve such an interesting life, so different from mine; dairy farm, peahens, Australia – I find it all fascinating. And I’m always loving the pictures. ;o)
Thanks Denise!
Oh I’m sorry for your loss of a good friend…well more like family, I suppose. HUGS to you.
Diana xo
Lots of tears here – especially for his brother who lost his wife not long ago.
aww compounded loss, how sad…
Very sad – I can’t stop crying.
You poor dear (((hugs)))
Just wish I had been able to say goodbye to him.
I’m sure he knows that you all cared deeply for him.
He did/does so I guess that is the main thing.
Julie, my heart goes out to you. It is so difficult to lose someone that has been such a part of our lives, someone we could trust and depend on. someone who was there for us. Authur was one of those souls, he meant so much to you,Ants and Ming. I know you will miss him greatly. Take care, Bill
I wish we had visited him more often.
Sorry for your lost.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thank you Francine xx
I remember “meeting” Arthur through you a couple of times and know that he was like family.. I am sorry for your loss and hope that fond memories will lift you up and give you Ants and Ming smiles.
Thank you Jane xx
So sorry to hear this dear Julie. R.I.P. to him. Love, nia
Thanks Nia xx
😦 another goodbye…
Yes.
I’m sorry Julie for yours’ and Anthonys’ loss……. Diane xo
Very hard to come to terms with.
Poignant homage to Arthur. It’s never easy, losing someone. Sending hugs.
Thanks Paulette xx
so sorry for your loss–I remember when you made the arrangements for him–thank god we have our memories
True.
sad x
Very.
I’m so sorry Julie. I appreciate the character and strength of the people in your life. Thank you for sharing Arthur with us. I hope for comfort and peace of heart for everyone who loves Arthur. And I’m glad to hear Anthony was your comfort again today.
It is hard to believe we just saw him the other week.
Julie I am so sorry for this loss to your farm family…The love continues on even with the loss, remember all the good he gave you in memories and love
I will try.
My heart is with you….loss is so very hard. Sending love and extra Brandon bear hugs….xo
Oh that means a lot – thank you!
Did he have any family, it is always sad when someone passes away
Yes, and I have spoken to the family – lots of tears – funeral on Friday.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Thanks Trisha – you have the same name as one of Arthur’s nieces xx
Please accept my condolences. Such a loss is difficult to accept, but thank goodness he was part of your lives.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know this is very difficult for you. I send you thoughts of comfort and some cyber hugs.
Julie, I am in awe that even after the dairy folded Arthur continued to live on there. That sort of accommodation is rare here. How wonderful for him that he could stay on in a place that he loved.
I am sorry for your loss.