Arthur “Art”, age 85, died January 2, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. How are we to sum up the colorful life of this man? He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, hellraiser, jack of all trades, businessman, firewood gatherer, athlete, banjo player, singer, black lab lover, hunter, fisherman and traveler. He loved people and kept in touch with many of his classmates and coworkers for life. Working hard and playing hard was Art’s lifestyle. He would buy anyone a drink who sat down beside him.
Art was born June 6, 1938 to Ralph and Muryl McMahon in Shelton, Washington and was the second child of the family. He had an older sister, Marjorie, younger sister and brother Patti and Daryl. He attended Shelton High School, where he played in the marching band and sang in the choir, graduating in 1956. After high school he headed to Ketchikan, Alaska to join his parents. He worked as a butcher, construction worker, pulp mill employee, insurance agent, fish tender crew member and mechanic.
Art loved Alaska and made Ketchikan his home for 40 plus years. His children Shannon and Pat were raised there and still live there. He was co-owner in the Chevron service station, sold used cars and had a scooter rental business. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and black lab trainer.
On December 10, 2003 Art married Flo Sigler in Sun City, Arizona where they had purchased a home and began their life as “snowbirds”, traveling to Sequim in the summers. Their house was always open for happy hour and they had a huge St. Patrick’s Day party for years at their home. Their life was filled with friends, golf and traveling. Art was so happy to visit Ireland, “the land of his ancestors” and play golf at the famous Renaissance Club in Scotland. His presence and voice will be greatly missed as the neighborhood will be a bit quieter now that he has passed. But the good times will be remembered by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held February 17, 2024 at the Fairway Recreation Center, Arizona Room #2 in Sun City, Arizona from 3:00pm-6:00pm and in Ketchikan in the summer of 2024.