Thursday, July 6, 2006
Dear Eve and family,
Having known and adored Art for 33 years, I feel an overwhelming sadness on the news of his death. I am so very, very sorry that I was not able to come to see him, due to family matters out of state. I came home a day early to come see him, only to be stunned by the tragic news. I hope the card I sent him from Florida arrived and that he was able to understand that I wanted to be there to see him.
Art Schaare gave me a job long ago, but he was not only my boss, he also took it upon himself to also be a surrogate father to me since my own father, also born in November 1927, lived 700 miles away. He always offered his opinion on what I should and shouldn't do. My three sons send their sympathy as well. Two of them are also paratroopers, so were in the special brotherhood that Art shared with them.
I feel a profound loss, as I know you all do. He was an icon of a man whose gentleness and kindness filled a room simply with his presence. I was fortunate to spend many New Year's Eve's with you, Eve, and Art at Harkers. I so enjoyed catching up with all the news and seeing you both then. It was always exciting to have him visit at school, too.
You, his family, meant everything in the world to him. He always had kind and loving things to say about you, Eve, and the children and grandchildren. He truly was a man for all seasons and one of our greatest generation's heroes. Knowing that so many share your pain and grief, I hope will be of some comfort to you.
May God Bless our beloved Art Schaare and may God comfort you all during this time of profound sadness. I know that God will hold Art in the palm of his hand, and congratulate him for a job well done here on earth. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Love, Joanne and Ed
