Tuesday, January 8, 2019
I spent many days and nights over the Shannon home in Greenfield Heights. I was great friends with Arnie’s youngest son Ron, and knew Mark and Debbie very well also.
I ran track and cross country for four years in high school, and I saw Arnie at most of the meets. He was quite proud as Ron soared over six feet in the high jump, and vaulted over thirteen feet in the pole vault. Arnie was an avid fan and I was often a recipient of encouragement from him as he cheered on Eagle athletes.
Arnie was always one for an easy laugh. He always had a joke to tell, and if you were within his presence, you had to be ready for some comment that would set you off in hysterics. I remember him whispering a few things during his son’s wedding ceremony. Between Arnie and Ron, I had tears in my eyes from all of the subtle, and not so subtle funny things that they were doing or saying. I was laughing, and people thought I was tearing up out of emotional release. That, of course, was not the case.
One item that I will never forget about Arnie was during our annual, cross country canoe outing. One could be certain, that by the end of the trip, many of us would not finish in the same canoe, in which we started. Many of us, as we fell out of our canoes, would steal those from other people. Sometimes, by dumping people from their canoes.
Arnie found himself paddling by himself by the end of the trip. As he paddled across Batsto Lake, the wind prevented Arnie from getting anywhere. Mr. Beversluis, B, our coach, laughed hysterically. Arnie never lost his sense of humor, and rowed futilely as he could only inch forward at a glacial pace.
My condolences to the Shannon family. Arnie was a one of a kind. May you all find peace and laughter with the many funny stories which I am sure will be coming your way.
Mat Combs and Family
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