Uncle Art
By Brad Olson
Several people said to me, “Wow, It’s so nice of you to go up to the funeral to show support to your friend Bill and your Dad.”
I thought to myself, “They don’t get it. Maybe they don’t know…”
I asked my Dad once “Why do we call Art ‘Uncle’ when he’s not really your brother?” I don’t recall his answer, but I knew calling him “Uncle” felt right.
When I was about 4 or 5 years old, I decided that singing “Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Star” while sitting in the back seat of his MG would be showstopping humor for anyone, just like it was for my 4 year old friends. Art thought otherwise. I felt a big hand from the front seat grab my knee, hard. “We will have none of that language in this car young man.” The tone in the voice told me as much as the firm grip, that I had another adult in my life who could tell me what to do.
Art was there in the snow bank in Robbinsdale, MN watching me play Pee Wee travel hockey, and he was there in the stands for my last playoff game in high school.
Art gave me my first golf lesson in 4th grade, then brought me out for my first round of golf with he and Chuckie on one of the many family vacations together.
My Mom came to me as an early teen and asked “Who do you want to live with if we were to die?” Horrified, I let her know what a terrible question that was before answering, “Art and Chuckie… Who else?!”
Art gave me his Cadillac to drive around for 2 weeks when I was a Junior in high school while they were on vacation in Hawaii with Mom and Dad. Brooklyn Center High School never saw a student driving into the parking lot with a cooler car (at least one obtained legally).
Art was there for the graduations. Art was there to host my wedding. Art was there every Christmas for at least a stop-by greeting. I didn’t go for Bill or Dad… I went for me.
Dad, Me, Gramps, Uncle Oscar, Art
I joke that there is an obscure verse in the Bible that is hard to find (“2 Hesitations”, or something like that) that reads, “Where there is Art, there Warren is also; And where there is Warren, There Art also shall be.”
How’s this for a testament to friendship and living life together: Art and Dad met in Sunday School Class (along with Art’s twin brother Al) when they were about 10 or 11 years old! They grew up together, supported each other, guided each other, cared about each other, remained friends, and truly lived life together. That’s why Art was there when I was born. That’s why Art has always been there. That’s why I called him “Uncle” Art.
The book of Proverbs reads “There are friends who destroy, But a real friend sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
I am sad to say good-bye to Uncle Art. I am sad that my best friend says good-bye to his father. I am sad that my father says good-bye to his best friend. But, I am also grateful. I am grateful for the steady presence of Uncle Art throughout my life, and for the example of commitment and friendship my Dad and Art demonstrated.
Al, Warren, and Art
Art, Warren, and Al
Warren and Art at My Wedding
* Arthur E. Ostlund ~ A real friend who stuck closer than a brother ~ 1927-2011 *
