Dennis,
Thanks for sharing this with us.  Happy Birthday Art!

Happy "B" day you old f**t. LOL

Dennis,

Thanks for letting us know your Dad is doing so great at 80! You are doubly blessed to have a Dad like Big Art. 

You know, Art, George Aldrich and my own Dad were the three people who showed me how to believe in myself. Were it not for them, "Rob" would have wound up a punk and probably in prison or dead because that's where I was headed. Looking back, I think I loved the sport so much because of the soulful men like Art and my Dad who would pour into me over and over - even when I just didn't get it. And not just their knowhow, but their love and encouragement even more.

I think I told you ths story, but I'd like to try and honor Art by telling it here. 

Down around 23rd out of something like 35 seniors going into the final flight of the 68 NATS and shaking like a leaf from fear, I voluntered to go up early and just get it over with. But my Dad fried my battery (I found out later) so I had to take an attempt. And then Big Art, who probaly conspired with my Dad on the battery scheme, called me aside in that "I've got something very important to tell you" way that is so uniquely Art's, gave me that huge bear hug of his, looked me in the eye and said "You can win this!"

Wise Art was not talking about the finals, but about life and believing in myself. Dennis, that moment changed me forever. Your Dad is a real life giver. Thanks to you and your family for sharing him with so many other kids like me.

And Happy Birthday Art! I love you!

Bob Howard

Dennis,

Thanks for letting us know your Dad is doing so great at 80! You are doubly blessed to have a Dad like Big Art. 

You know, Art, George Aldrich and my own Dad were the three people who showed me how to believe in myself. Were it not for them, "Rob" would have wound up a punk and probably in prison or dead because that's where I was headed. Looking back, I think I loved the sport so much because of the soulful men like Art and my Dad who would pour into me over and over - even when I just didn't get it. And not just their knowhow, but their love and encouragement even more.

I think I told you ths story, but I'd like to try and honor Art by telling it here. 

Down around 23rd out of something like 35 seniors going into the final flight of the 68 NATS and shaking like a leaf from fear, I voluntered to go up early and just get it over with. But my Dad fried my battery (I found out later) so I had to take an attempt. And then Big Art, who probaly conspired with my Dad on the battery scheme, called me aside in that "I've got something very important to tell you" way that is so uniquely Art's, gave me that huge bear hug of his, looked me in the eye and said "You can win this!"

Wise Art was not talking about the finals, but about life and believing in myself. Dennis, that moment changed me forever. Your Dad is a real life giver. Thanks to you and your family for sharing him with so many other kids like me.

And Happy Birthday Art! I love you!

Bob Howard

HEY BOB! GLAD TO SEE YOU HANGIN WITH US! THOSE WERE THE DAYS HUH? U STILL HANGIN IN TEXAS? We just had to make you grunt of the day. May God bless you and the the stunt model you rode into Kansas on? 
Hey Bob...I loved these photos. Here's to the memories. Tell us more about your Dad?

Wednesday April 25 is Art Adamisin's 80th birthday.  The family had a surprise party for him last
Saturday, a couple pix attached.  Yup he's still hornery as cat dirt.  Hope I have his energy when I'm 80.  Heck, I wish I could keep up with him NOW!

Friends of Big Art - send him a note!  jury1@wowway.com 

Art has not changed since the first time I met him. I bet he will be like this on his ninetieth birthday. Hapy birthday Art.

Happy Birthday Big Art!!

I only met Big Art once, but what I saw then and what I have seen and heard since prove that he is one of the Great Ones!!

Jim

PS: Thanks for the gaskets.