In Memorium: Arie Van Weerdhuizen
Thoughts on Arie Van Weerdhuizen
by Karen Pickering
Just a couple of weeks ago, a very special person in the horse community passed away. Arie Van Weerdhuizen was only 60 years old. He will be greatly missed by his friends and acquaintances.
In putting together some thoughts about Arie, I think back to all the “Toys for Tots” auctions and trail rides he donated his time to. He was the voice behind the Northwest Washington Fair for many years. When my dear friend Mary Trout was so sick with cancer he helped put together an auction to raise funds for her medical care. He just always seemed to be there when a need arose.
Quite recently, I was working with Arie on his auction business. He and his son Duane were planning to do many more auctions together as a team. The day before he passed away, I brought him some business cards. I’m so grateful for the time I was able to visit with him before his passing.
He was always a friendly, positive voice on the other end of the phone. He would just call to say, “How are you doing today? Are you happy?” He would share some nugget of wisdom and make the stress and worry of the day seem unimportant. He always had time for lunch or a cup of coffee.
I was humbled by the number of people who showed up for his memorial service in Lynden, WA. The building was overflowing.
His life was lived as a true celebration and his imprint on our hearts and minds will be everlasting.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He will truly be missed by all. If you knew Arie and would like to share some insights or experience you can share with his community, please click to offer your comments below.
by Karen Pickering
Just a couple of weeks ago, a very special person in the horse community passed away. Arie Van Weerdhuizen was only 60 years old. He will be greatly missed by his friends and acquaintances.In putting together some thoughts about Arie, I think back to all the “Toys for Tots” auctions and trail rides he donated his time to. He was the voice behind the Northwest Washington Fair for many years. When my dear friend Mary Trout was so sick with cancer he helped put together an auction to raise funds for her medical care. He just always seemed to be there when a need arose.
Quite recently, I was working with Arie on his auction business. He and his son Duane were planning to do many more auctions together as a team. The day before he passed away, I brought him some business cards. I’m so grateful for the time I was able to visit with him before his passing.He was always a friendly, positive voice on the other end of the phone. He would just call to say, “How are you doing today? Are you happy?” He would share some nugget of wisdom and make the stress and worry of the day seem unimportant. He always had time for lunch or a cup of coffee.
I was humbled by the number of people who showed up for his memorial service in Lynden, WA. The building was overflowing.
His life was lived as a true celebration and his imprint on our hearts and minds will be everlasting.My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He will truly be missed by all. If you knew Arie and would like to share some insights or experience you can share with his community, please click to offer your comments below.
posted by NWHS at
10:32 AM
1 Comments:
Arie was not only a great friend but also a great announcer. He was the announcer when I was riding race horses at Lynden many years ago and I can still hear him calling the races. I am plesed to have known him for his wonderful ways to help soooo many people and touch their lives. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Gary Anderson
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