In Memory of an Unforgettable Friend

Arne and I met by way of commission. Arne had an order from the Folio Society, arriving right before Christmas and he needed a custom shelf to house them in. Uncertain if I could meet his tight deadline with two young boys, I went to his cozy home to discuss the design. I knew this man was extraordinary the moment we met. As artists on the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, we had only heard of each other, and finally a mutual friend and artist connected us. Our connection continued to grow. We were navigating the pandemic, a little lonely, a little isolated, and both with our own challenges.

Arne was a ray of sunshine, who welcomed my sons and myself into his home always with a warm “Hello there” and a twinkle in his eye. We loved listening to his incredible stories and the wisdom of a man who had embraced life, no matter what came his way. Arne enjoyed the company of my sons and often reminisced about when he was a young boy with his brothers and sisters in Estonia, Germany, and Sweden. Arne always included the boys and had playful games with dice and drawing that the boys looked forward to each visit. Always after the “Lucky seven.” Arne was an amazing teacher who shared his many talents graciously. Arne was without wheels so I began chauffeuring him to his various appointments, errands and grocery runs. My son Levon would take his arm and hold the door while “Mama” parked the car. We were a great team. Around town people always knew Arne. He had touched the lives of so many through his art, infectious spirit, and life stories. Arne was creating new work and preparing for the next big show, always! A true visionary, he always had his ideas clearly imagined perfectly before executing on canvas. As Arne’s age grew, he continued to focus on the future. He often said he was aiming for 102. Arne’s mind was always ignited. His passion for life was evident in everything he did. Determined to remain independent and in his own home, we continued to design objects to enable him to do so … items to keep his aging body up to speed with his incredible mind.

My boys began piano and drum lessons in Coe Hill, which then ensured a weekly dinner with Arne and his faithful friend Latte. Arne would play along with them after their lessons, and tell us stories of the Roosman brothers band. With his infectious spirit he would lead the boys through some rhythms, serenading me as I prepared something special for dinner. Arne was always hungry and loved gathering around his table for a homemade meal. As our relationship grew we began spending special occasions together. With his portraits of his dear wife Liina watching over us, we continued the traditions that Arne cherished. He loved to celebrate and
taught us many Scandinavian traditions that he learned with his Estonian parents and embraced with his wife Liina and daughters Anne and Rebecca. Arne enriched our lives in endless ways. He was so many things to us, and we feel so
blessed to have known this being of light.
We will never forget you, Arne.
Love you lots,
Britt Olauson,
Apsley