Ardell Everett Arfsten, age 77, of Franktown CO, passed away June 14, 2016. He was born in Franktown on September 2nd, 1938. He graduated from Douglas County High School in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Oblander, on October 7th 1956 and this October they would have celebrated their 60th anniversary. Ardell had many careers over his life: farm hand, heavy machinery equipment operator, deputy sheriff, flight instructor, pilot, and airline executive. He was a master craftsman, whether it was bluing and building his own guns, fine carpentry or just general fix it all knowledge. He was an exceptionally talented man and he inspired everyone who met him to exceed their own expectations of life...and his too. He is survived by his wife Patricia; his children Ron and his wife Kathy, Ronda, and Renee and her husband Brian; his grandchildren Rachel, Chrissy, Megan, Justin, Nathan, Collin and Lane; as well as his great grandchildren Kiari and Alex (and one more that's on the way). He was much loved during his life and will be greatly missed.
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July 24, 2016
David Ayers
Dear Pat, Ron, Ronda, Renee and the entire family - As you are fully aware, our admiration and indeed love for Ardell grew ever stronger as many years passed; not only as a faithful, sharing and steadfast neighbor, but more importantly, as our caring, always loyal and in fact loving friend! He meant more to each of us: Elizabeth, Victoria, David II and myself - (to each one differently) in his own special and unique way. The void he leaves is deep and will be ongoing. Having said this however, the consolation for all of us is tremendous - i.e. knowing he is now and forever more, held firmly "in the palm of His hand"! We join in extending our profound and warm sympathy,
Perpetual Membership in the Golden Treasury of Holy Cross Prayer is hereby granted to Ardell Arfsten who by virtue of this enrollment will share in all the Spiritual Benefits of the Holy Cross Fathers, University of Notre Dame, Indiana Province.
June 28, 2016
Mark Conrad
Dear Pat and Family...
I knew Ardell very well professionally, and worked for him at Alaska Airlines in the late 1980's... He was wonderful man and very special mentor to me, I will never forget him... We traveled to Brunei and New Zealand together in the early 1990's, and I visited him and Pat in Phoenix as well.
I currently work for the FAA in WDC, and have him to thank for me making the right decision to work for the Federal Government in Aviation Safety, a decision I have never regretted and have thoroughly enjoyed for the past 4 years.
God Bless your family... RIP Ardell.
Best Regards,
June 28, 2016
Chris Nicosia
Dear Pat and family, please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of Ardell. I worked with Ardell at Alaska and later in his career at the FAA, he always offered true professionalism. We shared almost daily emails the last couple of years. He's a good friend, patriot and I will miss him.
June 25, 2016
Victoria Ayers
Dear Pat, Renee, Rhonda, Ronnie, and all of your family,
I write this message to you all, both in astonishment and with tremendous sorrow, for it is terribly difficult to comprehend that Ardell has left us.
I do Not hesitate however in sharing my firm and confident belief in knowing that God swept Ardell directly to heaven! As you all know, Ardell was an extremely rare gentlemen - one who quietly and sincerely showed his friendship and deep care for his family and friends both in his steady and quiet acts, as well as in his warm hugs, welcoming smiles and quiet nods.
Since 1962, the Ayers family has been grateful and happy to be "up hill" and close to Laura and Lloyd, and then Pat and Ardell - whether it is regarding community affairs, scrumptious Christmas treats or villages, heavy snow, power outages, holiday and family celebrations, or masterful and exquisite creations in wood - we understand the grace bestowed and treasure them all !
Personally, I will sorely miss, but will always be grateful for Ardell's care in what I was doing and experiencing; his steady and great care and friendship for my parents; and his sharing of his special talent in his amazing shop with my brother, David!
With my love and prayers for Ardell and you all,
Victoria
June 21, 2016
Jon & Judy Bartram
Dear Pat and family, I enjoyed working with Ardell both at the former Frontier Airlines and the new one. He was a good friend and an extremely talented man with an uncompromising dedication to aircraft safety. He was always willing to help and lend his valuable insight to any situation. His passing was a shock to Judy and I, and still find it hard to believe. We are thinking of you at this difficult time and cherish the good times we've had together. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
June 21, 2016
Carol & Mike Frost
Pat and family, Being fairly new to Ardell's (and yours) extended family in the aviation world -- as so many others have already expressed -- I too will miss Ardell. I also want to Thank you for letting Ardell (and the helpers as I was told) in making a blanket chest for me last year -- it will serve as a reminder of what a special and thoughtful person Ardell was and will be cherished always.
June 21, 2016
James Blake
Mrs. Arfsten and family,
My condolence to your family for your loss. It is indeed a loss for us all. He touched so many lives in so many places.
It was my great pleasure to have Ardell as my mentor, co-worker, co-principal and friend. He was a joy to work with as well as just the greatest person to talk with. The breath and scope of his knowledge in law enforcement and aviation made for the kind of stories that were learning experiences all themselves. He guided me as a new inspector to the FAA in ways that are still with me today. He was a rare individual and will truly be missed by all.
June 20, 2016
Harvey Haynes
Dear Fellow Admirers of Ardell Arfsten. I have met many great people in my travels around the world, but none that I have honored or admired more than Ardell. He was a truly great American. He was the only man I have ever met who could do any task perfectly and with a level of thought that belied brilliance. Every time I cut a brat in half before grilling (try it), I will think of Ardell and smile.
Still he was also the common man who could talk with anyone, and explain a complex issue simply. He was a delight to listen to as the story's spilled out. I can readily see the smile on his face and his happy chuckle at one of his own stories.
I am sorry for us that we have lost his presence, astute political clarity, and his love of America. Knowing his depth of faith, I am sure he is in a much better place. I have continued to think of Ardell in association with the line remembered from Abraham Lincoln's passing, Now, he belongs to the ages. Ardell, thanks for the memories. God bless.
June 20, 2016
Brian Schooley
To Pat and family:
I first met Ardell when he came to the FAA Seattle Flight Standards District Office. I was assigned to be his trainer and I must say that was a most fortunate occurrence for me. The trainer trainee roles swapped moment-by-moment and I undoubtedly learned more from Ardell than I was ever able to pass on to him. We worked together for several years at Seattle inspecting freight operators DC-8's and airline operations.
Ardell transferred to the FAA Denver Flight Standards District Office and we spoke only occasionally by phone. But fate intervened and I too got to spend some time at the Denver office. It was my great fortune to work with Ardell again.
The thing about Ardell that made him special to me was not that he was such a talented and knowledgeable man because he was, but that he understood that sharing his knowledge made it all the more valuable. Ardell willingly spent hours explaining the intricacies of all things aviation to all who were smart enough to listen.
Tailwinds my friend,
June 20, 2016
Ardell was a wonderful friend, mentor, and father figure for me over the past 15 years. I will miss him greatly.
Roger Nicely, FAA, Seattle, WA
June 20, 2016
I had the great honor of knowing Ardell, since my days at Western Pacific Airlines. A fine man and aviator. A friend and mentor! Joe Knight (Houston).
June 20, 2016
Carl & Sue Miller
In my short acquaintance with Ardell at FSDO office (FAA) and fellow Inspector I found Ardell to be a compassionate and professional Inspector (ASI) and Supervisor. He led by example and earned the respect he deserved. Sue and I miss the annual summer parties that he and Pat so graciously hosted for the office. Our condolences to Pat and family for a man who "walked the walk" as well as "talked the talk". May he always have blue skies.
June 20, 2016
Ardell was a wonderful and kind man who will be greatly missed, working with Ardell, he always brought laughter and light heartedness to any situation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pat and the Family.
David & Melissa Carroll
June 20, 2016
Jim Overton
Ardell, you were a wonderful mentor and friend. You lead us to a soft landing decades ago and, for that, thousands us will be forever grateful.
June 20, 2016
Gina Moretto
Ardell had a smile that would brighten every room. I saw his handsome smile everyday when he was in my class during his FAA aviation safety inspector indoc. I was one of his instructors at the FAA Academy. Then I transferred to Denver and was pleased to find his smiley face, again. Oh, happy day. May we all have his smile and gentlemanliness imbedded in our brain matter and follow as a role model that he was. Thank you, Ardell, for being a wonderful work associate.
June 18, 2016
Art was in my new hire class when I began at Frontier....I knew him for some
time and found him to be a great guy....God bless, He will be missed....
Jack Powell
June 18, 2016
Marty Slebodnik
Ardell was one of the most decent and considerate men I have ever met. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. My deepest condolences to his family.
June 17, 2016
Dale Buss
Godspeed and tailwinds dear friend, I know you are now without pain or sorrow and you, your loved family and friends are in my prayers and thoughts /
Captain Dale Buss
June 17, 2016
Billy Watkins
Pat and family
Words are inadequate. I can only offer my sincere condolances and express a deep sense of loss for the passing of a fellow pilot and friend.
June 17, 2016
What a beautiful celebration of life in the video. Our condolences to the family. Stan and Ann Trueblood
June 17, 2016
David Miller
Like so many, I greatly benefitted from Captain Arfsten's leadership and from the opportunities he provided our pilots at both Frontier and America West Airlines. He was a great credit to aviation and will be missed.
June 17, 2016
Linda Hanson
Pat, you and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers.....Cherish the memories and thank you for sharing so many of them with everyone through the wonderful slide show. Sending hugs and love as I cannot be there. Love you, Linda Hanson and family.
June 17, 2016
Laurie Anderson
I remember Mr. Arfsten through my friendship with Renee as kids. He was always busy doing something or building something. A very talented unique man. Sorry Renee for your loss. Prayers for your family.
June 16, 2016
Billy Walker
There just are never the right words or, in Ardell's case, enough words to say about this extraordinary and talented fellow. I am proud to have enjoyed Ardell's friendship since we were fledglings at good ol' Frontier Airlines in 1967. Later, Ardell and Boyd Stevens hired me at America West Airlines. I think of Ardell and all he did for our pilot group and am so grateful to have known him. Blue Skies & Tailwinds Captain and smooth air on your Flight West...
June 16, 2016
Jolene
What great pictures & memories! I didn't know Grandpa very well but am glad I got to meet him. He always made me feel welcome & I remember him showing me a little bit of the garden-he was so proud! Love you all!
June 16, 2016
Jake Lamkins
All his many friends at the old Frontier Airlines are sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences to his family.
June 16, 2016
Phil Stallings
My thoughts and prayers are with you this day. Ardell was one of the best ... a good friend.
June 16, 2016
Dan Adair
CAPTAIN ARFSTEN WAS ONE ONE OF THE BEST CHECK AIRMAN IN THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY. HOW CAN I SAY THAT? He instructed me on the CV 580 as a captain,line checked me and signed me off as a captain on the B737......Ardell was the example of the PERFECT Co Worker.........Dan Adair
June 16, 2016
Harry Lambourne
Thank you, Ardell.
June 16, 2016
Rose Mary Barretta
Pat and family, I'm so sorry for your loss of Ardell. He was my best boss in my career in Aerospace and friend when I worked at Alaska Airlines and Dee Howard in San Antonio. I remember all the great times you, Ardell and myself had together. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. Love and prayers. Rose Mary Barretta
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