Sad, Untimely Passing Of 'Artie Smallidge' -- Mr. Cobscook Shores Parks, Bold Coast, Maine.

Click to ENLARGE. For obituary.

Artie was a wonderful fan. A true gentleman with a vast amount of knowledge & experience of Maine. I was blessed & privileged to have him as a friend.

I will miss Artie. I spent some quality time with him at the end of January (this year). I had been hoping to spend MORE time with him in the coming months. We had this 'deal' that I would stop by every time I visited 'Acadia' -- & I visit Acadia multiple times a year. Well, that will no longer happen. I am now DREADING my next trip to Acadia. His house, in 'Trenton', is on the way. I will not be able to drive past without thinking fondly of him.

I met him serendipitously. I had written about the magnificent, amenity-rich 'Cobscook Shores' parks in my first 'Bold Coast' book. I did not (alas) know Artie at the time. On one of my subsequent trips to the Bold Coast I dropped of a copy of my book at the Cobscook Shores office at 'Red Point Nature Preserve' in 'Lubec'. There was nobody in the (magnificent) office. I left a copy of my book, by a PC, & left.

Within hours I had a very nice e-mail from Artie suggesting I stop by. That is when I realized that he was a genuine gentleman. We met. He was extremely charming & helpful. We had a delightful dinner, one evening, in Lubec. He, alas, had just started to show signs of what turned out to be ALS. That, in no way, stopped us. He, however, did request that I do most of the talking! That was a mistake. I don't need to be encouraged to prattle on. But we had fun. 

He personally took me to see what was thought to be the oldest apple tree in the county. I would never have found it on my own. That tree succumbed to a winter storm two years ago. Its remains were still there the last time I visited. I will have to go AGAIN ... as a pilgrimage to Artie.

Artie was known by all & LOVED in Lubec.

He will be missed in Lubec.

I hope they erect a granite slab as a memorial for him at Red Point. His spirit will always live on there.

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I dedicated my 3rd Bold Coast book to Artie & his boss << above >>. I am so glad I did so.

Artie is also mentioned in my upcoming Acadia book.

The only good thing is that Artie is at peace. Way too soon. Way too soon.

RIP, Artie. I will miss you.