John Arndt Obituary

My best friend. Still think about him almost every day. I love you John. Can´t help but wonder what life would be like if you were still around. See you soon brother.

My family bought John's family's house when we moved to Colorado. I didn't really meet him until after that, but when we did meet through a mutual friend we hit it off. He was a great person. He cared so much. The depth of his caring haunted him I think. We would often talk about deep philosophical thoughts that plagued both of us to find the solutions to the problems of the world. Ha. Young men's dreams. John had a big impact on my life leading me to travel away from my home at young age to work on a drilling rig in Wyoming, a football stadium in Loveland and more. He added so much excitement to my youth and the whole time I had the pleasure of knowing him. I can only wish for his spirit to still be influencing humanity.

John was one of my teachers in the third grade. He had a really sharp mind and encouraged me to challenge myself with my learning and reading habits. I will always remember how he sparked my interest in runes. He had that said he wanted to talk to me after class on the last day of school, and when I went to say hi he was not there. The chalkboard was totally clean except for a rune in the lower right-hand corner. Thank you for fascinating me, Mr. Arndt.

With the recent anniversary of John's death, I couldn't help but reminisce about the good days of backpacking the back country, skiing and enjoying the company of John and Lois. What made John truly special to me was his genuine good nature and the way he cared for others. As the future unfolds for Lois, Cassidy and Molly, I hope they will find strength in the good times.

John I am so proud of you. I can't begin to tell you how great you are, and that it is an honor to be placed in this position, I guess you trusted me, Through the fire, huh? Well my real fire is coming today, Please talk through Robb and Zeb and of course jon. You could bend a little and use Country too, The beat is what gets me doing, Stand by my shoulder at least once and let me know your there, Richard, I know you are too,

I am so shocked and saddened to learn of John's passing. I worked with John when he was an elementary principal in Cañon City, CO, and I was a central office administrator. My husband, Jim, and I truly enjoyed his company and that of Lois and Cassidy. Among our favorite memories are when John went rafting on the Arkansas with Jim and his brother, how wonderful it was of your family to attend Jim's one-man art show, our conversations regarding work, and our dinner with the two of you at La Renaissance Restaurant in Pueblo to bid you goodbye when you were leaving Cañon City to move to Montrose. After that, we lost touch and I am so sad about that. I always enjoyed working with John, and will especially remember his caring nature, enthusiasm, warm smile, sense of humor, and love of family and adventure. I would love to hear about the latter part of his life, if at all possible. Lois, you and the girls have our most sincere condolences. I am sorry that I did not know of his passing earlier. Our memories of John will always be special. Our love to you and your family.

Happy birthday, old friend. You are missed.

John was a longtime friend from Durango; we've known each other for 20+ years. We backpacked, mountain biked, camped and skied together and as I recall he had a great love of the outdoors. He often remarked that his marriage to Lois (I was there!), and the birth of his daughters, were the greatest days of his life. Sadly, we lost touch in recent years. I recently did an online search and came across John's obituary. There are no words to express the great sadness I feel about John's passing. Lois, my dear friend, may you and your lovely girls find strength, peace and tranquility in the days ahead. John was loved by many, just as you are. I am thankful to have had you both in my life.

I had Mr.Arndt in the 5th grade at Manitou Springs Elementary. (I graduated high school in 2003) I came from a poor background and Mr.Arndt showed me compassion and that he really cared. He wrote me a letter at the end of 5th grade encouraging me to be teacher. I am a teacher now, I currently live in Spain and am working on a Master's degree. I am so thankful for the impact that this man had on my life and will forever be thankful. Most sincerely.

John listened. He listened with his heart. He asked questions that would go deeper into the whys and character of an experience, not just the facts or the how of it. This was another way he showed caring to us, and to friends we'd gather with him. He wanted to learn, to be present, to offer who he was and what he had to bring. John's heart was very big and open. And may that love and respect and deep listening be continued through all of us, to Lois and Cassidy and Molly.

John was a the "fun" uncle growing up and will be missed greatly. I remember the times hiking around the camp grounds with him. He had a great passion for outdoors and education. My family's thoughs are with Lois, Molly, and Cassidy.

Very shocked and very saddened about John's passing. He and were friends beginning back when we were teenagers. We played alot of sports:football,basketball,and frisbee. He helped me get re-established here in Colorado when I moved back from Texas by letting me sleep on his floor in a small cottage in Manitou. Later,we became roommates in a mouse filled house in the springs. I had the honor of being John's best man at he and Lois' wedding. He was a great friend. That was one of John's greatest attributes- he knew how to be a genuine friend. He was able to meet people and make friends with them like no one else I know. No matter how long it had been since we had seen each other or had talked, it was always like no time had passed. I will miss him greatly and think of him always remembering all the good times we had.I don't want to say good bye but I'll see you later.

I had Mr. Arndt for both 3rd and 5th grade at Manitou Elementary and I have, and will always, consider him to be the greatest teacher I ever had. My fondest memories of John Arndt include playing pick-up football at recess, his clever lessons that utilized themes he (and I) loved (like skiing, football, and the rainforest), and his personal Christmas gifts to each and every student (I still have mine). I wish his family the very best, and while Mr. Arndt may no longer be with us, his spirit for community service, learning, and life will forever live on in me and the many others with whom he bonded so well.

Jeff Wilson (MSHS class of 2003)

Our family grew up with John and his older brother Richard in our lives at Wasson High Schhool and in the DeMolay organization. We all shared many terrific times with both them camping, golfing and being kids growing into adults. I know he and Lois took their passion for teaching to levels and working in schools where most folks wouldn't dream of venturing to bring knowledge and enlightenment where it was needed the most. I will always remember Johns's quick sense of humor, ready and willing attitude to pitch in and lend a friend or neighbor a strong hand. Fond memories are all that remain of John, his brother Richard and his mother Arlene, he will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him.

John was a great friend growing up. We explored life in many ways. We went back packing, played frisbee, took road trips, hitch hiked accross the country, worked on a uranium exploration rig, went to college and tackled life together. What a great friend! He will live on in my heart and mind.

I grew up on Condor Street and knew John and Richard when they lived there. I have many fond memories of John and I'm sorry to hear of his passing. My mother still lives in our old house on Condor, and asked me to pass along her condolences as did my brother Michael. Looks like John lived a good life, and it makes sense that he would be a teacher. RIP John

I was shocked & saddened to hear about John's passing to the Kingdom at such a young age. I did not know him well. I met him while substituting at Florida Mesa where he was the principal. He took a few minutes to come to my temporary classroom, introduced himself, & asked if there was anything he could do to make my day easier. I remember him as a man with a quick smile, & I'm sure he will be missed.

I was in Mr. Arndt's third grade class at Manitou Springs Elementary School back in 1987. It was his first year teaching at Manitou Elementary, and for me, he was the teacher that I would never forget. I never had many friends during that age and Mr. Arndt would always take the time to come out and play catch with me at Recess, which eventually turned into all out football games with the other boys in class, after a while. I guess you could say that he kind of helped me be able to open up a bit to be able to play sports and interact with the other kids. I went to The Manitou Schools my whole life and went back to see MR. Arndt as often as i Could. He also had my little brother in his class, and my little sister. I remember during my fifth grade camping trip to Golden Bell Ranch, Mr. Arndt was one of the bunk masters and took good care of myself and the rest of us in his bunk. He told the funniest camping stories, that I still remember, and tell my kids to this day. I really loved that man and he will be greatly missed.
My heart goes out to his family, I am so sorry for your loss.
God Bless you all, and God Bless you Mr. Arndt!

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing. He first greeted me when he moved into manitou with a loaf of banana bread he had left in the mailbox for me. I was his mail lady and we were good friends shortly thereafter. My condolences to the family. Nancy Kevil

John and I shared a lot of good times together as we grew up. We shared a little house in Durango when we were going to Fort Lewis College and he was an inspiration for me to get into my teaching career.
Good memmories......

Mr Arndt was a great man and techer. Obviouslly being in 5th grade I didn't know him that well, but he stood out among the rest of the pack, and will be missed. Thanks Mr. Arndt for everything you did for me.

John had a knack of working with the ones that needed a little extra attention.Always mild mannered. And ready to help someone if they needed it.The education system is losing a good man.someone who really cared.you will be missed. MR ARNDT.p.s When the bears and the vikings play i will raise my glass and think of you there

John touched the lives of many many people, bringing life to learning about the world around us, and love, happiness, and joy to those who knew him. You made us proud. The light of your smile, the warmth of your laughter, and the essence of your joy for life will be missed, dear brother.
Sheryl