I just got back from the RootsMagic cruise late last night, and have been feeling a little melancholy. I found out while I was gone that a good friend had passed away. Many of you may know Art Lassagne, owner of The Gold Bug, and the publisher of AniMap. Art passed away September 29, 2008.
If you have ever been to one of the national genealogy conferences, or even some of the smaller ones in the west, you know Art from his flowing white hair and his infectious smile.
Art is the guy who taught me (and my wife Laurie) what a good steak is supposed to taste like. At every conference we would go to dinner together, and Art had researched where the very best steak in town could be found.
It really hit home Saturday when I received an email that booth selection for NGS had opened. For years Art and I would immediately call each other when selection started so we could both get good spaces. So when I got the email, my first thought was “I need to call Art”.
I’m really going to miss Art, probably most of all in Mesa Arizona in November which would have been our next conference together.
So Art, even though it was your turn to buy dinner in Mesa, this one is going to be on me.
Hi Bruce,
My condolences on losing your good friend.
Laura
Losing a Good Friend is hard. It makes you think about others still living and the need to make contact with them.
Sorry about the loss.
PLEASE CONEY SOUTH AFRICAN CONDOLONCES TO ART`S FAMILY. MY EMPHATY ALSO WITH YOU AND LAURIE ON THE LOSS OF A DINNER COMPANION AND DEAR FRIEND.
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s very difficult to lose family and friends. My prayers are with you and Art’s family.
I’m sorry to hear you’ve lost a close friend. It’s harder sometimes to lose a good friend than relatives. Thanks for sharing your friend with us and pass on sympathy to his family.