Arthur Sherwood

BERKSHIRE - On Monday, August 27, 2007, Arthur Sherwood, 64, better known as Art , lost a courageous battle with Mesothelioma, a cancer caused exclusively by exposure to asbestos.

Art was born on February 21, 1943, in Toronto, the son of Gordon and Doris Sherwood. He attended various schools in Canada, along with the University of Toronto ,and Sir George Williams University. Upon completion of his education and the marriage to his wife, together they moved to Montreal where he became a successful businessman in the fashion industry.

He married the love of his life, Margo Gibson and they shared over forty years of wedded bliss. Art and Margo fell in love with the state of Vermont on their honeymoon, and in 1969 they made Berkshire their home. His home in Berkshire was his paradise. The birth of their daughter Shayna brought them their greatest joy. Art is survived by his mother Doris , wife, Margo, Princess Shayna, his brother Herbie and his wife Cheryl and son Josh; his beloved niece Cindy, her husband Steve and two beautiful children Grayden and Maguire, his special nieces Sharylin and Michelle, his beloved Aunt Betty and Aunt Myrtle, who were like 2nd mothers to him; brothers in-law Alex (Helen Ashtley) and Wayne( Patricia Dineen ) , and sister in-law Cathy and husband Joe Darden ; his many nieces and nephews; beloved cousins Sharon, Bill, Jack, Daniel, David, Vicki, Starr, and Jimmy, Rick, John, Sandra, and all of their children and spouses .

He was predeceased by his father Gordon, his brothers, Norman, Chuck, and Alan, and his nephew Gordy.

Art was a wonderful father and husband. He was rarely seen without his two favorite girls, Margo and Shayna. However, to Art, everyone in the Enosburg, Richford and Berkshire area was family. He didnt hesitate to fill his car with teenagers and head to Burlington for dinner and a movie or to the Sheraton for an overnight stay. He introduced the kids from Vermont to the wonders of Montreal. He shared his love of his other country with all who knew him. He had a passion for hockey and played for many years.

Art was kind, generous, and funny. His amazing sense of humor made him standout in any crowd. He will be remembered for his soft heart and full-bellied laugh. He cherished the time he spent with his friends and family. He had a special way of seeing the good in all of us. He wore a constant smile, and was always willing to give you four.

Art loved the arts, sports and spending time with kids. He was often seen watching a play, a performance, and or a game in our community. He loved the home team and the away team. It wasnt ever about winning or losing with Art; he admired fair play and hard work. He was always the loudest voice in the crowd, cheering everyone on. He just loved kids in general. He supported them academically, originated the P.R.I.D.E Group (people really interested in developing education) at the Berkshire Elementary School, setting up Community Days and fundraisers. He eventually would work with the EFMHS Parents Club and various other educational groups. He had a true pride for his community and did all that he could to support it. He was constant in the stands of the playing fields and courts with his never-ending encouragement and cheers. He employed any kid that needed a job, finding them work around his house or at The Pink Lady. Art also served the community as a member of the Selectboard in his hometown of Berkshire.

Art was a true entrepreneur, having owned The Village Restaurant in Enosburg, as well as Thursdays in St. Albans. He was also a VT Real Estate Broker and a member of the Franklin Board of Realtors, and co-owner of Sherwood Real Estate and the Pink Lady Antique Shop. He also continued to work in the Canadian Fashion industry, representing Transprints USA, a New York based company, for 20 years as a Sales Agent in Montreal and Toronto. In the true spirit of Art, all of his business peers would become more like a family.

We know that he is up in Heaven talking with Abraham Lincoln about what went wrong in America, as another passion of his was politics. He was never afraid to voice his opinion, and to stand up for those who were unable to do so themselves.

Art loved all children but the light of his life was his Princess Shayna. He enjoyed listening to every word she said and every song that she sang. He wanted every dream that she had to come true.

Those wishing to make a donation in Arts memory may do so by making a contribution to Franklin County Home Health, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478 or the Berkshire Elementary School, ATT: Lynn Cota-Caforia, 4850 Watertower Rd., Richford, VT 05476. Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 30th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg. A graveside burial service will be held at Friday August 31, 2007 at 10:00 AM at the Berkshire Center Cemetery, followed by a Memorial Service celebrating Arts life at the Enosburg Opera House at 12:00 PM. There will be a tree planted at EFMHS and a Memorial Garden planted at Berkshire Elementary School in Arts memory. Condolences may be sent to the family on-line through www.spearsfuneralhome.com

Art has always loved hosting barbeques in his backyard, with his favorite people. So, in his honor, there will be a gathering for a potluck picnic at his home immediately following his Memorial Service. Please join his family and bring a dish to share, your lawn chair, and a story to tell, as we celebrate the life of a kind and generous friend, husband, and father, who had a special art for bringing out the best in all of us!