SOUTH RUSSELL — Arland A. Pike, 93, of South Burlington, ended his Earthly Journey and went to live with his Savior Jesus Christ on March 30th, 2022, after a period of failing health.
Arland was born at home in South Russell, NY on January 29th, 1929, to Mabel (VanSant) and Urbane Pike.
He graduated from Knox Memorial High School in Russell NY, and then enlisted in the US Air Force, from 1948 to 1952, serving during the Korean war. While on leave in Denver, Colorado he met Alice Cox. They married in 1952 and settled in Potsdam, NY, where they raised their two daughters. Arland worked at General Motors for 30 years, until his retirement in 1989.
When Arland was 12, his father gave him his first guitar. He loved playing and became a gifted lifelong musician, sharing his gift with others both professionally and socially.
He recorded multiple CDs, giving them to friends and family, and played daily until a few weeks before his death.
Arland was also a talented woodworker (building houses, furniture, and whatever else he could imagine), and artist (painting dozens of pictures, giving most away).
After retirement, he volunteered at Hospice of St Lawrence County for 18 years.
He made friends easily wherever he went, often remembering details about people even after meeting them only once.
After Alice passed in 2014, Arland moved to South Burlington and lived next door to his daughter and son-in-law.
Living by himself at 85 was a huge adjustment, but he made the best of it with his characteristic resilience, stubbornness, and cheerful optimism.
He had an immense inner strength, and sharp wit that carried him through hard times, including serious disability starting when he was a young man. He also strongly relied on his faith in God.
In Arland’s last years, he often said, “My bags are packed and I’m ready to go” as well as “Thank you God, for another day.” He had many days, and he lived them fully and well.
Arland rejoins his wife, Alice; parents Mabel and Urbane; siblings (and their spouses) John (Barbara, Alice) Pike, Louise (Sandy) Chase, Lucille (Leo) Hewlet, Geraldine (Tom) Manning, and infant sister, Vivian.
Arland is survived by Allyson (Scott) Michaud; Andrea (Rob) Messier; three granddaughters: Angela Rafferty, Erica (Ben) Helms, Arin Reed; ten great-grand-children; four great-great-grand-children; brother Richard (Chris) Pike; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and countless friends.
Arland’s family thanks all who cared so much for him in these last months, especially the staff at UVM Home Health and Hospice and the McClure Miller Respite House.
Donations can be made in Arland’s name to UVM Home Health and Hospice, McClure Miller Respite House, and Disabled American Veterans.
Funeral arrangements are being made by the family and are incomplete at this time.
Cremation was done by Gregory and son.
Interment will be in the Columbarium at Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington, VT.