Not only Lara, his beloved, talented and kind daughter and her daughter Larson, whom he helped raise from infancy, feel great sorrow by his June passing. His friends around the world and relatives will deeply miss him too. Artie has touched so many lives with his love for living, his grace and thoughtfulness towards helping others, and his mission to teach us the beauty and bountifulness of the English language.

 I first met Artie in 1976 at Huston-Tillotson College, now University, where he taught English and I sociology. Lara frequently was in his office, knew most of his students and together they shared the joy of music, jazz, and learning of Afro-American cultures through faculty and students—both formally in classes and at home with dinners and student get togethers. In 1981 we were blessed with a daughter, Catherine (Cat), and I was faced with childcare. My first caretaker did not work out but Artie immediately came to my rescue. And what an amazing rescue! His mom, Grandma Hicks. was the adult woman of the household as Artie and wife were separated and he had custody of Lara. What a joy to observe this wonderful, kind woman of 82 years taking care of a 3- month old until she was 11 months old (when she and I left for Kenya). Every day I would drop her off, nurse her during my lunch hour and during after school pickups, while observing the immense love that permeated the household. Cat was called Katy 2 (since one of the terriers was Katy) and on my arrival she would often be found in Artie’s arms as he graded papers. He would also play with her on his arrival home from college, and with his mom helped teach her to sit up, crawl, walk and laugh. The home was joyful, a safe haven, and frequently visited by students with problems needing a soulful, keen listener and companion to help in problem solving. The home atmosphere was so pleasant and loving, full of music and exuded respect for each other regardless of age, sex, race or ethnicity. 

Artie was a creative teacher, mentor, loving parent, and extraordinary caregiver. I can never forget those meaningful days and heartfelt memories. Delighted I was he went to Saudi Arabia to teach. I can well imagine his originality in teaching and thoroughness in study discipline. His innovate style of teaching surely captured the kindnesses of his students. Unlike other international teachers, he believed learning was joyful and used music and Dr. Seuss to stimulate discussions, rather than lecturing. At least that is what he wrote me. I am sure his students had much respect for him as a disciplined teacher who made learning interesting and understandable. I am so sorry I had an Asian assignment when he came from Saudi Arabia to visit us in Rabat, Morocco, but my husband and daughter remember it well, The picture he took of Catherine on the steps of the Tour Hassan, near the Royal Guard with her dad also by the steps has been in our kitchen as a reminder of his visit and our love for living in Morocco for more than 25 years. We look at it nearly every day! Artie always took amazing photos and usually captured the essence of personalities in the moment. Thanks, Artie, for this treasured photo and the so many memories of you and your family..

Few teachers have touched the hearts of so many persons of so many different nationalities and cultures as Artie has. His priority in giving, however, has been his devotion to his daughter Lara and granddaughter Larson. Enabling them get the best education they can so they can give fully of their gifts to others in the world and empowering them with sound family values, deep respect for others, and love for creating and fully living are memories we carry of Artie I am only so sorry I missed opportunities to visit in New Jersey when I returned to the USA and regret that I did not pick up the message of 90th birthday party. But I am here for you now Lara. Thank you Artie for being the great teacher of character, instiller of family values and professor of English. May your memories be a blessing to all of us who have been touched by your life. With deepest sympathy, Suzanne (Susie) Smith Saulniers