RIP Art Anderson, age 76, TechnoKat mentor and Boy Scout Leader

[GaryVoshol]

My condolences to the Anderson family and all the TechnoKats. Words cannot express the shock from this senseless act.

[JaneYoung]

The first time I visited IRI, I just happened to catch Art talking with Bette at the volunteer check-in table. There was a lull in check-ins and we had a wonderful conversation about their involvement with 45. During that competition, I made a point of talking with each of them several times to learn from them. During the year before that IRI, I had become increasingly aware of how much I wanted to grow as a mentor and I was also aware that the central Texas area needed to grow a few teams before we would be ready to take on an off-season and develop in areas of training, workshops, and volunteering.

My initial reasons for traveling to IRI were to see the off-season and talk with mentors of other teams, as well as observe other teams in action, on and off the field. The Andersons were a goldmine of insight, experiences, wisdom, and humor. They understood the value of going the distance but not getting our knickers in a twist when things don't happen quickly or when we think they should. They may not even remember our conversations over the years that I traveled to IRI but - I do. It's very gratifying to be feeling totally lost without a compass and have such valuable mentors and teams in place to help establish a course of action or wisdom. The value is immeasurable.

The gifts that were given to me during my IRI experiences will always be precious and held close to my heart. No better example can be given than the way in which Mr. and Mrs. Anderson reached out to help support a mentor from Texas and how their grasp was true and steady. Not only have they mentored young people but they have also mentored seasoned mentors in need of inspiration and understanding.

The thoughts and prayers that I send to the family and all of those touched by this loss - are filled with sadness. They are also filled with respect for a life well lived.


Jane

[Mr. Lim]

This is a gut-wrenchingly difficult series of events to digest... In fact it seems rather surreal. Does stuff like this REALLY happen? Do murderers like this ACTUALLY exist? And here we are faced with the stark reality: the answer to both questions is yes. Indeed they exist, and they are brazen enough to take away a cherished, respected and important member of our own FIRST family.

Forgive me for my moment of belligerence, but that makes me really really angry.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson family during this difficult and tragic time of loss.

[ratdude747]

This is very sad news. My prayers go out to the Anderson family, his scout troop, and of course, The Technokats.

I may not have known him personally but from what I know he was a very good man who will be missed by everybody.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

This is very hard for me, Art and his family are good friends. There was never a time when anyone of them were asked for assistance did they refuse. When my wife Dottie called me this morning, I was stunned and immediately thought back to IRI and to this past Championship. Somehow Art and Bette and I would be able to get in at least one volunteer meal together and this year was no exception. Art had passion. The kind of passion one has for instructing youth, doing a more than a good job, keeping a happy demeanor and knowing your craft. To say that Art was merely the Spare Parts guru is an understatement. He knew what parts were in inventory and where they were located. He kept an eye on spare batteries and let me know if teams were experiencing odd failures. I knew that if Art approached me, there was a serious problem that needed to be taken care of. Otherwise, he would have taken care of it himself. Art was one of those people that made my job easier and who helped me be more calm during events. Somehow having Art around made things a little better.
Art was a kind, gentle and intelligent human being who loved what he was doing. He always had a smile for me and was genuinely happy to see me after a long absence. I can tell from my treatment he must have been a great Scoutmaster. For someone to carry on working with youth for 50 years is a miracle and certainly someone who epitomizes Boy Scouting and FIRST.
Bette, Alan and Carol, please know that our prayers are with you at this time. If there is anything we can help with, or that you need, please let us know. Art, you were a good friend, Dottie and I will miss you.
Peace be upon you...

[Chris Hibner]

This has been a horribly tragic weekend. When I saw the news article this morning, I was going to send an e-mail to Andy to ask if it was I thought it was. Unfortunately, it is. I can't believe how hard this must be on the family. I'm really dumbfounded. There is nothing that can help the family in these situations except time, which unfortunately cannot come fast enough. I'm so sorry.

[Karthik]

This is just awful. I'm speechless...

Please convey my deepest condolences to Art's family and friends. I can't even imagine what they're going through.

[cadmanDOM910]

I have never had the privilege of meeting Art however I do remember that great smile he had when I saw him at IRI. I am very sorry for the loss of Art and my condolences go out to his family and the TechnoKats as well as anyone else who knew him as a friend, mentor, or leader. It's horrible that something so evil would happen to someone so giving of his time and effort.

He and his family are in team 910's thoughts and prayers.

[MissInformation]

I met Art at IRI and he was so friendly and nice, and his smile alone invited you in and made you feel at home. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone who feels his loss tonight.

Heidi

[OScubed]

My sympathies to the TechnoKat's and Art's family. No matter the manner of passing he will be missed in the FIRST family and by his own.

[PayneTrain]

This is just horrible.

I really don't know what to say. I can't wrap my head around terrible things happening to great people.

As an Eagle Scout and Team Captain on 422, this makes me appreciate all of the people who come out and help me... help us. Mentors and Scout leaders try my patience all the time, but I know they're there just trying to help me be the next leader of kids. It helps me realize that I need to appreciate them all more and more than i do.

I guess with one less Art Anderson in the world, we're all left with trying to reach out to as many people as we did. We can only try, in futility, to hopefully fill the void we have been left with by this act.

[Horsegirrl]

I had the privilege of meeting the Anderson's this year at IRI. My sympathies go out the the Anderson family and the technokats

[Stu Bloom]

Last night I heard a news story about a 76 year old scout leader being stabbed in a seemingly random senseless act. I thought to myself why does this type of absurd act take someone from us who has such a positive impact on youth, and our society in general. At that time I did not see a photo of Art or hear his name mentioned.

This evening a news teaser showed Art's picture and I was totally stunned. I did not know Art well, but I had the pleasure of sharing a table with Art and Bette at the IRI Mentor's dinner this year. His wisdom and guidance will be sadly missed at future FIRST events.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

[Alan Anderson]

Thank you all for your thoughts and wishes. We have the support of good friends and close family, along with helpful professionals to keep us from getting lost in the chaos surrounding us. Your small stories are really appreciated.

[Akash Rastogi]

Really sorry for the terrible loss of your father and a member of the FIRST family. I hope you can get through this with everyone around you. Best wishes to you and your family.