For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

SIDDALL, Arthur Charles - An affable wit, a charming character, and a kind soul. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a dear uncle, cousin and friend, Art Siddall, who passed away peacefully on February 9, 2011 in Pleasant Hill, California, at the age of 88. The Lord has called Art home to be reunited with the loves of his life, Nettie (nee McFettridge), his wife of 60 years, who pre-deceased him in 2007, and their precious daughter, Sharon Frances Siddall, who was taken from them tragically in 2002; and Art's older sister, Vivian Parker of Vancouver, who passed away in Vancouver in 2006. Art is lovingly remembered by his sister-in law Frances (Bambi), and brother-in-law, Jim O'Malley in Vacaville, California; Nettie's extended family in Northern Ireland, including, nieces, and nephews, Jacqueline, Maura, Jack, David, Sam, David and Netta; Art's extended family, including nieces and nephews, Marilyn, Joe, Gail, Carol, Frank, and Ray in Canada, and USA, and Jerry Boland in Tacoma, Wa. Art is also remembered by his friends, and neighbors in Walnut Creek, and vicinity, his church congregation and its choir. Art was born in the small rural village of Yarrow, British Columbia in 1922, to Will and Ella Siddall, and older sister Vivian. Growing up in the country, fetching buckets of fresh milk, and attending a one room school house, he began life with a heart for adventure. Art graduated school in Vancouver in Electrical engineering, and answering the call to duty, joined the Canadian Navy sailing between Halifax and Belfast as a mid-shipman, providing armed escort duty to the merchant marine. While stationed in Belfast, Art met his future wife, Nettie McFettridge, the beautiful daughter of a shipyard worker, and danced her off her feet. He sent for his bride-to-be to travel to Canada, and they were married in 1946. They were blessed with their only child, Sharon in June 1951. After settling in Walnut Creek, the Siddalls enjoyed numerous trips home to Ireland, and to Canada over the years, resulting in a strong and bonding kinship with all who met them. Art's jovial character, love of life, and strength of spirit always managed to shine through during his battle with Alzheimer's disease, and always kept his caregivers amused. Many, many thanks to Pat McVey Ritsick, of PMR Fiduciary Services for being there for Art in the absence of family, who cared for him, housed, and saw to all his needs with trust, dignity and respect, right to the end of his journey. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday March 5th at St Mark's Lutheran Church 3051, Putnam Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.