Arnie was always helpful & kind to me when i began building cues back in 2005
Very sad news. I met Arnot in Orlando, FL, at the BCA expo in 1998. We held our 1st rec.sport.billiard tournament held at Rack's Billiards in Titusville later that night where I met many of the RSBers in person for the first time. Arnot could be a little gruff at times but he put a lot of himself into his work and was rightfully proud of it.
To this day I play with the Ivory Broken Heart he made for me. It still hits like nothing else I've ever held. It is not the fanciest cue that's ever been made, but it's mine and Arnot crafted it for me after my son passed away. He was always patient with me, even to a fault.
Strangely, just last week I was searching for him online to see how he was doing. For reasons I can't fathom his name just popped into my head and I felt the need to see if he had been online recently. I suppose it might have been Smorg letting me know he has a new partner to play with.
All the best wishes for Steven and the rest of Arnot's family in what has to be a difficult time. Rest in peace my friend, and thanks for the many years of conversations, good laughs, and knowledge shared. You are not forgotten.