Art Cantando has died 9/23/09

[HIRUN526]

Here are a couple of pictures of Art from March 2009 at Valley Forge. Art is surrounded by friends and fans.

 

[HIRUN526]

Today has been a difficult day on many levels..
I've spoken with Barry on many occasions knowing Art has been very I'll, and knew this day of sorrow would happen, but prayed not for a long time.
It would be impossible to get much sader knowing the pain that the Cantando's and Szamboti's are feeling now..
Art was very special to me, and I will truely miss him.
Art just made me feel good inside. He was kind and tough rolled into one package. His sense of humor was un describable. I spent much quality time with him, which I'm very greatful for.
Yes, We lost a "Legend"

My dad just passed away, and we laid him to rest yesterday.
Today It feels like I lost another dad..
Best,
Ken Kerner

Ken,

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father.

Sincerely,
Scott

 

[qmakr]

The first time I met Art was about 6 years ago at Valley Forge, we introduced ourselves to each other and Arthur said some kind words. About one minute later we were like old friends and Art was busting my balls. I loved that about Arthur, had had the kind of personality you just wanted to be around. A firm hand shake, that smile, and he always told you like it was.
I'll miss him... Margaret and my prayers go out to his family and Barry who was Arthur's closest friend.

Joel Hercek

 

[Fullsplice]

Barry,

I'm so sorry to hear the news. Art always made it a point to stop by at VF to say hello, tell a joke, relate a funny story or usually all of the above. He had a wonderful personality, sense of humor and one of a kind charactor. World class hand shake too! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and his family.


Mark Bear

 

[ScottR]

I only met Mr. Cantando a couple of times and, like others, he made me feel like I'd known him a long time. So, I hope this is not inappropriate.

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well
preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways,
chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming
“WOO HOO what a ride!”

Rest in peace, sir. My sincere condolences to Arthur's wife and family and to Barry.

Scott Roberson

 

[akaTrigger]

Art sounds like a wonderful, wonderful man. I wish I would have met him. May he rest in peace and may his friends and family feel the thoughts and prayers we are all sending.

 

[pocono]

Art Cantando

Barry,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Art. My condolences and prayers go out to you, your family and the Cantando family. RIP Art


The Fugarino Family

 

[boradriver]

So sorry to hear about Art Cantando's passing. His family and friends are in my prayers.

 

[kamdaswani]

i am just so sad...

i feel this emptiness inside so i can only imagine how much worse it must be for those who were truly close to him

he was such a generous soul .. took me to his home the first time we met.. we played a little one pocket ( he let me win ) and had some single malt .. and man, did we laugh ..... he showed how comfortable 2 friends can be together.. it was like barry and he were 2 sides of the same coin...

i will miss him ... there are not too many people who can always put a smile on your face...

my condolences to eleanor and his children...

safe journey, my friend...


barry, meera sends you a big hug ... take care...

 

[FLYINGSNAIL]

Barry,

Sorry for your lost of great friend. My condolences and prayers go out to you, your family and the Cantando family.
r.i.p. Art....

 

[WalkerInTN]

Very sorry to hear this news. The world has lost a great cuemaker, but more importantly, a great person. My prayers go out to his family & friends.

I met Art at the Valley Forge show this year, he was joking around with Bill Schick & had everyone within earshot rolling with laughter. He was hilarious! He'll be missed.

 

[ibuycues]

Barry, thanks for letting everyone know.

I am deeply saddened by Art Cantando`s passing. Truly a legend, and a wonderful person who brought joy to thousands of people in and out of the billiard community. He will be missed greatly and never forgotten.

Rhoda and I will have Art, his family and his friends in our thoughts and we will say prayers for all.

Will and Rhoda Prout

 

[mullyman]

So how old was Art? It's sad to hear of someone passing but one thing I've learned here in Japan is that it's better to celebrate their long life than to mourn their passing. Condolences to his friends and family.
MULLY

 

[kamdaswani]

So how old was Art? It's sad to hear of someone passing but one thing I've learned here in Japan is that it's better to celebrate their long life than to mourn their passing. Condolences to his friends and family.
MULLY

i believe he recently celebrated his 80TH .....

 

[BlowFish]

Kam, you just told me and Roy last nite that Barry was visiting Art when we were having dinner. Very sad news indeed. Our condolences to the family and love ones. May he rest in peace. Will offer and say prayers for Art.

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

Sad news for sure. He leaves behind a legacy of magnificent work. He was certainly one of the fortunate ones to have been able to live his life doing what he loved. He will be missed.

 

[Scott Lee]

Ditto! There are many amazing examples of Art Cantando's cuemaking career...some of which have to be seen in person, to be believed! RIP Mr. Cantando. I never had the good fortune to meet you, although we had dinner in the same group, last year at VF!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Sad news for sure. He leaves behind a legacy of magnificent work. He was certainly one of the fortunate ones to have been able to live his life doing what he loved. He will be missed.

 

[Quality Cues]

Below are photos of some of Art's incredible works of art. Each cue played as good as the next.

 

[Quality Cues]

And a few more.

 

[DWBOD]

Barry, I know you have lost a dear friend and hope that you find some comfort in this difficult time. I know Eleanor and Art's children can find some peace in knowing everything that Arthur had accomplished in his time here on earth. We will all miss him.

Doug


Picture of Art with his prized grizzly he killed with a bow and arrow.